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Technology is making cities smarter all across the world. Smart technology is being used by small towns and local communities to solve issues, conserve energy, and keep inhabitants connected, so it's not just major cities that stand to gain. These days, there are software firms that create intelligent solutions especially for locations with smaller budgets and fewer residents. The correct smart technology partner can significantly impact your town's goals, whether they want to reduce electricity costs, enhance traffic, or make streets safer. A helpful guide to the top ten smart city businesses that are assisting smaller municipalities in expanding and modernizing can be found below. These providers are experts in custom software development for Internet of Things (IoT) and understand how to work with towns just like yours. If you’re part of a local council or town management team, explore custom software development for Internet of Things options with Yalantis... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews JEER-Four years of Joe Biden and the Progressive Democrats in Washington, and this is the result. The illegal immigrant is standing on top of a destroyed Los Angeles police car holding a Mexican flag on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The criminal is dressed like a character from a Mad Max movie with skulls on his pants and a skull mask. President Trump has authorized the deployment of U.S. Marines from the 29Palms military base. The City of Twentynine Palms, California, in the southern Mojave Desert, is the home of Joshua Tree National Park headquarters and north entrance and proud host of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, the world's largest Marine Corps training base. ***** Gloucester Catholic baseball players douse Coach Dennis Barth after he chalked up his 600th game. His team beat St. Thomas Aquinas, winning the NJSIAA Non-Public B Baseball Championship.... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews BROOKLAWN, NJ (JUNE 9, 2025)(CNBNews)--A heartfelt shoutout to the Mayor of Brooklawn and the dedicated members of the Borough Council for their relentless efforts in making their community one of the absolute best places to live in South Jersey! Most recently, the borough hired a contractor to build a pickleball court on the west side of the borough, right next to the Jimmy Cerrone Baseball Field. The enclosed facility will be equipped with lights and designed for accessibility for those with disabilities. The members of the governing body include: Brooklawn Mayor Jerry "Skip" Granstrom, a Democrat, who was appointed to serve a term of office ending December 31, 2026. Members of the Brooklawn Borough Council are Council President Colin MacAdams (D, 2026), John Clotworthy (D, 2025), Bruce Darrow (D, 2025; appointed to an unexpired term of office), Christina Houchins (D, 2026; appointed to serve... Read more →

Surrounded by and in the loving care of her family, Olivia passed peacefully at home on May 13, 2025, at the age of 20. The beloved and cherished daughter of James H. Blymer and Kellie Sweeney Blymer, Liv was an adored and loving sister to Jenai Gonzales (Jonathan Walker) and Riley Blymer. She was a cherished granddaughter of James and Maryann Blymer, Joan Gonzales, and of the late Edward Sweeney, the late Gail Sweeney, and the late Margaret Sweeney. Olivia was a loving niece of Theresa Netz and Bruce Myers, and the treasured goddaughter and niece of Jeanette and Matt Dembinski. She is also survived by her cousins, who were more like best friends, Maddie and Jake, along with countless other loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and devoted friends. Her beloved cat, Stevie Nicks, and dog, Roxy, will miss her dearly. A lifetime resident of Brooklawn, Olivia attended Alice Costello School... Read more →

Route 130 Bridge over Big Timber Creek to be closed and detoured on Monday in Gloucester and Camden counties Closures are necessary to shift traffic The Brooklawn Circle West Bridge will be detoured in both directions Monday night to allow shift changes. Photo courtesy of 42 Freeway. For further details on the $54 million project click here (Trenton) – The Route 130 Bridge over Big Timber Creek is scheduled to be closed and detoured in both directions Monday night as the bridge replacement project advances in Camden and Gloucester counties. Beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, May 12 until 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, Route 130 will be closed and detoured in both directions between River Drive in Westville, Gloucester County and the Brooklawn Circle in Brooklawn, Camden County. The closure is necessary to shift traffic on Route 130 in both directions. The following detours will be in place: Route 130... Read more →

**July 2024 Press Release:** **7/1** - Officers responded to the Red Carpet Inn following reports of a disturbance. Upon arriving at the scene, they encountered a male who was evasive and provided a false name. After a brief investigation involving identification checks, the individual was confirmed as Steven Allan Williamson, a 51-year-old resident of Wenonah. It was revealed that he was a wanted person by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. He was promptly placed under arrest, transported to police headquarters, charged with hindering apprehension, and subsequently remanded to the Camden County Jail, where he will await further legal proceedings. BROOKLAWN PD 2024 CRIME REPORT **7/9** - In the course of investigating an assault at the Rodeway Inn, officers identified Jemimah Angel Mims, a 28-year-old from Camden, as a wanted individual residing in Burlington County. Her arrest was executed without incident, and she was transported to headquarters, where she was remanded... Read more →

In June 2024 the BROOKLAWN ShopRite Loss Prevention reported that Hale had shoplifted on multiple previous occasions, specifically on June 7, 14, 16, 20, 24, and 29. The total amount stolen over these dates was $1,168. **June 2024 Press Release:** **6/1** - Officers responded to the 100 block of Browning Lane for a report of an intoxicated person. Upon their arrival, they interacted with the intoxicated male, identified as Donnell Anthony Mathes, 58, of Bellmawr, who was found to be wanted by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office. Mathes was also in possession of six Suboxone films, two small zip-lock bags of cocaine, empty wax folds, and a crack pipe. He was charged with two counts of possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mathes was remanded to the Camden County Jail. **6/3** - Officers responded to ShopRite for a report of a shoplifter in custody. Denise... Read more →

**May 2024 Press Release:** **5/1** - Officers were at the Rodeway Inn for a separate call when they observed a Porsche parked in the lot without any license plates. After checking the vehicle’s VIN, it was confirmed as a stolen vehicle from Washington State. The vehicle was towed, and the investigation is ongoing. **5/2** - Officers responded to the Conoco Gas Station regarding a theft of gas. A Black male in his 50s, driving a Lincoln SUV, had the attendant fill his gas tank for $63.00. He then fled the scene without paying. **5/3** - During an investigation at the Wawa, officers found two people sleeping in a motor vehicle. Renee Lynne Smith, 42, of Camden, and Keith Paul Blackwell, 64, of Mount Ephraim, were arrested. Blackwell was arrested for outstanding warrants, while Smith was wanted by the Camden County Probation Office. Smith was also found in possession of a... Read more →

Ridgewood, NJ - On Tuesday, 2024 Republican Nominee Mary Jo Guinchard declared her candidacy for New Jersey's 5th Congressional District. She made her announcement after thoughtful consideration and outpouring of encouragement from residents throughout District 5. Announcing her campaign, Mary Jo Guinchard stated the following: "For several years, Josh Gottheimer has consistently put partisan politics and his political career over the people of New Jersey's 5th District. When Joe Biden's failed policies caused a crisis at the border, an influx of deadly drugs, and skyrocketing cost of living, Gottheimer refused to stand up for New Jerseyans. Instead, he voted nearly 100% of the time with Joe Biden. Now, Gottheimer has abandoned the 5th District, missing nearly 30% of votes so far this Congress. Instead of working with President Trump to secure our border and unleash economic growth, he is focusing on his political career - yet again. Time and time... Read more →

APRIL 2024 PRESS RELEASE **4/4** - Overnight, an unknown individual cut the lock off the PSE&G Plant fence and a trailer inside the lot. No items were reported missing. **4/5** - An officer stopped a male pedestrian at Kings Highway and Browning Lane for not using the crosswalk. The man, Jonathan David Hart, 39, of Gloucester City, had an active arrest warrant and was found with four vials of crystal meth. He was charged with possession of controlled substances and released with new court dates. **4/6** - Jasmine R. Prince, 33, of Voorhees, was detained for being on Wawa property despite being banned. She received a citation for disturbing the peace. **4/7** - Officers responded to shoplifting at Rite Aid, where a white male in his 30s and two females left with items worth over $200 in a Ford Taurus. **4/8** - At ShopRite, a male and female loaded two... Read more →

Dear Residents, We hope this message finds you well! We want to inform you of several recent changes to local ordinances that may affect your property and the use of our community spaces. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these updates: 1. Ban on Artificial Turf in Front Yards Artificial turf is no longer permitted in the front yard or side yard (if visible from the street/public right of way) of residential properties. If you currently have artificial turf installed, please make the necessary arrangements to remove it. 2. Restrictions on Objects and Materials in the Verge In accordance with the new ordinance, objects and materials are no longer allowed to be placed within the verge (the curb strip) of your property. This prohibits objects such as sculptures, rock, flower planters, and other decorative items. 3. Private Events at Gazebos/Pavilions We are happy to announce that our gazebos... Read more →

