NJASA's eNewsletter Volume 17 | February 18, 2026

The Source at NJASA

2026-2027 Slate of Officers

PRESIDENT: Dr. David Aderhold, Chief Education Officer, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, Mercer County

PRES-ELECT: Dr. Sarah Bilotti, Chief School Administrator, Eastern Camden County Regional School District, Camden County

SECRETARY: J. Kenyon Kummings, Chief Education Officer, Wildwood Public Schools, Cape May County

TREASURER: Dr. Laurie Newell, Superintendent, Paterson Public Schools, Passaic County

IMMEDIATE PAST-PRES: Dr. Rick Falkenstein, Chief Education Officer, Kingwood Township/Milford Borough School District, Hunterdon County READ MORE

Elevate Your Leadership, Amplify Your Voice, and Expand Your Impact

Women’s Leadership Conference 2026

Presented by NJASA and NJPSA/FEA

March 9-10, 2026 | Ocean Place Resort & Spa, Long Branch, NJ

NJASA and NJPSA/FEA are proud to present the 9th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference - a dynamic, two-day experience designed for key school leaders ready to lead boldly and authentically.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect, and be inspired as we come together to embrace Leading with Vision, Voice, and Value.

This year’s conference program is designed to spark meaningful dialogue, elevate leadership practice, and empower women to amplify their impact in schools and communities - take a look!

Expect bold ideas, transformative conversations, and powerful connections with trailblazing women who are shaping the future of education. Together, we will celebrate leadership, strengthen networks, and advance the collective voice of women in education.

Be part of this energizing and supportive community of women leaders - and don’t miss your opportunity to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.

Secure your place at this highly anticipated conference and take advantage of exclusive conference benefits.

All registrations must be received by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026.

For participants requiring district approval, an Approved Travel Waiver Letter is available to support attendance at the 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference.

Power of Professional Learning: Smart Metrics

Strengthening the Superintendent’s Review Process

Virtual Workshop on Thursday, February 26, 9:30 - 11:00 am

This engaging session brings together experienced superintendents from across the state to share practical strategies and proven approaches in the following areas:

Effective Document Management
Strategic Goal Setting
Navigating the CSA Evaluation Process
Strengthening Board Engagement
Aligning Leadership Priorities with Evaluation Expectations

Active NJASA Members Can Attend This Session at NO COST!

Congratulations to the 2026 Innovative Technology Integration & LEAD Award Winners!

Dr. Marnie Hazelton

NSBA's 2026 Advocacy Institute, Washington, D.C.

LEAD Award

For Up to 10,000 Students

Marnie Hazelton, Superintendent, Englewood Public School District, New Jersey

Partnering with Rachel Eckert with the Center for Digital Education, we are honoring the districts and superintendents who are closing the digital divide and ensuring every student has a world of information at their fingertips. From Kentucky to Nevada, these leaders are transforming the future of learning.

Happy 100th Birthday to NJASA Past President 1986-1987

John J. Howarth

An Extraordinary Educator, Leader, and Champion for Public Education

Your contributions to NJASA and to education across New Jersey remain a powerful legacy. We are grateful for the foundation you built and the inspiration you provided to so many.

Wishing you continued joy, good health, and appreciation as we celebrate this remarkable milestone. Thank you for your lifetime of service and leadership.

As the longest-serving superintendent in district history and a dedicated leader of Northern Valley Regional High School, his service and vision left an enduring mark on students, staff, and communities alike. His leadership, commitment, and steady guidance helped shape generations and set a standard of excellence that continues today. READ MORE

Dr. Lily Laux Assumes Leadership of NJDOE

Dr. Lily Laux

Dr. Laux was nominated by Governor Mikie Sherrill to serve as Education Commissioner and will assume

the role in an acting capacity pending Senate confirmation.

“One of my first priorities is to get into schools across New Jersey to listen, learn, and lift up the great

work happening in classrooms and communities throughout the state,” said Acting Commissioner Lily

Laux.

Executive Administrative Assistants:

The Power Behind Leadership

Virtual Workshop on Wednesday, February 25, 9:30 - 11:00 am

Program Highlights

Review of Survey Feedback on Key Topics, Including:

• Reporting deadlines

• EAA roles and responsibilities

• Parent and community concerns

• Public notice requirements

• Attracting substitutes

• NJSLEDS and NJEdCert

Request for Consolidation/Regionalization Studies

NJASA Members are requested to forward copies of Consolidation/Regionalization studies that have been completed if they have not previously sent them to NJASA.

New studies will be added to our database. Please forward your study to: NJASA Paralegal Nathalie Avalos at navalos@njasa.net.

NJASA, 920 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08618; 609.599.2900, njasa.net