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KeyPost A PUBLICATION OF

THE NEW JERSEY

ASSOCIATION OF

SCHOOL BUSINESS

OFFICIALS

NJASBO.COM | 609.689.3870 | MARCH 2020

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IN THIS ISSUE:“IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES, IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES” by Susan Young BEST OF TIMES,

WORST OF TIMES

THOSE RESILIENT BAs

MESSAGE FROM NJASBO PRESIDENT DIANE S. FOX

REFOCUSING AND THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

GETTING TO KNOW OUR COUNTY PRESIDENTS

ASBO INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FORUM

THOSE RESILIENT BAs

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...” The famous opening from Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” may be an appropriate characterization of our current situation.

Choosing to focus on the best of times, we thank all of our members for ALL they are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic to respond to the needs of their staff, students, community, colleagues, board

members, and others. As always, we know our colleagues are there for us, even remotely via phone, Zoom, email, or a variety of other digital platforms.

School business administrators often are called upon to do more with less, within ridiculous timeframes, and under less than optimum conditions. The past week or two makes that sound like a vacation! Responding to COVID-19 is like nothing we’ve ever experienced.

But, as is always the case with school business administrators, as well as superintendents, school administrative staff, teachers, custodians, and paraprofessionals, you have shown your resiliency, ingenuity, creativity, energy, enthusiasm, and passion for your students to a degree no one ever would have thought possible! Vendors also have pitched in to assist the districts not only with products and services, but with know-how, organizational skills, and support.

Emerson Public Schools Assistant Superintendent and Business Administrator/Board Secretary Phil Nisonoff, Ed.D., is part of the team ensuring students are fed each day.

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DID YOU KNOW…The first case of COVID-19 was reported in China on December 1, 2019.

The first day China reported no new local cases was March 18, 2020.

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NJASBO has been actively involved in communicating concerns, obtaining answers, and conveying timely and accurate information to our members. Given the volume of issues with which our members are dealing, we are cognizant of the need to push out shorter messages that can be read quickly, with links to resources on specific topics. We’re sharing links to reliable information provided by official agencies or state departments rather than re-creating the wheel. Although we will continue to share information, resources, and advice, please remember that the final decision lies with you, your superintendent, board and board attorney.

We wanted to share some actions in which NJASBO has been involved.

Since the beginning of this crisis, we have participated in multiple meetings, conference calls, emails, etc., with the Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, New Jersey School Board Association, the LEE Group, New Jersey Association of School Administrators, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, New Jersey Education Association, ASBO International, our certification instructors, the Borgata and all the conference providers, the Public Relations & Legislative committees, and our professional development hotels and presenters, just to name a few.

While we are involved in this communication, please know that Loretta and I still attempt to respond to all member calls and emails the same day, if possible.

It is important to note that these state depart-ments, educational organizations, business partners, certification instructors, and additional groups with which we have interacted, have been responsive to NJASBO, as well as caring and helpful. We appreciate all that they are doing and

have done.

Of course, the crisis produced a flurry of proposed state and federal legislation, which is being fast-tracked in Trenton and Washington, D.C.

Summaries of relevant bills have been posted on the NJASBO website. Complicating matters are several significant bills that were introduced and passed in the Senate the same day that pertain to health benefits, subcontracting, and arbitration for certain non-teaching school staff. NJASBO has analyzed the legislation, discussed it with other professionals, government relations staff, and legislative personnel to communicate our support or opposition.

Simultaneously, we recognized the need for a mechanism to facilitate communication among our business administrators statewide. With the skills and assistance of the NJASBO staff, a statewide group forum was created within our YM platform in one day. Not only is it important to share best practices and concrete information in these worst of times, but it is important to support each other emotionally.

Please know that we here at NJASBO pray that you, your family and friends, staff, and colleagues remain safe and healthy during these worst of times, so we can look back and recognize that in some ways the common threat has pulled us together to make the best of these times.

“ We thank all of our members for ALL they are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic to respond to the needs of their staff, students, community, colleagues, board members, and others.”