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 31, 2025)(CNBNews)--For the 2022-2023 school year, according to a 2023 Murphy administration press release, the average Budgetary Cost to educate a Pupil in New Jersey was $19,164, representing the state average for districts serving preschool through grade 12, including charter schools and vocational districts. This figure excludes costs not directly comparable across districts, such as transportation and out-of-district tuition. This amount reflects an increase of $1,508 (8.5 percent) from the previous year. The Taxpayers’ Guide to Education Spending categorizes schools by size and grade levels and ranks spending in 17 categories, including administrative costs and student/teacher ratios. Additionally, the guide provides a “Total Spending Per Pupil” measure, which includes the Budgetary Cost plus other expenditures like out-of-district tuition and transportation. For the 2021-2022 school year, Total Spending Per Pupil was $27,486, an increase of $2,982 (12.2 percent) from the previous year. Spending reports dating back to... Read more →

Websitebrooklawn-nj.com Brooklawn is a borough in Camden County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 1,815,[9] a decrease of 140 (−7.2%) from the 2010 census count of 1,955,[17][18] which in turn reflected a decline of 399 (-16.9%) from the 2,354 counted in the 2000 census.[19] Brooklawn was incorporated as a borough on March 11, 1924, from portions of the now-defunct Centre Township, based on the results of a referendum held on April 5, 1924. The borough was reincorporated on March 23, 1926.[20] The borough's name is derived from its location and setting.[21] Geography [edit] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 0.53 square miles (1.37 km2), including 0.49 square miles (1.27 km2) of land and 0.04 square miles (0.11 km2) of water (7.74%).[1][2] The borough borders the municipalities of Bellmawr, Gloucester City, and... Read more →

1/3 - Officers went to Wawa because a man was panhandling. They found Harry Wayne Park, 40, from Westville, who had suspected fentanyl and crack pipes. He was arrested for having drugs and drug paraphernalia and was taken to Camden County Jail. 1/4 - Officers checked out a theft at ShopRite involving an employee’s jacket and wallet. They reviewed surveillance footage and identified a suspect. On 1/8, Michael Anthony Hodge, 37, from Gloucester City, was arrested for theft and released with a summons. 1/6 - At ShopRite, a suspect shoplifted items worth $176.71 after scanning some at self-checkout. Christopher Joseph Matteo, 32, from National Park, was charged with shoplifting and released with a summons. 1/7 - Two suspects were involved in a shoplifting case at ShopRite. One ran away but was caught, while the other was found in a car with stolen items worth about $427. Sabrina Jackie King, 55,... Read more →

to Purchase Needed Equipment The department will hold a community event with State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council on October 31, 2024 BROOKLAWN, NJ (October 28, 2024)--The Brooklawn Volunteer Fire Company is excited to announce that it is one of 100 volunteer fire departments nationwide to receive a $10,000 grant through the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. In collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), State Farm has awarded $1 million in grants to help local fire departments obtain needed equipment to increase their responders’ safety, effectiveness, and ability to serve their community. Brooklawn Volunteer Fire Company can purchase 3-5 sets of brand-new turnout gear with this grant. Typically, their new members attend training in older, gently used gear for non-structural firefighting purposes, as providing new gear to all new members would not be financially feasible. Most importantly, for the members who have/ will have... Read more →

(Left to Right) J.J. Meehan and Geoffrey Gettings ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (October 27, 2024)(CNBNews)--Two students from the Alice Costello School in Brooklawn placed second in the New Jersey School Boards Association STEAM Tank Challenge Finals held in Atlantic City. J.J. Meehan and Geoffrey Gettings, or Team Door To Your Heart, achieved this impressive result in the elementary school division. A recent press release from the school announced that the two young gentlemen have been collaborating with their faculty advisors and subject matter experts to develop an innovative app. They aim to raise awareness about disabilities and the diverse challenges that impact individuals within the Alice Costello school community. For their hard work and creativity, they proudly received a plaque recognizing their impressive second-place finish in the competition. Additionally, the twosome took home a substantial prize of $1,500, which they intend to invest in furthering their vision and enhancing the app's... Read more →

KI is excited to announce its third annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway, offering K-12 teachers the opportunity to transform their learning environments. Four winners will each be awarded up to $40,000 worth of KI furniture of their choosing to turn their dream space into a reality. This year, the giveaway is open to all types of learning environments, including classrooms, libraries, makerspaces, esports labs, art or music rooms, and beyond. Three of these prizes will go to individual classrooms, while the fourth prize will fund a library or media center makeover. "We're thrilled to continue our Classroom Furniture Giveaway, offering educators the opportunity to create diverse and dynamic learning environments," said Bryan Ballegeer, vice president of education markets at KI. "Our goal with this initiative is to empower educators and students by giving them a voice in the design of their learning spaces. We celebrate the pivotal role that teachers play... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews In a 2023 CNBNews photo, South Broadway approaching Brooklawn from Gloucester City is shown flooded recently due to a heavy rain storm. Are we asking the County Commissioners for too much by requesting a few more million to repave South Broadway in Gloucester City and New Broadway in Brooklawn? In 2012, the Freeholder Board (now known as Commissioners) promised to fix that road, also known as Camden County Route 551. Twelve years later, the public is still dealing with potholes and an impassable road that floods whenever there is a high tide or heavy rainfall. The five million dollars used to fix the bridge that connects those two communities in 2012 had no effect on the flooding of that stretch of highway. Recently, those commissioners announced that $11 million would be spent to fix Kings Highway, which is currently referred to by some as... Read more →

+++++ CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ (SEPTEMBER 22, 2024)--On Monday, the Board of Commissioners will break ground on a $10.7 million improvement project on Kings Highway in Mount Ephraim, Audubon and Haddon Heights. The highly anticipated project will completely transform Kings Highway from Market Street to Hopkins Road, making it safer and more easily travelable for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. “This project is a huge undertaking, but it is completely necessary as this has been an area of concern for some time,” said Commissioner Al Dyer, liaison to the Department of Public Works. “This $10.7 million investment into our county’s infrastructure will benefit us for years to come. And although there will be disruptions to the flow of traffic throughout the duration of the work, it will be well worth it in the end.” Project highlights include: Milling and/or removal of existing concrete pavement and installation of hot-mix asphalt pavement Resurfacing from... Read more →

Kathleen Kelly Fulginiti McMahon died peacefully at her home in Paoli, PA, on September 3, 2022, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was 75 years old. Kathy's entire life revolved around teaching and children. She grew up in Collingswood, NJ, and attended Rutgers University in Camden, NJ. She then spent over 20 years raising her family in Haddonfield, NJ. In addition to guiding the hearts and minds of her own three children, Kathy spent many years touching the lives of other children in her neighborhood, as well as through her home-based daycare center, and by serving as a longtime Haddonfield Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader. In 1990, Kathy joined the staff of Alice Costello Elementary School in Brooklawn, New Jersey. Over 26 years of active teaching there, she educated children in every grade but the first. Kathy was recognized many times over the years for her dedication... Read more →

HANDOVER, MD (August 9, 2024)(CNBNews)--The New Jersey State Champion representative in the Mid-Atlantic Regionals, Brooklawn American Legion Baseball, suffered an uncharacteristic 20-10 loss to Northeastern Pennsylvania in a weather-delayed game on Thursday night. The loss on Friday morning to Northeastern dropped Post 72 into the losers' bracket. Brooklawn is now holding a 1-1 record in regional play. Starting pitcher Jackson Smallets struggled from the first pitch, and before being relieved on the mound, he found himself and his teammates down 7-0 with only two outs. Smallets' pitching line was 7 runs, 2 hits, 3 walks, 2 hit batters, and 2 wild pitches. For the game, Brooklawn allowed 20 runs on 8 errors, 7 walks, and 7 Hit Batters. Brooklawn next game is against Wilmington, Delaware. Game Time will be announced. Read more →

Teaching teenagers can be difficult, as can educating them and their parents. However, the talents they acquire during these important periods will be helpful to them throughout their lives. One significant set of skills is executive functioning, which includes abilities like planning, organization, time management, self-regulation, and problem-solving. These skills help teens manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals, succeed in school, and build strong relationships. Many strategies enhance executive functioning skills in teenagers, providing actionable insights and practical tips to guide them toward success, independence, and a bright future. What are Executive Functioning Skills? Executive functioning skills contain a range of mental processes that help us plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks successfully. They play a vital role in everyday life and academic success. According to a 2023 study published in Child Development, a leading journal in the field, children with strong executive functioning... Read more →

WOOD-RIDGE, NJ (July 27, 2024)(CNBNews)—The Brooklawn American Legion Post 72 baseball team clinched its 32nd state title on Friday night, triumphing over Bordentown Post 26 by a score of 7-4. The game unfolded at the Wood-Ridge Athletic Complex. In a tense moment during the bottom of the sixth inning, Brooklawn found themselves trailing with the bases loaded. That's when Jack Mustaro, the last batter in the lineup, smashed a 2-1 pitch over the right field fence for a grand slam, decisively securing the win for The Brookers. Brooklawn went undefeated in the double-elimination state tournament, beating Montgomery Superior (3-1), Lawrence Post 424 (4-0), and Cherry Hill Post 372 (11-3). Bordentown beat Whitehouse Post 284 (3-1); Allentown (4-0) and Bordentown (15-5). Earlier in the week Allentown won over Bordentown 12-2. Looking ahead, Brooklawn is set to take on the Pennsylvania champion in the Mid-Atlantic Regional at Joe Cannon Stadium in Ridge,... Read more →

N.J. towns can’t face contract suits over contaminated water, court rules by Nikita Biryukov, New Jersey Monitor July 19, 2024 New Jersey residents cannot sue public water suppliers for breach of contract when the utilities supply contaminated water, a panel of appellate judges ruled Friday. The three-judge panel’s decision unifies decades of divergent case law that, at first, considered municipal and county water suppliers as parties to a contract with their residents but later found water distribution is a government service that is shielded from some civil liabilities. “Considering both the developing caselaw and the current pertinent statutes, we conclude that running water is not a commercial product but rather a public resource held in trust for residents,” the ruling says. The judges ruled the structure of the County and Municipal Water Supply Act does not reflect a contractual relationship, noting it allows public water suppliers to set rates unilaterally... Read more →

BROOKLAWN, NJ (July 24, 2024)--The Borough of Brooklawn is expanding its local business community with the recent opening of INDIGO Dispensary on US Route 130 North, just past the Brooklawn Circle. Despite being new to the area, the owners of INDIGO are committed to investing in the Brooklawn community by planning to build a cultivation facility on the grounds of the former Webers Drive-In. According to owner Nathan Yanovitch, in the near future, the company intends to employ between 30 and 40 people. Brooklawn Mayor Skip Granston stated, "In addition to INDIGO, VP Racing Fuel is establishing their business at the corner of Browning Road and Kings Highway. A new waterfront restaurant and marina are also being developed on the banks of Big Timber Creek, near the Brooklawn/Westville bridge. We also anticipate announcing the arrival of a new restaurant opening on Route 130 on the former St. Maurice Church grounds.... Read more →

BROOKLAWN, NJ (July 22, 2024)(CNBNews)--The Brooklawn Legion Baseball Team has headed north to defend their 2023 State Championship and their 31st State Title. The Dennis Barth Bulldogs have traveled the country from New Jersey to Nebraska to Georgia and all states in between to prep for this Tournament. This season, with fewer American Legion Teams, the annual Camden County American Legion District Playoffs was abandoned in favor of an eight-team state-wide tournament hosting eight of the top teams. On Sunday, the Brookers defeated Montgomery Superior 3-1 and followed that up with a Monday rainout and played Tuesday with a 3-0 win, defeating Lawrence. The locals will play on Wednesday at 12:30 PM. at the Wood-Ridge Athletic Center, 200 Johnson Drive, Wood-Ridge, NJ. This is a double-elimination tournament. -30- The information below is subject to change. Official and Most Accurate Source of Information is Tournament Director on Site at Tournament. Last... Read more →

CNBNews Editor's Note: I can imagine the pride and joy that Allie Darrow must have felt when "New Jersey’s Dog Whisperer" article was featured in Jersey Magazine, highlighting her passion for dogs. Allie, the wife of Austin Darrow, a longstanding resident of Brooklawn, was the main focus of the story. The author, John Kellmayer, is the former superintendent of the Brooklawn School District. Below is an excerpt from that article, with a link to the full story: New Jersey’s Dog Whisperer By John Kellmayer* Allie Darrow, a twenty-eight-year-old newlywed from Deptford, New Jersey, seems to have a special gift in communicating with dogs. Darrow holds a doctorate in Behavioral Health Management and works as a Allie Darrow compliance administrator at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Darrow speaks about dogs with the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning. She and husband, Austin Darrow , who drives for Federal Express, have five... Read more →

Baseball Hall of Famer and Legion Baseball alum Rollie Fingers, 2023 American Legion Baseball Player of the Year Jacob Cyr, and Americanism Commission Chairman Mark Avis at Cooperstown, N.Y., on May 25. Photo by Steve Cloud / The American Legion The American Legion MAY 26, 2024 Last August, Jacob Cyr opened the American Legion World Series with the third no-hitter in ALWS history and closed it with a shutout to lead League City Post 554 to Texas’ first ALWS title. Given the opportunity over this Memorial Day weekend, of course Cyr took the chance to pick the brains of Hall of Fame pitchers in Cooperstown, N.Y. Cyr’s pitching exploits last summer earned him the 2023 George W. Rulon American Legion Baseball Player of the Year Award. With that honor came a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame this spring, where Cyr was recognized on the field during the... Read more →

