Sussex County Education Association

09/03/2026

The School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission (SEHBC) today deadlocked for the third consecutive meeting on a proposed 34 percent health insurance rate increase for participating school districts, with all four

09/03/2026

Sussex County showed up in Trenton today.
We stood with members at the State Health Benefits Plan Commission meeting to say what educators across New Jersey have been saying loud and clear:
A 34% increase in healthcare costs is not the answer.
Today, the Commission deadlocked on whether to allow public comment. The labor representatives—three from NJEA and one from AFT—voted YES to let the public speak. Unfortunately, the motion failed, and educators and members of the public were not given the opportunity to address the Commission.
Labor continued to push for solutions.
NJEA Commissioner, Dan Hollub put forward motions calling for a deeper analysis of the data, a serious examination of alternative options, and assistance from the Governor. The labor representatives supported those efforts, but the motions did not pass.
So, for now, the 34% increase does not move forward. But make no mistake—we are in limbo, not at the finish line.
We need conversations.
We need transparency.
We need real alternatives.
And the solution cannot be educators paying more.
Now is the time to keep the pressure on and reach out to our legislators. New Jersey needs to fix healthcare now—without balancing the books on the backs of the educators and school employees who keep our public schools running.
We showed up today. We’ll keep showing up. And we’ll keep fighting. Take Action Now: https://www.njea.org/the-time-to-fix-healthcare-for-nj-educators-is-now/

09/01/2026

Mark Your Calendars!
Saturday, October 3!
NJEA at Turtle Back Zoo!

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

A new school year means new students, new possibilities, new challenges, and another year of educators showing up for kids and for each other.
To our members: thank you for being part of this union. Your voice, your experience, and your solidarity make our schools stronger.
And if you’re an educator who hasn’t joined yet, this is your invitation.
You shouldn’t have to navigate contracts, evaluations, workplace concerns, healthcare, professional rights, or the challenges facing public education alone. A union gives educators a collective voice, collective strength, and a seat at the table.
Because when educators stand together, we can advocate for:
📚 Strong public schools
🤝 Respect and support for educators
✊ Fair contracts and working conditions
❤️ The resources our students deserve
🏫 The future of public education
You teach. You support. You care. You advocate. You belong at the table.
This year, let’s make it a little bigger, a little stronger, and a lot more united.

Let’s get to work together. 💪

08/24/2026

September is almost here, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect, learn, take action, and strengthen our union. Here’s what’s coming up… register and mark your calendars! https://scea-njea.org/events/

08/20/2026

Members, get a sweet treat and a delicious beverage at Delectable Delights Baking and thank them for their support!

Hey Teachers and Teacher Assistants … you are all so near and dear to our heart!!! 🏫 📚
Sending love to all of you as you head back into your classrooms! 🍎❤️ We know how much heart, time, and dedication you pour into preparing for your students.
To show our appreciation, stop in for a FREE specialty beverage of your choice with any purchase! ☕️🧋
We’re here for the next three days, 9–3 at 4 Broad Street in Branchville, trying to brighten the world one mini cheesecake at a time! 🧁

08/20/2026

Yesterday, the School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission refused to pass a rate hike that would increase health benefit premiums by up to 39 percent in some school districts. NJEA members,

08/20/2026

Congratulations to James McKowen, Sussex County’s Governor’s Teacher of the Year! 🎉
James, your 18 years of innovation, dedication, and student-centered teaching are a powerful example of the impact a great educator can have.
From STEM and biochemistry to computer science, cybersecurity, financial literacy, and esports, you have opened doors for students to explore, create, connect, and see themselves as capable of success.
Your leadership at Hopatcong High School and through Garden State Esports extends that impact far beyond your own classroom, helping students and educators across New Jersey access new opportunities.
Sussex County is proud to celebrate you and this well-deserved recognition!

08/20/2026