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It is all happening! Organizing volunteers to feed students – in some cases, thousands of students. Ensuring technology is in place to provide uninterrupted learning. Submitting budgets on time. Holding meetings creatively, via live streaming or even outdoors with proper social distancing. Getting employees enrolled in direct deposit. There are many examples in every district throughout the state. We could not share them all, but everyone is doing a remarkable job!

Commitment and SupportNothing would be possible during this time without the commitment, cooperation, and support of all faculty, staff, and colleagues! Sometimes, it can be helpful just knowing you are not alone in having to make important decisions.

“We are getting a lot of support from other BAs in the county,” noted Fair Haven Public Schools Business Administrator David Joye. “It is great to be able to tap into our BA network and bounce ideas off of each other.” Joye also noted how “incredible and incredibly supportive” the Fair Haven Board of Education has been.

“The common denominator that gets me through tough times are my NJASBO Colleagues,” said Barnegat Township School District Business Administrator Steve Brennan. “I found the relationships I built with past, present (and surely future) BAs and Business Partners proved

the best people to rely upon for sound advice. Whether it’s someone giving me technical advice, brainstorming ideas, or more often than not the humor that comes from our interaction, helps us work through any emergency that arises. I would be remiss if I failed to mention that these friends also come through in both personal and professional crises. So my tip for getting through all of this is to pick up the phone/email and call one of us to help out.”

Brennan also shared a great story about the district’s Middle School Principal who wrote a spoof of the theme song to the Fresh Prince of Bel Air television program to keep her students engaged. “Its no ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’,” said Brennan, “but it was a light-hearted approach to bring some comfort to these kids at a scary time. That motivated me as well, because if this principal can stay up all night to write a song, I can give some extra effort too. It’s exciting to be part of a crew that rallies around one another to bring success to our students and community. Even though we are in the midst of an extraordinarily stressful time, it is awesome to be working with this group in my district.”

Wildwood City School District Superintendent J. Kenyon Kummings said he has been “blown away” by the commitment of the faculty, and not just in his district, but also in others throughout the

Hopewell Crest School in Cumberland County teamed-up with Sodexo to serve free meals every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 9:30 am to all Hopewell Crest School students.

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region. “I’ve learned a lot about collaboration in the county,” said Kummings. “Everyone is making an effort to coordinate with other districts. It is great to hear other perspectives and it is helpful in solving problems.”

The resiliency of their staff members was on the minds of Joye and Fair Haven Public Schools Superintendent Sean McNeil. “It was amazing how quickly they put a plan into place,” said McNeil. “I was so pleasantly surprised by how quickly everyone came together. They have really stretched outside their comfort zones for the benefit of the kids.”

Then there is this story: In the middle of distributing 500 loaner Chromebooks for Cherry Hill Public Schools, the grounds supervisor and another crew member jumped in to change a tire for a parent! As the district noted on its Facebook page, “Quick, giving & kind. These gentlemen epitomize why it is so great to work in Cherry Hill. Committed, dedicated staff who do what needs to be done to help!”

Feeding the ChildrenEducating children during a pandemic is one thing, but getting meals to children who rely on schools for nourishment has been an even greater challenge.

Emerson Public Schools Assistant Superintendent and Business Administrator/Board Secretary Philip Nisonoff said his district has about 75 students who receive free and reduced-price lunches. The school’s food service provider, Pomptonian, is preparing “to go” breakfasts and lunches at Emerson Junior-Senior High School. “We have arranged for teams of volunteer employees to meet at the high school each day and deliver to the doorsteps of the kids,” explained Nisonoff. “The gratefulness of the families has been

The team at Collingswood Public Schools puts together meals for its students during the pandemic.

During Chromebook distribution for Cherry Hill Public Schools, the Grounds Supervisor and a member of his team jumped in to change a parent's tire.

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overwhelming, as parents have met the volunteers with tears in their eyes.” Nisonoff said he is hoping the district will be able to continue this practice without compromising the safety of anyone involved.

On March 21, Lenape Regional High School District Business Administrator/Board Secretary Connie Stewart helped the district’s food service organization, Nutri-Serv, pack three weeks’ worth of food (breakfast and lunch) for 250 students – 750 meals. Stewart said she commends the food service organization for coming up with sustainable options to last all three weeks. She also raved about the transportation team because they delivered all the meals to students.