(Photo courtesy of the Borough Police Department) The Brooklawn Police Department would like to congratulate Officer Brandon Jones, Officer Bryan Moye and Officer Lihat Selengkapnya BROOKLAWN, NJ (CNBNews)(June 22, 2024)-- --At their latest council meeting, the Mayor and Council of Brooklawn proudly welcomed three new patrolmen to the Borough Police Department. Additionally, they decisively approved several community enhancement projects. These include the construction of Pickleball courts on the east and west sides of the borough, the resurfacing of the west side basketball court with new basketball racks, and new elevated aluminum bleachers on the first and third base sides of the Joe Barth baseball field, Browning Road. The bleachers will have the capacity to hold 55 fans. The old wooden bleachers, part of the charm of the Joe Barth Field, will be relocated around the Barth Field. That baseball diamond is the home field of the Brooklawn Legion and Gloucester... Read more →

Pictured holding 2023 National Championship Trophy Defending National Champions, L-R Coach Greg Chew, Head Coach Rob Valli and Gloucester City Grad Coach Austin Darrow DEPTFORD, NJ (May 28, 2024)(CNBNews)--Rowan College of South Jersey, located in Deptford, will enter the Junior College World Series Championship game in Auburn, NY, as the only unbeaten team left. Rowan will face the winner of the Dallas College Eastfield—Dallas College Richland game. The winner of this game will need to beat RCSJ twice to defeat the defending National Junior College Champions. RCSJ needed to win three games on Sunday, May 19, on their home field to win the Region 19 Championship and advance to the World Series. Two of those wins were against #3 Nationally Ranked Northampton from Pennsylvania. The Roadrunners responded to the challenge to win their 26th Regional 19 Title. In Region 19 Championship play, former Gloucester Catholic standout RJ Mastaro from Westville... Read more →

National School Choice Week: Campaign advocating for passage of the Educational Choice for Children Act to expand school choice to all 50 states Click here to watch ad WASHINGTON, DC—The Invest in Education Coalition (IIEC), a national school choice advocacy group, launched a TV and digital ad campaign for National School Choice Week, that advocates for the passage of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). The ads feature stories of school choice beneficiaries who support the federal Educational Choice for Children Act that they say will ensure that every child can get access to the educations options that best meet their unique needs. The first ad of the campaign features Ashley Elliott, a former student from Oviedo, Florida whose parents were drug addicts. Ashley, who spent time in and out of foster care, credited the state’s school choice program for turning her life around. Now she is advocating for... Read more →

Dorothy Philbin l CNBNewsnet Columnist Gloucester High School (CNBNews photo) GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (January 21, 2024)(CNBNews)--This is not a joke. It is not even a threat. It is a law (A1181/S205) signed by Governor Phil Murphy today, Friday, January 19, 2024. The law states "to make the completion of a financial aid application form a prerequisite to graduation for public high school and charter school students in New Jersey." Gloucester City High School just got a long-awaited and badly needed center for trades programs for those who don't want to go to college but want to learn entry-level skills for carpentry, plumbing, auto mechanics, etc. Well, that doesn't matter. You and your student both have file student aid applications. RELATED: The Woodshop Class is Coming Back to the Gloucester City School District The first question which comes to mind is "did the City of Gloucester and State of New Jersey... Read more →

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews Gloucestercitynews.net graphic files The article was first published February 2022 To the surprise of many Gloucester City residents the local Board of Education in December 2020 approved the expenditure of $1.3 million to install a astro-type material on the school's football field and running track. Why did the school need such an expensive upgrade for their football field? The football team plays five home games a season. Since the school opened in 1962, a natural grass field has been sufficient. The construction started when the Covid-19 pandemic was at its peak. A time when local residents were being laid off from their jobs and small businesses were being forced to closed. Six months later in May 2021 that same Board of Education sought bids for installation of field lighting for the football field at the district's Middle School. WHY? There are no elementary football... Read more →

A New Jersey Police Captain captured on film by James O'Keefe of OKeefeMediaGroup.com scanning the license plates of citizens who attended school board meetings. In the second video, O'Keefe tries to interview , (Top)--O’Keefe’s exposé led to the NJ Police Captain announcing he would review the officers' conduct for "deficiencies." In the second video below, O'Keefe tries to speak with a former Roselle Park school district employee who had published a video simulating sex with a mannequin and pretending to eat babies. CNBNEWS NOTE: COMING SOON...More videos of O'Keefe confronting Local School Boards in NJ source Read more →

