Van Noy to Join Delegation in Washington DC

Since being elected to the earlier this year John Van Noy has taken on several key roles.

In addition to serving on the finance committee, Van Noy has also served as a legislative liasion driving to Trenton for several big meetings. At last week's board meeting Van Noy asked for and was granted permission to join a contingent of board members from across the state to travel to Washington DC for a conference.

Van Noy said he has been asked by the New Jersey School Boards Association to be a member of their delegation at the Federal Relations Network. Calling the event a "legislative conference for school board members, Van Noy said it gives those in attendance a direct link to key people in Washington. "Nothing is more powerful than witnessing 900 school board members advocating for their students and other folks to members of congress and their key staff," he said.

As part of the trip, Van Noy said they are working to get meetings with Sen. Robert Menendez and Sen. Frank Lautenberg. Board President Tim O'Brien asked if while he was down there if he could also meet with the local congressional delegation. 

While Washington is a long way away from Howell, Van Noy said there is a lot that can be accomplished at the conference. "We have issues at the federal level that affect us here at the local level," he said. "I think that if we can help other people and us collectively advocate to reduce or at least make those senators aware that we're also suffering under regulations and unfunded mandates, perhaps we can get some consideration."

Recognizing the work of one of her newest colleagues, fellow board member Mary Cerretani said she was in favor of him making the trip. "Given the fact that at this point Mr. Van Noy has taken a tremendous amount of time to go to all these legislative meetings, I think that it's an honor that he was asked to attend and for us to be represented on the state board of education," she said.

O'Brien echoed that sentiment as well. "Mr. Van Noy has been a hard working liaison and has been attending a lot of meetings at his own time and expense," he said. 

The conference is scheduled to be held from Feb. 5-7. For more information on the National School Boards Association and the conference check out their websites.