NJASA Members Supporting Each Other and Moving Forward Together!

Kudos to all NJASA members who offer their time, knowledge, expertise, experience, and insights to serve as presenters for the Association’s extensive professional development learning experiences. The NJASA officers and I gratefully acknowledge the generosity of association members who willingly share their expertise and time through professional development programs and committee work. 

NJASA members work every day to assure that students are engaged in learning experiences aligned with state standards and have the support needed to be successful in school and their daily lives. But it is not just at work where school leaders are making a difference. Dedicated individuals serve as NJASA officers, committee members, and mentors who voluntarily provide service to their colleagues. 

An excellent example of member leadership and initiative came as an outgrowth of discussion at the June 2022 NJASA Executive Committee meeting. Dialogue during the meeting focused on pressing issues confronting educational leaders that significantly affect school operations ---School Security/Student Safety and Staff Recruitment and Retention. Emanating from that discussion were two new NJASA ad hoc committees established by the Executive Committee to investigate these topics and produce recommendations that can assist members as well as the public in understanding and addressing the challenges faced by school leaders.


I am pleased to share that NJASA President Tony Trongone named the following Co-Chairs for the Committees:

NJASA School Security/Student Safety Ad Hoc Committee
This committee will address the dangers faced in schools throughout the nation, but with particular focus on New Jersey.

Co-Chairs Dr. Charles Sampson, Chief Education Officer, Freehold Regional High School District, and Dr. Mary Jane Garibay, Chief Education Office, Colts Neck Township Schools

NJASA Staff Recruitment and Retention Ad Hoc Committee
This committee will focus on the serious shortage of qualified candidates for educational and support positions throughout the nation, but with particular focus on New Jersey. 

Co-Chairs Dr. David Aderhold, Chief Education Officer, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, and Dr. Suzanne McCotter, Dean, TCNJ School of Education 

NJASA has a long and proud tradition of advocating for children and assisting leaders to successfully address the significant challenges that confront them in their work. We anxiously anticipate the reports and recommendations to be produced by the new committees.

Professional Support Moving Forward…..
NJASA has been charged for many years by the State of New Jersey with the induction of district leaders requiring the Chief School Administrator certificate. The NJASA School Administrator Residency Program (SARP) is a comprehensive program providing professional development activities, mentor support, and a network of professional support leading to the achievement of full certification. I am pleased to announce that NJASA will be building on the SARP foundation with a tiered Executive Coaching program to support experienced NJASA administrators. The program is in the final stages of development as we research both public and private coaching models. More information will be forthcoming during the months ahead about this innovative professional growth program.

The NJASA Officers, staff, and I wish you success throughout the 2022-2023 school year. Remember your NJASA association and your NJASA colleagues are here to support you.