CNBNews photo PITTSGROVE, NJ (August 25, 2023)(CNBNews)--The Gloucester High Lions traveled to Schalick for the 2023 football Non Conference opener. The Lions took the opening kickoff and started play outside the 20 yard line. After a few runs and a penalty, the Lions turned to the arm of Senior Qb Jake Siebert. Siebert completed 3 first down passes before connecting with Jaden Garris on a 22 yard TD reception with 4:32 remaining in the 1st qtr. giving the Lions 6-0 lead after a missed pat. Schalick HS used a ground game with 6 rushes to put 7 points on the board to take a 7-6 lead on a 5 yard Td run and PAT with 43 seconds remaining in the first qt. On the ensuing Schalick kick-off the ball was fumbled by the Lions and recovered by the Cougars at the Lions 16 yard line, the Lions stopped the Cougars... Read more →

Bruce Darrow | CNBNews SHELBY, NORTH CAROLINA (August 14, 22023)--League City, Texas, hosted the Brookers in the American Legion’s World Series Monday night, August 14, in the Semifinal Championship at Keeter Field, Shelby, NC. The host League City spotted Brooklawn's 1-0 lead before taking advantage of seven walks and three hit batters followed by two wild pitches by Brooker's pitching staff. All four runs scored by Texas were either by walk or hit by pitch. Brooklawn took a 1-0 lead in the third on a wild pitch by Texas pitcher B. Castle allowing Matt Leahy to score. Texas used a wild pitch in the 5th inning to tie the game at 1-1. But entering the 6th inning with limited pitching left, the Brookers used Dineen to his limit when he allowed three runs to score. Brooklawn put runners on base, leaving eight runners stranded throughout the game, and had runners... Read more →

By Jessie Gomez Jun 15, 2023, 6:00am EDT CHALKBEAT CNBNews graphic file New Jersey is among the worst states in the nation at preparing future teachers to teach children how to read using an evidence-based reading approach, according to a report released Tuesday. The National Council on Teacher Quality, known as NCTQ, evaluated nearly 700 teacher preparation programs across the country on how well they prepare aspiring elementary teachers to teach students to read using an approach known as the “science of reading.” That approach relies on five core components: phonemic awareness (which involves working with the individual sounds that make up words), phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The group’s report said that in New Jersey, “no programs adequately teach all five components of reading.” It also said New Jersey is “the worst in the nation for the average number of components of reading its programs adequately address.” The study... Read more →

In response to a complaint filed by Education Law Center (ELC), the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) agreed to make major revisions to the information it provides parents, the public, and Department complaint investigators about issues to be considered in state special education complaints and the remedies that may be granted. The revisions, required by a Mediation Agreement between the NJDOE and ELC, underscore the NJDOE’s “acknowledged obligation” to investigate and remedy not only procedural violations, but also substantive failures by school districts to offer appropriate services and placements to students with disabilities. Departments of education in every state are required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to investigate complaints by parents and others regarding any violation of special education law. These are known as “state complaints.” While disputes with school districts are often decided by administrative judges in a procedure called “due process,” state complaints offer... Read more →

All this "ed tech" sounds modern and cool — but how can you be sure the devices and apps your child's school is using are actually helping your child learn? by: Crystal Yednak | Updated: April 24, 2023 Dusty media labs with old desktop computers — or sleek iPads, cloud-merging Chromebooks, immersive VR helmets, and data projectors flashing micro-films? Today, what passes for “ed tech” (educational technology) ranges widely. If a school’s technology is shiny and new, parents can assume their child is getting a modern education. But does all this ed tech really improve learning? Parents who studied with ancient artifacts like pencils, pens, textbooks, and blue-lined notebook paper might be suspicious watching their kids today, because learning is entirely different. Even the ed tech jargon students use sounds like toddler nonsense: Zoom? TikTok? BrainPop? DragonBox? What the heck is happening in K-5 classrooms today? Don’t worry. It’s all... Read more →

UPDATED By Austin Darrow/CNBNews BROOKLAWN, NJ (April 4, 2023)(CNBNews)--On Sunday, April 2 the all-new competitive basketball Shot Club hosted a Fundraiser in the Brooklawn Gym in memory of Tommy MacAdams. All proceeds benefit the Brooklawn School. MacAdams who lost a battle to ALS 9 years ago was a former councilman and a lifelong resident who continued until his passing working to make Brooklawn the best possible community for its citizens. MacAdams was responsible for the slogan "God's Little Acre". MacAdams was one of the pioneers in elevating the Brooklawn Bees Travel Basketball Team when the Bees won the NYAA National Championship as 12-year-olds. The Shot Club was recently launched on the national scene by Brooklawn resident Omar Wellington. Sunday's featured match-up was when GHS Lions Liam Gorman and Aydan Hagan (both 1000-point scorers) along with sharp shooting Sophomore Ryan James battled a team led by Colin MacAdams. Early on this... Read more →

