News & Events
As an Educational Services Commission (ESC), the Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission (MOESC) is committed to upholding the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and operational integrity. In light of the recent audit findings regarding the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ), we recognize the importance of transparency and accountability in our financial and administrative practices.
Our mission is to serve our school districts and local governments efficiently and ethically, ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is utilized effectively to support educational excellence. The ESCNJ audit highlights critical areas where oversight and adherence to best practices are essential. To that end, we are reaffirming our commitment to:
1. Transparent Financial Management: We will continue to ensure that our financial operations are conducted transparently, with clear plans for fund allocation and surplus management. This includes maintaining appropriate fund balances and regularly reviewing financial practices to align with legal and ethical standards.
2. Competitive Procurement Practices: To guarantee the best value for our stakeholders, we will rigorously follow competitive procurement processes for all contracts and services. This not only ensures compliance with the law but also fosters trust and confidence among our member districts and the communities we serve. Our recent cooperative bids and awards exemplify our focus and dedication. These new contracts have already benefited several districts, resulting in significant cost savings.
3. Accountability and Compliance: We adhere to all state regulations and guidelines, submitting required documents and procurements for review as mandated. This commitment to compliance protects against potential waste, fraud, and mismanagement, safeguarding the resources entrusted to us.
4. Strategic Planning of Funds: We will develop and implement strategic plans for adequate maintenance of surplus funds, prioritizing initiatives that directly benefit our educational programs and services. This proactive approach ensures that funds are used to enhance educational outcomes and support future growth.
MOESC’s Leadership View on Surplus: MOESC had a $7.7 million undesignated fund balance as of June 30, 2023. The administration recommends maintaining a surplus equivalent to two months of operations to ensure cash flow, as MOESC does not receive taxes or state aid, relying instead on revenue from other districts. MOESC must pay vendors before billing member districts and typically collects fees within 30-90 days.
For example, with a 2024-25 budget of $94,591,815, MOESC would need approximately $15.8 million in surplus to cover two months of operations. Our auditing firm supports maintaining 2-3 months of operational surplus. As of June 30, 2023, MOESC had just over $4 million in the bank and nearly $9 million in receivables from member districts.
By reaffirming these principles and our leadership's prudent financial management approach, we aim to reinforce our dedication to responsible stewardship and to continually improve our practices for the benefit of our districts, students, and taxpayers. Our goal is to foster a culture of excellence and integrity, ensuring that our operations are beyond reproach and always in the best interest of our member districts.
Sincerely,
William O. George, III, Ed.D
Exciting changes are underway at MOESC’s Regional Achievement Academy and the Bayshore Jointure Commission’s Shore Center! Both facilities are eagerly preparing to welcome renovated spaces for September 2024, with further expansion plans set to debut in September 2025.
Progress on the additions and renovations is moving forward as scheduled. Renovations include classroom and office modifications, bathroom upgrades, a complete update of the nurses' suite, and the creation of visually appealing entrances. At Bayshore, the diner/coffee shop has undergone a full overhaul, and upgrades have been made to the apartment. Work has also begun on the second floor of the addition with walls starting to go up.
A tour for the Commissions’ Board Members is planned during our November 20th meeting.
Click Here for more information on MOESC’s Regional Achievement Academy
Click Here for more information on the Shore Center
MOESC’s inaugural IDEA Summer Enrichment Program exceeded expectations, providing an engaging and hands-on learning experience for all students. The program was designed to create an inclusive environment where every child could thrive, and it successfully delivered on that promise. Feedback from parents highlighted the program’s positive impact, particularly in how it catered to individual learning needs and fostered a love for learning. Below is a heartfelt email from a parent, reflecting on the success of the program:
“When I picked up my son Nathan, from his first day at the MOESC summer program, he was full of life! Smiling, excited, and talked to me the entire ride home... explaining every detail of the fun day he had. I often don't see or hear Nathan this happy about academics. Often he feels 'different' or is aware of his differences as compared to his peers, so he remains reserved. Not at the MOESC program! He described in detail what he learned, and was able to verbalize concepts that he had previously learned but truly could describe after the concepts were presented in a different way, in a smaller class setting with teachers who were allotted the time to spend with each child.”
We look forward to expanding this program next summer and beyond to meet the unique needs of even more students. Thank you to all who participated and made this program a success!
The Representative Assemblies of all Superintendents from Monmouth and Ocean counties are pleased to welcome Dr. Lisa J. Gleason and Mrs. Diane Pedroza to the Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission (MOESC) Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 school year.
