#ASAH Strong

Our recent March membership meeting was among the more energizing and exciting days I have had as your director. Our membership is all about people, connections and networking. To see our members live and in person is what this work is about. It is where ideas are generated, explored and where action begins.

Top among that action is our work on staff shortages, a crisis that is affecting nearly every ASAH school. I would like to thank Brian Detlefsen for his leadership and generosity of time and talent through the development of our President’s Task Force Report on Staff Shortages. (Click here to read the full report)

As you heard at the meeting, the report does more than lay out recommendations for staff shortages. It is a tool for educating lawmakers, decision makers and education stakeholders about the unique nature of our schools and the administrative barriers we face. The report reframes the notion of “a private school” by underscoring that our students are in fact, public school students who simply need more support than public schools can provide. We are heavily regulated – even our tuition rates are set by the government.

The report was issued on time – in fact – well ahead, of the Governor’s own Task Force report. We had nice press coverage but this is just the beginning. We are working to take the report on the road, meeting with our colleagues and members of the legislature to advance our industry’s goals.

When our schools are strong, New Jersey’s most challenging and vulnerable students and their families have more options, more hope and better outcomes. I appreciate your ongoing support and willingness to help move the needle.

Best Regards,

John J. Mulholland, Jr., Esq.
Executive Director