In 1992, a group of superintendents came together to discuss the impact of school funding changes.  Those discussions led to the founding of the Garden State Coalition of Schools, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting high quality public education for every student.  Today GSCS represents 100 districts spread over the state.  Member districts vary widely in size, demographic make-up and District Factor Group.  While member support constitutes our sole income source, we have always believed that we, like every education advocacy group, should represent all New Jersey children. 

GSCS has always been unique in that member district representatives include both superintendents and school board members, giving us perspective that is different from, though complementary to other education organizations. 

We are proud of that perspective, which we believe makes us strong, positive and solution oriented.  When we ask questions of legislators or policy makers, it is because we know that every question contains the seeds of an answer.  If questions go unasked, those answers—and the clarity they provide—may not be available to those who need them the most. 

Since our founding, New Jersey and the New Jersey education landscape have changed.  We have been through 9/11, the 2008 economic downturn, and Super Storm Sandy.  Now we face the enormity of the COVID-19 crisis, which has humbled us all.  By necessity, the education world has become even more collaborative and interdependent.  We believe that those collaborative efforts, coupled with our unique approach to educational issues, will sustain GSCS and help to bring New Jersey’s education community through this time of trial.