About ERESC
About Us
Essex Regional Educational Services Commission (ERESC) was established in 1979 to provide mandated educational programs and administrative services in a cost effective and efficient manner. ERESC is a public, non-profit agency that derives its authority pursuant to 18A:6-51 et. seq. ERESC is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of a representative elected by the Board of Education from ten (10) of its constituent member school districts. The Board of Directors meets monthly to oversee the administration of services.
ERESC operates three special education and alternative schools: Essex Junior Academy, Essex Campus Academy and Essex High School. In addition, the ERESC operates an educational program at the Essex County youth detention center. Sojourn High School and serves students through grades 7th and 12th.
Originally, the purpose of the ERESC was established to provide state mandated nonpublic school services which now includes Chapters 192/193, Chapter 226 Nonpublic Nursing, Child Study Team Services and IDEA-B.
The ERESC expanded services for the school districts to include Coordinated Transportation, Paraprofessional Services, Public School Home Instruction, Public School Child Study Team Services, Migrant Education, Homeless Education, Cooperative Purchasing, Extended Day/Year, Summer School/Credit Recovery, Related Services such as Occupational and Physical Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA), Adult Education Test for State Issued High School Diploma (GED) and Technology.
Essex Regional Educational Services Commission is committed to assisting school districts in providing quality services which will meet the needs of their students. To this end, new programs and services are continually developed in response to district requests.
Core Values
Challenging Academics: We believe academic success for all students begins by developing foundational skills in reading and mathematics. Through a systematic approach, we meet each student’s individual learning needs, and build environments that raise the bar for all students to think critically and take ownership of their learning.
Empower Students and Staff: We value the diverse perspectives of our students and encourage them to confidently use their voice. We value the expertise of our staff and seek their input into our educational programming.
Value Diversity: We view our diversity as an asset. We recognize that everyone brings unique, individual strengths to the school community. We develop opportunities for all stakeholders to see connections between themselves, the curriculum, and the district.
Whole-Child Focus: We support the development of the physical, mental and unique talents of our student population through extracurricular opportunities (PBIS, arts, athletics, and clubs). We prioritize the full scope of a child’s developmental needs and advance educational equity. Our whole child approach understands that students’ education and life outcomes are dependent upon their access to deeper learning opportunities in and out of school, as well as their school environment and relationships.
Emphasis on Relationships: We build healthy, strong relationships and care for each other. We treat others with courtesy, respect, and dignity. We view every interaction as an investment in improving relationships. We celebrate each other’s successes.
Community Allies: We value community partnerships and recognize that it takes a village to enact the mission of the ERESC and collectively WE (parents/guardians, faculty, staff and the broader community) can help students realize their potential and become good citizens.
Educational Environment: The educational environment must be safe, respectful, and guided by skilled administrators who focus on advancing teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
Partnerships: Parents and guardians are essential partners in providing students with a high-quality education.
Mission
TO PROVIDE SUPERIOR EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES TO MEET
THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS
IN A COST EFFECTIVE MANNER
Vision
TO BE THE FLAGSHIP COMMISSION
IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
PROVIDING PREMIER EDUCATIONAL
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES