News & Events

MOESC leadership recently presented at the AASA 2026 National Conference on Education, joining educational leaders from across the country in conversations centered on innovation and student engagement.

Dr. William George, alongside district partners, led a session focused on the intersection of project-based learning and arts integration, highlighting how interdisciplinary approaches can increase creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving opportunities for students. In a separate presentation, Dr. Wendy Morales explored strategies for cultivating global citizenship and helping students navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

The conference also provided valuable opportunities to collaborate with educational leaders from across the nation and exchange ideas surrounding student-centered learning, leadership, and instructional innovation. MOESC is proud to contribute to these important conversations and continue bringing forward-thinking practices back to the schools and communities we serve.

These presentations reflect MOESC’s continued commitment to educational leadership beyond the local level and reinforce the organization’s role as an innovative partner for schools throughout New Jersey.
 

New Jersey Virtual School (NJVS) continues to experience strong enrollment growth, with participation significantly exceeding previous years. As of April 2026, NJVS reached more than 900 active and completed enrollments for the current school year.

The continued growth reflects increasing demand from districts and families seeking flexible, self-paced learning opportunities that can support credit recovery, supplemental coursework, scheduling conflicts, medical needs, staffing shortages, and alternative pathways to graduation.

NJVS has also continued expanding its course offerings and support systems to better meet the evolving needs of students and school districts. The program now serves a wide range of learners throughout the state, including students pursuing accelerated pathways, Advanced Placement coursework, Option II, and flexible scheduling solutions that may not be available in traditional settings.

NJVS remains committed to providing high-quality, standards-aligned instruction facilitated by New Jersey-certified teachers. The program’s sustained growth highlights the increasing importance of flexible educational models that help schools meet the diverse needs of today’s students. Please visit NJVS.org for more information about New Jersey Virtual School.
 

MOESC Transportation continues to provide exceptional value to member districts by delivering increased ridership while reducing overall transportation costs. Recent data showed a 15% reduction in per-student transportation costs, saving districts an average of $1,281 per student while continuing to maintain safe and reliable service.

In preparation for the 2026-2027 school year, MOESC also completed a major transportation software upgrade designed to improve routing, billing, communication, and operational efficiency. Transportation staff played a direct role in shaping the improvements by providing detailed feedback to the vendor throughout the process.

As transportation needs continue to grow throughout the region, particularly in special education and homelessness-related transportation, MOESC remains focused on improving coordination, responsiveness, and overall service quality. The department’s continued ability to expand services while controlling costs reflects strong operational planning and a commitment to supporting member districts.

These ongoing improvements reinforce MOESC’s dedication to innovation, efficiency, and strong fiscal stewardship while continuing to provide reliable transportation services to schools across New Jersey. Please visit MOESC.org for more information about transportation services.
 

The MOESC Cooperative Purchasing Program continues to experience strong statewide growth and participation. With membership of over 230 participating public entities across New Jersey, we continue to be the fastest-growing co-op program in the state.

 

The cooperative currently maintains 22 active awarded contracts and is in the process of publicly bidding its 23rd cooperative contract for flooring services, utilizing a competitively bid unit-pricing structure rather than traditional time-and-materials pricing.

 

In recent months, the MOESC administration has been highly active in addressing the implications of New Jersey’s new Cooperative Purchasing legislation, Senate Bill S-3041. MOESC leadership has participated in ongoing discussions with state legislators, state officials, and representatives from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs regarding implementation and compliance requirements associated with the pending law.

 

The Cooperative Purchasing Program has also continued expanding outreach efforts through statewide presentations, direct district engagement, and strategic communication with educational organizations throughout New Jersey. These efforts have helped strengthen relationships with school districts seeking compliant, cost-effective purchasing solutions while increasing awareness of cooperative purchasing opportunities.

 

Additionally, MOESC continues to expand and strengthen cooperative offerings in areas including technology, custodial supplies, flooring services, playground inspections, and skilled trades services, while maintaining its partnership with Equalis Group to broaden purchasing opportunities available to member districts.

 

This continued momentum reflects the confidence that districts place in MOESC’s ability to provide legally compliant, fiscally responsible, high-quality cooperative purchasing solutions in an increasingly complex public procurement environment. More information about the MOESC Cooperative Purchasing Program can be found on the MOESC website.

MOESC continues to expand its statewide presence through strategic outreach and partnership development with school districts across New Jersey.

 

Recently, MOESC leadership met with representatives from the Atlantic City School District to discuss a variety of support services, including Child Study Team and Nursing Services. Our team has also begun discussions with districts in Burlington County regarding the continuation of Chapter 192/193 services following recent legislative changes.

 

These conversations reflect growing awareness of MOESC’s ability to provide scalable, high-quality educational and operational services tailored to district needs. As districts continue navigating staffing shortages, compliance requirements, and increasing service demands, MOESC remains committed to offering responsive solutions and collaborative support.

 

This continued outreach reflects MOESC’s growing reputation as a trusted educational services partner capable of delivering operational expertise, specialized staffing, and innovative programming to districts throughout the state.

The MOESC Special Services Department continues to deliver exceptional results, maintaining some of the highest service fill rates in the region.

As of May 2026, the department successfully filled 97% of public CST and related service requests, along with 98% of nursing requests from partner districts. These services include evaluations, therapies, nursing support, and specialized educational staffing for schools across New Jersey.

The department has also continued preparing for Extended School Year (ESY) staffing and the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, while simultaneously managing increasing service requests from districts throughout the region. This level of consistency reflects strong coordination, recruitment efforts, and ongoing collaboration between MOESC staff and partner districts.

The department’s continued success highlights MOESC’s commitment to ensuring that students receive timely, reliable, and high-quality support services that help schools maintain continuity of care and educational programming. Click Here to learn more about MOESC Special Services.
 

The MOESC Paraprofessional-to-BCBA program continues to demonstrate meaningful impact, as one participant, Nicole Bonilla, recently completed an outstanding capstone project centered on student behavior support and intervention.

Through functional assessment, collaboration with educators and families, and the implementation of targeted behavior strategies, Nicole was able to demonstrate significant and sustainable improvements in student outcomes. The work highlighted the importance of teamwork, data-based decision-making, and compassionate support practices.

The project also showcased the strong collaboration between school staff, district specialists, families, and higher education partners, all working together to support meaningful student growth. Nicole’s professionalism, preparation, and ability to apply Applied Behavior Analysis strategies in a real-world school setting amplify the goals and vision of the program.

Nicole's success highlights the strength of MOESC’s partnership with Georgian Court University and our commitment to developing skilled professionals who make a lasting difference in schools and classrooms.

MOESC Director of Special Services Dr. Gabriella Hall and Supervisor of Special Services Annemarie Hanley recently provided a large-scale professional development session for paraprofessionals in the Howell School District, with approximately 100 participants in attendance.

 

The training focused on positive behavior support, visual supports, and leading with empathy, with participants actively engaging in discussions, collaborative activities, and practical classroom scenarios designed to strengthen day-to-day student support strategies.

 

Throughout the session, paraprofessionals explored ways to build stronger student relationships, respond proactively to behavioral challenges, and create more supportive learning environments for diverse learners. The training also emphasized the important role paraprofessionals play in helping students feel safe, connected, and successful throughout the school day.

 

The session provided a valuable opportunity for professional growth and collaboration while reinforcing MOESC’s continued commitment to supporting school staff at all levels through high-quality, practical professional development experiences. Click here to learn more about MOESC's professional development offerings.

Students at the Regional Achievement Academy (RAA) recently participated in the annual Spring Plant Sale, a hands-on learning experience designed to strengthen both academic and social-emotional skills.

 

Students took part in all aspects of the enterprise, including pricing, budgeting, marketing, inventory management, and customer interaction. Beyond financial literacy, the experience also helps students build communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, and confidence in a real-world setting.

 

The annual plant sale has become an important opportunity for students to apply classroom learning in a meaningful and engaging way while interacting with staff and community members. Experiences like these help students develop transferable life and workplace skills that support long-term independence and success.

 

Programs like the plant sale reflect RAA’s continued commitment to creating student-centered learning experiences that prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom. Click here to learn more about the Regional Achievement Academy.
 

The Regional Achievement Academy is preparing to implement a new comprehensive three-tier behavioral support framework beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

 

Developed in collaboration with behavioral consultant Nicky Schneider, the framework is designed to provide individualized support for every student. The system will include universal behavioral expectations, targeted interventions, and intensive personalized supports based on each student’s unique needs.

 

The framework was intentionally designed to strengthen consistency across classrooms while helping staff proactively respond to students’ behavioral, emotional, and social needs. The system will also place a strong emphasis on prevention, relationship-building, early intervention, and trauma-informed practices that help students feel safe, supported, and successful within the school environment.

 

This initiative further reinforces RAA’s commitment to compassionate, student-centered programming that prioritizes emotional well-being, positive behavioral growth, and long-term student success. Click here to learn more about The Regional Achievement Academy.
 

MOESC Assistant Superintendent Dr. Wendy Morales was recently selected to join the Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI), a nationally recognized organization focused on innovation and collaboration in PK-12 education.

 

ERDI brings together educational thought leaders from across the country to explore emerging trends, educational challenges, and future-focused solutions designed to improve student outcomes.

 

Participation in ERDI will provide opportunities for collaboration with national educational leaders, researchers, and industry experts while helping MOESC stay connected to innovative ideas and emerging best practices in education. The experience will also support continued professional growth and strengthen the organization’s ability to bring valuable insight and resources back to partner districts.

 

Dr. Morales’ selection reflects both her leadership and MOESC’s growing presence in statewide and national educational conversations focused on the future of teaching and learning.
 

MOESC recently hosted its annual “Take Your Child to Work Day,” welcoming staff children for a day filled with learning, creativity, and fun activities throughout the campus.

 

Children participated in art activities, story time, scavenger hunts, outdoor games, and Autism Awareness-themed activities while exploring the various programs and departments that make up MOESC. The day also included opportunities for students to visit the MRA Professional Development Center, enjoy time in the gym and playground areas, and learn fun facts about MOESC staff through interactive activities.

 

The event created meaningful opportunities for children and families to experience the positive culture and sense of community that exists throughout the organization. Staff members from multiple departments collaborated to help create a welcoming and memorable experience for everyone involved.

 

Programs like this continue to reflect MOESC’s commitment to fostering strong relationships, supporting families, and maintaining a collaborative workplace environment centered on connection, inclusion, and community.