"Nobody can replace Lynne Strickland," said Ms. Ginsburg. "But with the help and support of the GSCS board and membership, I hope to go forward, building on the firm foundation that she has established and continuing to honor her commitment to dynamic educational advocacy."

GSCS Announces Leadership Change   Lynne Strickland, founding Executive Director of the Garden State Coalition of Schools,will leave that position, effective March 31, 2016, to begin the next chapter in her professional life.         In This Issue GSCS Announces Leadership Change Tell Us   Your Concerns The GSCS message is stronger when we have your input. Please  email us atgscs2000@gmail.com to share your concerns regarding state policies that impact on education and financial issues.   Link to GSCS  to learn the latest NJ education news www.gscschools.org       Christie Nuttall GSCS EmailNet Production Manager       March  18, 2016   GSCS Announces Leadership Change      The Garden State Coalition of Schools (GSCS) announced today that founding Executive Director, Lynne Strickland, who has led the group since its inception in 1992, will leave that position, effective March 31, 2016, to begin the next chapter in her professional life. The change was approved by the GSCS board at its February 24th meeting and announced by GSCS board president, Charles Sampson, Superintendent of the Freehold Regional High School District   As Executive Director, Ms. Strickland has been recognized by educators, the media and elected officials for her comprehensive knowledge of state level data and school finance analyses. During her twenty-four year tenure, the group has grown dramatically in size and influence, gaining a "seat at the table" when education policy is discussed and made in Trenton. She has worked constantly on behalf of the organization to strengthen state support of New Jersey public education. In the process, she has become a valuable resource for impartial information and innovative thinking.   "Lynne Strickland has been the heart and soul of the Garden State Coalition of Schools," said Mr. Sampson.  "Our member districts-and all New Jerseyans who value high quality public education-owe her a great debt.  We wish her well."              Ms. Strickland will be succeeded by Elisabeth Ginsburg, a longtime member of the GSCS Board of Trustees and Executive Board, as well as current president of the Glen Ridge Board of Education.   "As I move on from Garden State Coalition of Schools in my 25th year, first as Director of Research and then as Executive Director since 1998, I am confident that Elisabeth Ginsburg will continue to lead GSCS effectively in statewide education advocacy, including a school funding focus that works to deliver quality public education to all New Jersey children" said Strickland. "Betsy has long, valuable and credible experience in education policy. Betsy is well-respected locally in Glen Ridge as 14 year Board of Education President, as well as by the Garden State Coalition Board of Trustees, where she has served a number of years as GSCS Vice President."   "I am very grateful to have served with so many talented people over the years who care deeply for - and pursue day in and day out - the goal of quality public education." Lynne said.  "Together we are stronger. Together, our past and future advocacy will continue to make an important difference."   Ms. Ginsburg comes to the Executive Director's position with a wealth of education-related experience. A founding board member of the Middleton Early Learning Center in East Orange, she was first elected to the Glen Ridge Board of Education in 2000 and has served as its president since 2002. In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded the Essex County School Board Association's Diane Cooper Leadership Award in 2007.   Ms. Ginsburg has also been active as a freelance writer, with experience in journalism as well as public relations. Her articles, blog entries and other work have been published regularly in an array of traditional and online media including The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor and Preservation.   "Nobody can replace Lynne Strickland," said Ms. Ginsburg. "But with the help and support of the GSCS board and membership, I hope to go forward, building on the firm foundation that she has established and continuing to honor her commitment to dynamic educational advocacy.