Lisa J. Gleason, Ed.D. currently serves as Superintendent of the Lavallette School District. She brings a wealth of experience spanning all grade bands from kindergarten through high school and an outstanding track record of innovative leadership, leading initiatives such as the Monmouth County Curriculum Consortium, and serving as the Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Academics and Performance at the New Jersey Department of Education.
Diane Pedroza currently serves as Superintendent of the Manchester Township School District. She has dedicated over 23 years to Manchester, starting as an English teacher and progressing through various leadership roles, including Principal and Director of Curriculum. Her career reflects a deep commitment to the students, staff, and families of Manchester Township.
The Bayshore-Jointure Commission proudly welcomes Nicole P. Hazel, Ed.D. to its Board of Directors. Dr. Hazel currently serves as Superintendent of the Freehold Regional High School District, bringing over 30 years of educational experience. She has spent the past 15 years in various leadership roles within the district, including Chief Academic Officer, where she was instrumental in developing and implementing strategic goals. Dr. Hazel’s career began in Hudson County, where she advanced from a Mathematics teacher to a Special Education Department Coordinator, Vice Principal, and Principal at James J. Ferris High School in Jersey City, NJ.
We look forward to the leadership and contributions of Dr. Gleason, Mrs. Pedroza, and Dr. Hazel as MOESC and the BJC continue to enhance educational services and opportunities for our schools and the communities we serve.
Joining the MOESC Co-op Purchasing program is free and offers a lifetime membership without renewal requirements. We currently provide awarded services in Electrician, HVAC, Plumbing, Technology Management, Nursing Supplies, Translation Services, Painting, and General Construction.
The Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission (MOESC) is excited to announce several upcoming contracts under our Cooperative Purchasing services. These contracts are designed to simplify procurement for school districts, saving time and ensuring competitive pricing for essential services and materials.
Upcoming Contracts:
Landscaping Mulch and Playground Fiber: Ensure your outdoor spaces are safe and well-maintained with high-quality mulch and playground fiber, available through our latest contracts.
Concrete Repairs and Installation: Secure reliable contractors for concrete projects, from minor repairs to major installations.
Asphalt Repairs and Installation: Address your district's paving needs with expert services, covering everything from patchwork to full-scale asphalt installation.
Doors and Door Hardware: Upgrade or replace doors and hardware with durable, high-security options tailored for educational environments.
Fire Alarm Installation, Repairs, and Monitoring: Keep your facilities safe with comprehensive fire alarm systems, including installation, ongoing repairs, and 24/7 monitoring.
Building Management System Installation, Repairs, and Maintenance: Optimize your school's operational efficiency with state-of-the-art building management systems, supported by full maintenance and repair services.
Security and Safety Seminar on October 30th:
In addition to these contracts, we are pleased to host an upcoming Security and Safety Seminar on October 30th at the MOESC office. This event, in collaboration with Eastern Data Communications, will focus on the latest advancements in school security technology and best practices for maintaining a safe educational environment.
Topics will include:
- Implementing cutting-edge security systems
- Enhancing communication during emergencies
- Best practices for school safety planning
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with professionals dedicated to improving school safety. For more information on our Cooperative Purchasing services or to register for the seminar, please contact the MOESC office. We look forward to continuing to support our districts with the resources they need to thrive.
The Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission (MOESC) is thrilled to announce its partnership with LM Squared Consultants in launching the Educator Essentials Academy, a comprehensive 3-part workshop series tailored specifically for new and aspiring educators. This initiative, set to take place in the late summer and fall of 2024, comes in response to alarming research indicating that over 10% of new teachers leave the profession within their first academic year. The Educator Essentials Academy aims to mitigate this trend by providing critical support during the early stages of a teacher's career.
The first workshop, "Launch," serves as an introduction, guiding participants through the essentials of securing a teaching job or planning for a successful school year. Tailored breakout sessions will address specific needs, whether it’s resume building and interview preparation or strategic classroom planning.
The second workshop, "Ignite," equips new teachers with essential skills to create positive learning environments and align their practices with district goals. Participants will learn effective organization, technology integration, and relationship-building strategies vital for their professional growth.
The final workshop, "Elevate," delves into the New Jersey Tiered Systems of Support (NJTSS) and student-centered learning. It offers insights into creating inclusive classrooms and utilizing the MTSS framework to meet diverse student needs.
By fostering critical thinking and self-directed learning, this session empowers teachers to design engaging lessons that cater to various learning styles. Through this targeted professional development series, MOESC and LM Squared are committed to supporting novice teachers, ensuring they have the resources and skills needed to thrive in their new roles.
For more information on the Educator Essentials Academy and registration details, visit our Professional Development Page.