On November 15, 2022, NBOE held its Title I Parent Conference at New Jersey Institute of Technology. It was during the day, 9-2:30, when most parents worked. Yes, I had to take a day off work to attend. Also, I saw more NBOE staff than NBOE parents. Additionally, I did not see any advertisements or notifications about the Parent Conference nor was I invited by my son’s school Parent Liaison.
The keynote speaker was the NJDOE Acting Commissioner, Angelica Allen-McMillan, who is not a parent of an NBOE student, but instead a parent of an NBOE student. FYI: I was nominated to be the keynote speaker; however, Superintendent Roger Leon involved himself with planning the Title I Parent Conference and chose the speaker. But, I had an opportunity to be a panelist regarding “Mental Wellness” because it seemed a better place for a parent.
The theme was “Let’s Go to Work”
To my knowledge, the planning committee chose this theme, I was a member of the planning committee but I’m only one NBOE parent. There were no NBOE Parent Liaisons, NBOE Parent PTA members, or NBOE Parents who were part of the planning committee.
Back to the keynote speaker. Why not have an NBOE Parent be the keynote speaker? Inquiring minds want to know. That would have been a great opportunity to brag about the parents of NBOE District who did a star studded performance with the keynote speech. Instead, the NJDOE Acting Commissioner, Angela Allen-McMillan was chosen but not by the parents but NBOE Superintendent Roger Leon.
The keynote speaker provided good information such as how much Title I funds will be allocated to NBOE District and the involvement f community and parents as required by various laws.
I have a serious question, ” Do y’all feel involved with NBOE such as input, recommendations, collaboration, consultation, and shared decision making? Honestly, I feel the opposite and have said for more than a year that the community and parents are dismissed, ignored, disrespected, and disregarded.
The Alliance for Newark Public Schools had a Parent Conference on Saturday, November 12, 2022. There were big differences between the APS and NBOE. 1) the conference was on a Saturday when parents are more likely not working; 2) 4 workshops where people did not feel overwhelmed with choosing a workshop to attend; 3) the parents and community were the stars. There will be another conference in the Spring of 2023. Be sure to register and attend.
I enjoyed the conference but there are some necessary changes.
Yes, there is much work to do!!
sistateacher 