On Target December

  • Presidents Message

  •  NJASA 4 Equity 

     

    Dear Colleagues:

      

    In the midst of this holiday season, I want to give thanks and share my appreciation for a group of our association members who have stepped up to lead NJASA 4 Equity. As you know, four beliefs are identified to synthesize the intent of Vision 2020 regarding our students, communities, leaders, and members. The following individuals have committed to serve as co-leaders of those beliefs this year:

     

    EQUITY FOR STUDENTS: Janet Fike, NJASA Treasurer (Morris-Union Jointure Commission); Kathleen Taylor, NJASA Curriculum & instruction Chair (Ocean City / Cape May)

     

    EQUITY FOR COMMUNITIES: James Lavender, Executive & Legislative Committee Representative (Kingsway Regional / Gloucester); Jorden Schiff, Legislative Committee Chair (Hillsborough / Somerset)

     

    EQUITY FOR LEADERS: Scott Rocco, NJASA President-Elect (Hamilton Township / Mercer); Susan Genco, Small Schools/Shared Services/School Choice Committee Chair (Cranbury Township / Middlesex)

     

    EQUITY FOR MEMBERS: Margaret Dolan, NJASA Secretary (Westfield / Union); Vincent Caputo, Membership Committee Chair (Metuchen / Middlesex)

     

    The co-belief leaders are working now to identify strategies and measures to operationalize the beliefs through a sustainable action plan. We met as a group in early December to discuss our progress. Here are some highlights:

     

    • Connect equity directly to the work of our committees by including it on every committee agenda.
    • Equity should be on our county roundtable agendas too in order to connect members to the plan, especially non-superintendents.
    • Make sure equity has a clear presence at all NJASA meetings and events. Speakers should be encouraged to make purposeful connections. An NJASA 4 Equity poster board at these gatherings would provide a visual cue. 
    • Strategies should consider policy recommendations for legislative or administrative action.
    • Recognize that we may not fully achieve any of the action steps this year, and that some/all should become multi-year strategies.
    • In addition to getting the initial strategies off the ground, use this year to assess our needs in each of the beliefs to build a strong foundation for future action.

     

    We are also reaching out to more members to serve as strategy leaders. I would encourage you to take a closer look at NJASA 4 Equity, and contact us if there is an area of professional interest in which you would like to offer your strengths.

     

    Sincerely,

    Dr. G. Kennedy Greene

    NJASA President 2018-2019

    #njasa4equity