N.J. school boards group cancels its conference because of money

TRENTON — Because of the impact of state budget woes on school districts, the New Jersey School Boards Association has canceled its annual conference scheduled for the last week of October.

The conference, held at the Atlantic City Convention Center over a period of three days, usually attracted about 10,000 participants statewide — primarily board members and school administration — and offers board member training and a number of professional development seminars and speakers.

Mandatory board member training was offered during the convention, which had been held annually since 1952, association spokesman Frank Belluscio said.

Group registration costs, based on the 2009 convention, range from $1,100 to $1,500 total, or from $110 to $150 per person, for all three days. However, registration does not create an overwhelming expense, Belluscio said.

What could potentially be unaffordable for boards this year is the cost of two nights of lodging for each board member, which can be reimbursed by local school boards, as per the state.

State regulations mandate that board members can be reimbursed for up to $114 per night, with any additional costs being the responsibility of the board member.

For the 2009 conference, hotel fees charged to school district officials totaled $611,000, according to the association.

The decision had been under consideration for a while, predating even the 2009 conference, he said.

"Our concern is based on the state's economy and its impact on local school districts' financial ability to pay for overnight accommodations related to training programs," Belluscio said. "The new governor is calling for an even tighter budget cap (this year). . . . It's going to be a different ballgame financially, and we really had to be responsive to it."

If the group booked the center and had to cancel later in the year, it potentially stood to lose anywhere from $110,000 to $300,000, including transportation and vendor costs.

In lieu of the conference, Belluscio said that the group is planning a "multiday, statewide event" at a cheaper venue in central New Jersey to be announced later this week.

"By making the change, we can eliminate the need for overnight stays for a significant number of school officials and reduce hotel fees for those who still need accommodations," he said.

The organization does not rule out the possibility of hosting the Atlantic City conference in future years, depending on the state's economic climate.

Jennifer Bradshaw: 732-643-4223; jbradshaw@app.com