About the Bergen County School Board Association
The Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA) is dedicated to empowering local board of education members throughout Bergen County. We provide a dynamic platform for sharing valuable information and innovative ideas, acting as a catalyst for meaningful change and action.
Our meetings are not just gatherings but essential opportunities for board members to engage in professional development and receive the latest updates on important education initiatives, legislation, and public school regulations.
By fostering strong connections and collaborative efforts, we aim to enhance the success of all public school students in New Jersey. Join us in making a lasting impact on our community’s education!
Archie F. Hay Award
About the Award
The Archie F. Hay Award was established in the mid-1980s by the Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA) to honor local board members who exemplify Dr. Archie Hay’s leadership in education and his commitment to the children of Bergen County. Dr. Hay, a former Bergen County superintendent, was instrumental in establishing the Bergen County Special Education regions and the Special Services School District. This award is presented to a Bergen County School Board Member who, in the opinion of an impartial committee made up of board members from outside of Bergen County, best embodies Dr. Hay’s leadership and commitment.
Past Recipients
2024 – Eun Kang (River Edge)
2023 – Paula Colbath (Fort Lee)
2022 – Maryellen LaFronz (Old Tappan)
2021 – Bruce R. Young (Carlstadt-East Rutherford)
2019 – Michael Sprague (Norwood)
2018 – Peter Wendrychowicz (Mahwah)
2017 – Mark Stein (Hackensack)
2015 – David Sarnoff (Fort Lee)
2014 – John Mancinelli (Fair Lawn)
2013 – Mary Kay Buckley (River Edge)
2012 – Dr. Joseph Amara (Bergenfield)
2011 – Barbara Garand (Northern Highlands Regional)
2010 – Beth Politi (Pascack Valley Regional)
2009 – Christine Roche (Wyckoff)
2007 – Raymond Wiss (Northern Valley Regional)
2005 – Sheli Dansky (River Edge)
2025 Archie F. Hay Award Information
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The deadline for the 2025 award is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Click HERE for the 2025 submission form.
The nominee must show evidence of leadership in their district and be nominated by a formal resolution of their board. For additional information on the board resolution, please contact Robert Acerra at racerra@njsba.org.
Janet S. Lobsenz Award
About the Award
In 2002, the Bergen County School Boards Association established the Janet S. Lobsenz Award, which is presented to a board member from Bergen County who demonstrates a commitment to their professional development and the development of fellow board members. This individual must also show a dedication to school governance at the local, state, and county levels. To be eligible, the recipient must be a board member in Bergen County and recognized by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) as a Certified Board Member.
Past Recipients
2024 – Mary Katherine Norian (Oradell)
2023 – Denise Villani (Cresskill)
2022 – Bruce R. Young (Carlstadt-East Rutherford Regional)
2021 – Holly Morell (Fort Lee)
2019 – Sheli Danksy (River Edge)
2017 – Diane M. Jones (Rutherford)
2016 – Henry Senger III (Saddle River)
2015 – Ann Pagano (Northern Highlands Regional)
2014 – Susan McGowan (Franklin Lakes)
2013 – Barbara Garand (Northern Highlands Regional)
2012 – Florence “Peggy” Saslow (New Milford)
2011 – Raymond Wiss (Northern Valley Regional)
2010 – William Barnaskas (Lyndhurst)
2009 – Diane Holzberg (Demarest) &
2009 – Beth Politi (Pascack Valley Regional)
2008 – Richard Snyder (Ramsey)
2007 – Peter Wndrychowicz (Mahwah)
2006 – Margaret Angeli (Teaneck)
2005 – Nancy L.R. Stern (Fort Lee)
2004 – Lin O’Connor (Hillsdale)
2003 – Rona McNabola (Glen Rock)
2002 – Janet Lobsenz (NJSBA)
2025 Janet S. Lobsenz Award Information
To be eligible for this award, the nominee must have achieved Certified Board Member status through the NJSBA Board Member Academy. CLICK HERE for a listing of current Bergen County Certified Board Members.
If you would like to be a candidate or nominate another board member in Bergen County, please submit by Monday, April 14, 2025.
CLICK HERE for the submission form.
We look forward to seeing you at a future meeting.
Bergen County SBA Executive Committee
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Michael Jacobs
President -
Dr. Letizia Pantoliano
1st Vice President -
Paula Colbath
2nd Vice President of Legislation -
Michael Sprague
NJSBA Board of Directors Delegate -
Behrooz Pasdar
NJSBA Board of Directors Alternate & Executive Committee Member -
William Barnaskas
Executive Committee Member -
Elisa Billis
Executive Committee Member -
Richard Fallon
Executive Committee Member -
Laura Genovese-Behrmann
Executive Committee Member -
Diane Holzberg
Executive Committee Member -
Mary Katherine Norian
Executive Committee Member -
Karen Pena
Executive Committee Member
Contact Us
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Robert Acerra
County Activities Coordinator (Northern Counties) 609-255-9367 -
Matt Lee
Field Service Representative 609-498-5122