NJASA's eNewsletter Volume 7 | September 25, 2025 | | Renewal, Opportunity, and Leadership in a New School Year | | |
New Benefits for NJASA Active Administrator Members
Free HR Sessions: Four expert-led training for all NJASA Active Administrator Members
Legal Resources: Complimentary Legal Resources: Guides, briefs, and bulletins available to all members starting Jan 2026.
Member Support: Regional meetings for connection and growth.
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NJASA Executive Director
Dr. Richard G. Bozza
| | NJASA Honors 2026 Regional Superintendents of the Year | | From left, NJASA Immediate Past-President Nelyda Perez congratulates the 2026 NJASA Regional Superintendents of the Year: Dr. John R. Giacchi, Chief Education Officer, Franklin Borough School District; and Dr. Raymond A. González, Chief Education Officer, Westfield Public School District. Looking on is NJASA President Dr. Rick Falkenstein. | |
From Compliance to Retention: Human Resource Insights You Can’t Miss - Oct 8 Virtual Workshop
NJASA Active Administrator Members Receive Complimentary Access to this Program.
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Agenda Will Address Practical Solutions for School Leaders
Compliance & Mandates: Federal/state regulations, reporting, trainings, evaluations, and substitute service limits.
Staffing Solutions: Creative approaches for teacher shortages, immigration challenges, and expanded sick leave.
Retention & HR Insights: Induction and mentoring, grievance process, and real-world HR horror stories.
| | | Deadline Alerts: Submit, Apply, Renew Before It’s Too Late | | | | |
Submit your TECHSPO ‘26 session proposal by September 26, 2025!
Apply for the Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Superintendent Position by September 30, 2025.
Renew Your NJASA Membership by September 30, 2025.
| | | Thank You NJASA Past President Dr. Scott Rocco for Representing NJASA on the New Jersey Commission on Social Media and Adolescents | | |
NJASA Past President Dr. Scott Rocco
Chief Education Officer, Hamilton Township
School District, Mercer County
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The New Jersey Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents has
issued its report on approaches that communities may consider to address issues such as cyberbullying, addictive use, sleep disruption, and mental health decline that may be linked to excessive social media exposure among youth.
The Commission’s full report and Executive Summary can be found on the New Jersey Department of Education’s Student Digital
Wellness webpage.
| | | Melindo Persi, II: 69 Years Shaping New Jersey Schools | |
| | We mourn the passing of Melindo Anthony Persi, II, who left us unexpectedly on August 30, 2025, at age 89. A lifelong educator, Mel devoted 69 years to New Jersey public education, becoming the youngest superintendent in state history at 27 and later earning national recognition as a Distinguished Educator. His career included roles as teacher, principal, county superintendent, assistant commissioner, and adjunct professor at Rutgers, where his leadership and vision shaped opportunities for countless students. | | | | Mel’s service extended far beyond education. He was a U.S. Air Force NJ Air Guard veteran, national treasurer of UNICO, chairman of the American Red Cross, Mercer County Coroner, and a proud Italian American community leader. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dr. Maureen Marzolla Persi, his children Melinda and Jon Paul, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his godchild Brooklynn. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and mentor whose guiding words still resonate: “If you rest, you rust.” | | NJASA, 920 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08618; 609.599.2900, njasa.net | | | | |