Stewart surveyed students to determine who was in need of assistance with food in the district. She said that the number who said “yes” increased with each day. On Tuesday, 130 students received the first delivery. She said on Wednesday that number had increased to 180. On Thursday it had grown to 202, and by Friday it reached 235. Over the weekend, the number had climbed to 250 students. Stewart said that as the numbers swelled, she scrambled to rearrange the routes for delivery each day. “I even helped pack-up and wheel the meals out in my heels this past week,” noted Stewart.

During one of the bus deliveries, a volunteer was approached by a woman who asked what was going on. The volunteer explained and she said the woman thanked her several times and thought it was such a wonderful idea. The volunteer also said she received “thank yous” from the students receiving the meals. “I am so proud to work with such caring people,” said the volunteer. Stewart echoed that sentiment, “I’m so proud and so thankful to work for this organization. It really is the great LRHSD.”

Corey Lowell, who serves as the Business Administrator/Board Secretary for Shore Regional High School District and the West Long Branch School District, as well as the Business Administrator, Treasurer & Custodian of Records

for the Interlaken School District has been working with her districts and their food service providers to ensure students receive breakfast and lunch. “At Shore Regional,” said Lowell, “we delivered meals last week (Tuesday to Friday). This week, we’re truncating delivery to [include] multiple meals on Mondays and Wednesdays. In West Long Branch, we tried grab & go, but switched to delivery using our bus drivers.” [Additional perspective from Corey Lowell]

Kummings gave a shout-out to Chartwells Food Service and Food Service Director Jim Linnington. He said Linnington quickly put a plan in place to feed breakfast and lunch to 950 students

These bags contain three weeks’ worth of shelf-stable food that Lenape Regional High School District distributed over the weekend.

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daily. “Jim was able to get two weeks’ worth of shelf-stable foods together in just a few hours,” said Kummings. Parents pick up the meals at Wildwood High School each day.

It’s not just the food service team but, as Kummings noted, six or seven custodians working on a rotation to ensure students receive their meals. The custodians open the High School for the Chartwells team; handle the cleaning, sanitizing, and trash; then close everything up again. This is happening in districts throughout the state!

The Budget Was Still Due!Despite dealing with the pandemic, distance learning, preparing and delivering meals, and

everything else over the past couple of weeks… district budgets were still due!

In Wildwood, Kenyon Kummings said that not only has Business Administrator Martha Jamison been working diligently to complete and submit the budget, but “she is doing it with limited resources.” He also said Jamison has been working to ensure that funds are in place so that everyone is fed. “Martha also is working to find grants to fund summer programs for our students in grades three through twelve.”

Emerson Public Schools’ Phil Nisonoff also felt the pain of finalizing the budget submission without support. Nisonoff said it was “…interesting.” He bemoaned the fact that he kept jamming the copy machine! “It took 26 years,” Nisonoff explained, “but I can confidently clear paper jams.”

Going Forward“It’s heartbreaking,” noted Fair Haven Public Schools’ Sean McNeil. “We miss the students.”

But when this ends – and it will – and the children, teachers, and staff return to schools across the state, Northern Burlington County Regional School District Business Administrator/Board Secretary Richard Kaz believes things will be different. “I really think there will be a paradigm shift after this,” said Kaz. “I think it will improve our communications, give everyone a deeper appreciation of our teachers and the role that parents need to play in education, and I think we may never have another snow day.”

Brennan believes the current crisis and the use of virtual board meetings might also carry over and be a “learning experience we will build upon for the future. I believe there are opportunities to engage more of the public and share ideas even though we may be in different locations.” Brennan, with his characteristic sense of humor also said, “I learned that when I turn away from the camera streaming the meeting that I have an ever-growing bald spot on the top of my head!”

Lenape Regional High School District Business Administrator/Board Secretary Connie Stewart joined the team over the weekend to distribute meals to students.

