The Alternative Press

CHATHAM, NJ - Like many New Jersey towns, The Chatham Board of Education has plenty of work to do to keep up with the newly signed Teacher Effectiveness and Accountability for New Jersey Students Act.

A portion of the school board meeting on Monday night was reserved for a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Michael LaSusa. Although the act does not officially go into effect until next school year (2013-2014), LaSusa explained four main points that the board needs to address during the current school term in preparation.

First, the board needs to establish various evaluation frameworks for all positions within the school district. Some of these frameworks will also be subject to standardized test scores.

Second, LaSusa gave examples of how teacher tenure will be evaluated based on the new criteria, determined by the State of New Jersey.

The school board must also establish a School Improvement Panel by Feb. 1 and also establish a District Evaluation Advisory Committee by Oct 1 under the new act. The act also requires that each town begin implementing some of its newly established improvements by Feb 1.

The meeting began with a few words from former board member Steven Barna, who announced his resignation earlier this year. Barna spoke briefly about his reasons and decision to leave the board and spotlighted some of the board’s achievements during his seven-year tenure.

Another guest also spoke at Monday’s meeting. State Assembly Woman, Mila M. Jasey, who represents the 27th District, commented on how her work as a member of the South Orange/ Maplewood Board of Education prepared her for her work as a member of the state legislature.

In other action:

• Committee member Jill Critchley Weber spoke on behalf of the Curriculum Committee. The Committee hopes to be able to expand the Sports Curriculum to include club and intermural sports within the next 4-6 years. Committee member John Nonnanmacher, who spoke in behalf of the Recreation Department, further supported this. Nonnanmacher spoke of repairs that are needed to Hass Field and Cougar Field. This sparked a debate on the level of repairs that are needed to both fields and who would evaluate the damage. Forming a subcommittee was mentioned to handle this project. The best way to fund the repairs was also brought up for brief debate.

• The vacant committee spot was also opened to the public for anyone who is interested and meets the requirements to be on the board.

• In response to a public question: Per the State’s Board of Education, teacher evaluations will not be made open for public record.