New Jersey Department of Education

NJDOE News

For More Information Contact the Public Information Office:
    Kathryn Forsyth, Director
    609-292-1126

For Release: November 2, 2006


On-Line Registration for State BOE Public Hearings

People who want to testify at the State Board of Education’s monthly public hearings can now register to do so on-line, State Board President Dr. Arnold Hyndman announced Wednesday.

“We’re very pleased that we can now offer the public this option,” said Dr. Hyndman.  “With so many people doing most of their business on-line these days, it seemed to be a very logical step to take.  It will also save time and phone charges for people who have issues they want to bring to the Board’s attention.”

Dr.  Hyndman noted that on-line registration is one of a number of technology enhancements undertaken by the Board in order to improve the efficiency of the operation.  Earlier this year, the Board switched to a “paperless” system, in which the members work from laptop computers and the meeting agendas and background information is available on-line for the public to download.

State Board public hearings are held at 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, which is also the day of the Board’s monthly work session.

At most of the hearings, testimony is limited to specific topics, which are generally matters under active consideration by the Board.  At four hearings each year, any topic can be addressed.  Speakers are limited to five minutes at all hearings.

The period during which people may reserve time to speak at each public hearing begins the day after the State Board’s regular monthly meeting, which is held on the first Wednesday of each month.  The deadline for registration is the Friday before the public hearing.
           
To register on-line, visit http://education.state.nj.us/sboe/.  People can also register by calling the State Board office at (609) 292-0739.

The State Board also considers written testimony, which can be mailed to:  New Jersey Department of Education, State Board Office, PO Box 500, Trenton, NJ  08625-500.