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A MESSAGE FROM NJASBO PRESIDENT DIANE S. FOX, CPA, SFO “Every Storm Runs Out of Rain”

To all of my colleagues around the state, I want to thank you for all you are doing for your schools, staff, and community during this very uncertain time. I know each of you has been asked to make tough decisions in relatively short amounts of time with little to no

guidance from the authorities – and the guidance that is available, changes by what seems to be the minute. For example, on March 13 we ended the day with our plan to feed the eligible students during the closure; over the weekend, the landscape changed and in conjunction with other administrators, we had to formulate a new plan in less than two hours. Not easy, but we got it done because that is our job.

As I was leaving my empty buildings on Friday, I had a thought that while the schools are closed, we might have an alternate revenue stream for those of us losing money: We could be selling our toilet paper and paper towels to stores to fill those holes in our budget!

But on a serious note, I would like to personally thank Sue, Loretta, Jamie, and Lisa for all they are doing to keep our membership informed. I was with both Sue and Loretta at a March 12 LEE meeting where a representative from the DOE was speaking to the group. During that meeting, the representative was called away and came back a half-hour later with new information. Just an example of how fast things are changing.

One of Sue’s goals was to forge relationships with the DOE, legislators, and other associations and groups, as well as our members. I would like to commend her, for she has worked diligently with all of these groups, is respected for her opinions and insights, and is sought out for comments on the various issues that arise.

Since the beginning of March, both Sue and Loretta have been involved with many emergency meetings in Trenton, giving the DOE and Department of Agriculture information on how the decisions made at the state level actually play out at the district level. They have been in contact with the executive committee for approval and guidance on what is best for our members and how to move forward with areas such as professional development, certification classes, and our big event, the conference. These have all been fluid issues as information evolves.

In addition, the state Legislature introduced more than 30 bills to be voted on and fast-tracked, giving both Sue and Loretta little time to fully analyze how these various bills would affect the membership and get information out to our members concerning the COVID-19 crisis. Thank you to the legislative committee and David Oliveira for quick analysis of the healthcare bill that was introduced among these. We can only hope that we are heard; even though it gives relief to NJEA members, many districts may suffer the consequences of this drastic measure.

Our educators have been very creative in their methods of delivering home instruction, and I commend all of them for their dedication to their students. As we learned at Leadership, we can choose to be the orange frog and make the best of the situation and find new solutions, or we can just wallow in the woe.

So as we wake up each morning to face what I call the “New Normal,” I would like to ask you all to choose happiness and be “orange”! Spring is blooming around us; the birds are chirping, and for those of us here in Cape May County, the peepers (tree frogs) are singing each night. These all are indications that life moves forward and to quote a cliché, “this too, shall pass.” As Maya Angelou once said, “Every storm runs out of rain.” And when the rain runs out of this storm, we will look back and say, “I helped get us through this.”

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REFOCUSING AND THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2020 By Loretta Hill

Since I began working here at NJASBO, my focus has been on planning the June Conference and our Monthly Professional Development Programs. In the new world we live in with COVID-19, things change on a daily basis. As of now, we are cautiously optimistic and hope that we will be able to hold our conference in June.

However, we are living with the reality where our students are not in their physical classrooms with their teachers and their friends, we are all (I hope) practicing social distancing, and are pretty much working remotely, if we can. With this new reality in mind, we have been in touch with the Borgata and those scheduled to speak, and we will make a decision in early May on whether it is safe and prudent to hold the conference on our scheduled date. We will provide the information as soon as that decision is made. We will hold off in making a decision to postpone or cancel for as long as possible because of the potential that there may not be dates available for rescheduling at the Borgata in 2020.

In the upcoming days, weeks, and months, we are here for you and will try to assist in any way we can. We are working closely with the Departments of Education and Agriculture, as well as NJASA

and NJSBA. We will continue to update you as we receive new or additional information.

We are hoping that you and your families stay well, and we will be able to see you soon.

WORDS OF WISDOM AND ENCOURAGEMENT“Provide a calm environment and reflect before you act.

People are feeling very emotional and you really have to remain calm and work hard not to raise anyone’s anxiety or fears. Things are changing quickly.

I learned a new term as a district serving the military, “Semper Gumby.” It means “always flexible. That is what we all must be.”

