SCSBA President Wayne Dunn welcomed approximately 65 in-person and virtual attendees, including 17 newly elected board of education members.
On Dec. 2, the Sussex County School Boards Association convened at Sussex County Community College in Newton. The association expressed appreciation for the college’s ongoing support in providing a venue for their meetings.
SCSBA President Wayne Dunn welcomed approximately 65 attendees, both in-person and virtually, including 17 newly elected board of education members who participated in a 3Rs training session beforehand. This training session focuses on the roles, resources, and responsibilities of school board members in New Jersey. Irene LeFebvre, immediate-past president at NJSBA, joined the members of Sussex County and shared an update from the 2023-2025 NJSBA officer team and from the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey.
Dr. Gayle Carrick, the executive county superintendent for Sussex County, shared updates from the New Jersey Department of Education and the Sussex County Office of Education. Kelly Mitchell, a field service representative with the New Jersey School Boards Association, presented a report on field services. In addition, Ronald Hoffman, an alternate member of the NJSBA board of directors, provided updates, while Harrison Silver, NJSBA’s legislative advocate, shared relevant legislative information with the members.
Ray Pinney, the chief membership engagement officer at NJSBA, recognized 24 retiring board of education members from Sussex County, who together contributed over 125 years of service to local students and educational districts. Pinney also paid tribute to Marie Bilik, the former NJSBA executive director, who served as the Sussex County representative on the NJSBA board of directors for the past six years.
The evening’s program centered around “Sussex County Youth Substance Use Trends and Prevention Resources for Schools and Families.” Featured speakers included Tina Aue, director of prevention services; Elise McGaughran, northern regional coordinator, tobacco-free for a healthy New Jersey; and Jenn Wrobleski, adolescent treatment coordinator, all from the Center for Prevention & Counseling in Newton. They discussed their initiatives and presented data showing that adolescent drug and alcohol use in Sussex County is currently at one of its lowest levels since the commencement of their surveys.
In addition to these presentations, the meeting included various essential business discussions. Others in attendance included Raymond Morris, Sussex County School Boards Association’s second vice president for legislation; Mattia Scharfstein, Sussex County School Boards Association’s immediate past president; and Robert Acerra, county activities coordinator at the NJSBA.
