“THE NEW EDUCATION ORDER: SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION, CONSTRUCTION, FUNDING AND PRESCHOOL EXPANSION”

Friday, September 19, 2008
9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Middlesex County College

AGENDA

9:00 A.M.       Registration and Refreshments

9:30 A.M.       Opening Session and Introduction

Welcome:       Louise Wilson, President and Former Mayor, Montgomery Township

Introduction:   NJLM Education Foundation, Inc.
Jun Choi, Vice-President and Mayor, Edison Township

Special           Commissioner Lucille Davy, New Jersey

                     Department of Education

Guests:          Commissioner Joseph Doria, New Jersey

                     Department of Community Affairs

Breakout Sessions:

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
                        Session A:  School Funding – Review of Key Changes and Regulations
Moderator:       Peter Genovese, Business Administrator,
Long Branch School District
Panelists:          Katie Attwood, Assistant Commissioner for Finance,
New Jersey Department of Education
Dan Michaud, Business Administrator, Edison School District

This session provides financial professionals the latest information on the implementation of the School Funding Reform, CORE Reforms and Tax Levy Cap Law, including details on new regulations, suggestions and best practices from leading practitioners, and other practical financial advice.  Moderated by a leading Business Administrator, learn about the latest developments to maximize your school district’s and municipalities’ financial position.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
                        Session B: Preschool Expansion
Moderator:       Amy Goerl, Supervisor, Keansburg Early Childhood Program
Panelists:          Ellen Wolock, Ed.D., Director, Office of Preschool Education,
New Jersey Department of Education
David Joye, Budget and Policy Analyst, Office of Preschool Education,                                                             New Jersey Department of Education

The School Funding Reform Act of 2008 instituted a major expansion of high quality preschool for at-risk children from Abbott schools to all three- and four-year-olds in DFG A and B school districts, to all three- and four-year-olds in DFG C and D school districts with 40% or greater low-income students, and to all other low-income three- and four-year-olds in             ALL other school districts.  This requires a significant scaling of preschool programs in communities throughout the state.  Learn about new regulations, best practices in program delivery, and advice from other practitioners throughout the State.  If you are interested in community building through the expansion of high quality preschool programs, you don’t want to miss this session.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
                        Session C: School Construction
Moderator:       Scott Weiner, CEO, NJ Schools Development Authority
Panelists:          Susan Kutner, Director, Office of School Facilities,
New Jersey Department of Education
Frank DoDolce, Director, Office of School Facilities,
New Jersey Department of Education

Following the enactment of the School Construction Act in June 2008 providing for an additional $3.9 billion for school construction, school districts and municipalities are keenly I interested in the opportunities for new funding to rebuild or renovate aging school buildings throughout the State.  Learn how to tap these funds, the priorities for school construction and renovation, and new procedures and standards for school construction.  Hear directly from the professionals responsible for administering the State programs. 

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
                        Session D: School Consolidation, CORE Bill and Shared Grant Opportunities
Moderator:       Lucille Davy, Commissioner, NJ Department of Education
Panelist:            John Rasimowicz, Shared Services Manager, Division of Local                                                              Government Services, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

One of the main topics both educational and municipal leaders are eagerly following is the potential consolidation and shared service programs authorized by the CORE Bill.  The Commissioner of Education will provide an update of the implementation of the CORE Bill and the work of the Executive County Superintendents.  Learn about shared service opportunities and best practices to assist school districts and municipalities, including funds available to deliver more efficient services.

12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.                        Lunch and Networking Break

                                                            Special Session to be Announced

REGISTRATION FORM (WORD    PDF)

DIRECTIONS TO EDISON CAPMUS

Make Checks/Vouchers Payable To:
NJLM Educational Foundation
c/o NJLM
222 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608

(Please mail the original registration form, check, or voucher
to the attention of Suzanne Delany to the address above)