- Richard Kaz, Business Administrator/Board Secretary Northern Burlington County Regional School District

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GETTING TO KNOW OUR COUNTY PRESIDENTS

Our county presidents play a tremendous role in NJASBO, but not all of our members have had the opportunity to meet and get to know each other. To help, we are introducing them to you here in KeyPost!

Antoinette Kelly – Bergen CountyAntoinette Kelly is the president of the Bergen County ASBO (BCASBO), and has been the Business Administrator/Board Secretary for Ridgewood Public Schools for the last one and one-half years. Previously,

Antoinette spent 12 years as the BA/Board Secretary for Cresskill Public Schools. She was the Assistant Business Administrator for the Paramus School District for six years before joining Cresskill.

Before becoming a business administrator, Antoinette was with the auditing firm Lerch, Vinci & Higgins in Bergen County, where she was working with municipalities and school districts. That is what gave her the first exposure to school business administrators.

For Antoinette, the greatest challenge in being a business administrator is trying to be fiscally responsible to the community, while preserving the resources needed by students and staff. She said business administrators walk a fine line in trying to keep that balance of being able to provide for the students and keep the taxes down for the community. She said that “trying to satisfy everyone’s needs on a limited budget is a real challenge.” Antoinette also said it can be particularly challenging because the BA also is juggling so many other things such as payroll, transportation, facilities, etc. “But the first priority,” said Antoinette, “always is the students.”

One of her best moments as a business administrator, according to Antoinette, was being

invited back to Cresskill to see the results of a program she had helped put into place. While there, she had worked with the child study team, the superintendent, teachers and principals to create a program for learning life skills and functioning in the community for students aged 18 to 21 in the special education program. According to Antoinette, the district had rented a house from Cresskill Borough, which gave students the opportunity to learn how to cook, clean, manage a house, and a budget.

In addition to being president of the BCASBO, Antoinette has been vice president and secretary. She also has been the Treasurer of School Monies for six other school districts in Bergen County. She has mentored other business administrators, and is a member of the Safety Committee of the North East Bergen Insurance Group.

Antoinette also is a member of ASBO International, and the New Jersey Society of CPAs.

Antoinette grew up in Ramsey, NJ, but now lives in Orange County, NY. She received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concen-tration in accounting from the University of Rhode Island. She is licensed in New Jersey as a Certified Public Accountant. She has two daughters current-ly attending college.

Corey Lowell, SFO – Monmouth CountyCorey Lowell became president of Monmouth County ASBO in 2019; she previously held the position of vice president from 2017 until 2019. Additionally, Corey serves as the association’s webmaster.

A shared relationship among three districts

has Corey serving as the Business Administrator/Board Secretary for Shore Regional High School District and the West Long Branch School District, as well as the Business Administrator, Treasurer

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& Custodian of Records for the Interlaken School District.

The shared relationship is what Corey said is often challenging as a business administrator. “Being shared is the biggest challenge because each district wants to think they’re the top priority each day. When a support person makes an error, I own it and it can be quite frustrating. You need good staff in place because daily oversight is not possible.”

Before joining Shore Regional and the other districts in 2016, Corey spent five years in the Keansburg School District, three years with Asbury Park, and six years in the Freehold Regional High School District.

Corey noted that her best moments as a business administrator are when facility projects are completed. “When you’re able to be a part of something that central and/or school administration plans for months, and you’re able to see results of teamwork, it makes you feel good to be a part of it,” explained Corey. “A small thing such as updating a science lab or bleachers, or a gym floor, is a very visible change to staff and students. Even a lighting project that saves money can yield great pride and satisfaction that is good for the district and, therefore, good for kids.”

Before becoming a school financial officer, Corey worked for the CPA firm, Lipman, Selznick & Witkowski from 1998 until 2002.

In addition to her involvement with Monmouth County ASBO and NJASBO, Corey also is a member of ASBO International. She has lent her time and talents to several committees for NJASBO, including Education, Legislative (co-chair, 2015-2016), Technology, and Accounting. She also was a member of the New Jersey School Boards Association Accountability Regulations Task Force.

Additionally, Corey has been a member of the Asbury Park Toy Drive Board of Directors since 2011. She also has been a member of the Asbury Park Board of Education.

Outside of work, Corey is a runner and triathlete. She has completed 18 half marathons, three marathons, four half Ironman triathlons, and one Ironman competition. She currently is training for the New Jersey Marathon scheduled for April, 2020, and later this year, in July, for the Ironman Lake Placid.

Corey has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rutgers University and an MBA from Monmouth University.

WORDS OF WISDOM AND ENCOURAGEMENT

“When your core values of caring for students, employees, and community are strong, they are amplified in times of crisis. Watching so many colleagues

rise to the occasion is inspirational. When we look back on these days, we will do so with tremendous pride in our profession.”

- Philip H. Nisonoff, Ed.D., Asst. Superintendent/ Business Administrator/Board Secretary

Emerson Public Schools

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ASBO INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FORUM By Anthony N. Dragona, Ed.D.

NJASBO was well-represented at the ASBO International Executive Leadership Forum this past February. A contingent of nearly 40 school business officials participated in the extraordinary program that included insights on: Advocacy and Empowerment, Strategic Leadership for Educational Executives, Strategies and Practices for the Future Workforce, and Leading Positive Performance.

The four workshops were presented and facilitated by nationally renowned authorities that brought the participants to both smiles and tears through their thought-provoking conversations.

New Orleans provided an enjoyable backdrop for our members to be immersed in professional development by day, with opportunities to savor the city’s exceptional cuisine and enjoy an outstanding jazz performance footsteps away from the conference venue in the evening.

Our association’s executive leadership, Susan Young and Loretta Hill, attended the pre-conference session that focused upon Strategic Governance. Many other executive leaders from both the U.S. and Canadian affiliates also attended the session. More than 350 school business officials participated in the conference from around the world, including Karen Starr, Deakin University, from Melbourne, Australia and

David Ginsburg, ASBO Board Member, from Cape Town, South Africa.

Colonel Yvonne Spencer spoke on Advocacy and Empowerment, from her position of having spent 25 years in the male-dominated US Air Force. Spencer has learned to overcome obstacles by becoming her own advocate. Through sharing her personal narrative and leading an interactive discussion, Spencer outlined strategies the group could use for discovering their voice and creating an organizational climate where all personnel are empowered and encouraged to solve problems and effectively advocate for the needs of students.

Dr. Jeff Rose discussed the pros and cons of the education culture and the challenges it sometimes creates for the business/operations office. Dr. Shirley Davis, Ph.D., spoke of the research that suggests by 2030, workers will be older and younger at the same time, more educated and less skilled, hyper-connected through new technologies, and more ethnically diverse. Posing the question: How can we ready our organizations for this new workforce reality? Additionally, she provided practical strategies that organizational leaders could use if they expect to build inclusive and high-performing workplace cultures. After this busy and informative day, NJASBO members gathered for dinner with their colleagues.

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A VIEW ON THE ASBO INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP FORUM continued from page 11

The Leadership Forum’s final session, conducted by Devin Hughes, Chief Inspiration Officer, International Thought Leader Network, was both engaging and interactive. Hughes shared strategies based upon the use of the “Social Investment Solution,” which identifies new routines that embed happiness into the work environment.

As the conference drew to a close, I could not help but reflect upon the last Executive Leadership Forum in 2013 in New Orleans. Our friend from Colorado, Ron McCulley, was ASBO International President, and Kelly Shultz of the New Orleans Visitors and Convention Bureau spoke about how the community coped with Hurricane Katrina as their city was devastated. As I traveled through New Orleans in 2020, I witnessed a rebirth of the economy, and beautiful people willing to share their stories.

Anthony N. Dragona, Ed.D., is the School Business Adminis-trator/Board Secretary for Union City Board of Education. He can be reached at [email protected].

FIND THE BRIGHT SIDELook on the bright side –

we have all become more familiar with technology and have found different ways to use it to work more effectively.

We have even learned to have virtual board meetings.

WORDS OF WISDOM AND ENCOURAGEMENT

“I learned that when push comes to shove, everyone comes together. This community always has been close, but this really made us

feel like the whole community is working together. Everyone rose to the occasion. It is so good to know that you always can count on all of your colleagues.”

- Martha Jamison, CPA, Business Administrator/Board Secretary Wildwood City School District