UPDATED AND CORRECTED William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNewsnet BROOKLAWN, NJ (March 24, 2023)(CNBNews)--The latest good news for God's Little Acre, also known as the Borough of Brooklawn, is the five elementary students at the Alice Costello School who represented the district in the STEAM Tank program. The boys in fourth grade are between the ages of 9 and 10. They represent the Brooklawn School District in the State's STEAM Tank program under the team name "Door to Your Heart." Their popularity has even spurred the interest of one of the Philadelphia News stations, CBS 3. A reporter from the station will be at the school to interview them at a later date. The first page of the Team Door to Your Heart slide presentation source Alice Costello School Brooklawn School District teacher Theresa Dolan, chair, started the school's STEAM Tank club last year. On Friday, March 16, The Door... Read more →

source of photo Alice Costello Elementary School BROOKLAWN, NJ (March 23, 2023)Congratulations to Mike Barcklow (photo) for earning a spot in the annual Tim Lenaham Memorial 8th Grade All-Star Game on Sunday, March 26 at 1 PM at Rutgers, Camden City. That game will be followed by the 46th annual Albert J. Carino Boys Basketball Club of South Jersey Senior All-Star Game which is jointly sponsored with the Lions Club of South Jersey. Playing in that game are 30 of the area senior boys basketball players from the seven-county region. Nearby Gloucester High School will also be represented that day by student-athlete Sean Gorman of Gloucester High School, a forward. Read more →

EDITOR'S NOTE (February 21,2023): Yesterday, we received a comment on an article written by Bruce Darrow about the passing of Coach Bob Barth, dated June 22, 2010. Coach Bob died suddenly in 2010. The article brought back many fond memories of him, as such, we decided to re-publish it in its entirety. REST IN PEACE COACH BARTH published Tuesday, June 22, 2010 By Bruce Darrow CNB News Sports Reporter BROOKLAWN, NJ --There are times when writing a story you need more than words. Readers must be able to envision what is being written. Enjoyment in reading comes with the great ability to put yourself in the place and time that is being written. GCHS Baseball Coach Bob Barth image courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer) Listen to the Phillies on the radio; you can actually see the beads of sweat dripping from a pitcher as he approaches a batter with the... Read more →

There are a lot of things I love about my work, my colleagues and many of YOU reading Forza today. And I’m crazy about anything or anyone that works hard to influence those who influence policy, or people, or behaviors to understand what it takes to educate kids. Like these examples… Loving the Yass Prize Family of Innovators Love was in the air even before Valentine’s Day, when Yass Prize awardees and alumni reunited in Washington DC for two jam-packed days to fill the hearts and minds of members of Congress, Governors and their teams with their views on what it takes to foster an environment of innovation, opportunity and success for the nation’s students. You’ll want to read all about it here. Learning is More Than Just Thinking Speaking of love, I love this piece from Jon Schaff at “Public Discourse” about how to help students actually become critical... Read more →

Brooklawn Water Works Department 305 Town Center. (image courtesy of Google Street Maps) BROOKLAWN NJ (January 29, 2023)(CNBNewsnet)Brooklawn residents received the following notice about a serious problem with their drinking water on January 24. According to the alert, the Brooklawn drinking water has levels of Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA) that are above a drinking water standard. People who drink water containing PFNA over the MCL over time could experience problems with their liver, kidney; immune system; or, in males, reproductive system. For females, drinking water containing PFNA over the MCL over time may cause developmental delays in a fetus and/or an infant. * For specific health information, see https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/pfas drinking%20water.pdf. Our water system violated a New Jersey drinking water standard, and as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation. "Contact Mr. Ryan Gilles at 856-456-0750... Read more →

BROOKLAWN, NJ --Newly elected Brooklawn Mayor Julie McCleary was sworn into office with her son holding her mother's bible and her family at her side. McCleary said, "We will greatly miss our outgoing Mayor Teri Branella. Congratulations to our new Council President Patrick Moses and to John Clotworthy on his re-election to Council. What a fun evening we all had afterwards. I couldn’t be more proud to serve such a great community with amazing people." source of information and photos Facebook Read more →

Catherine Carrera, Chalkbeat Newark Dec 21, 12:01pm EST Significant disparities between New Jersey’s white and Asian American students and their Black and Hispanic peers grew bigger on last spring’s state standardized tests, while proficiency rates among Newark’s relatively young students suffered the biggest declines from pre-pandemic levels, according to a Chalkbeat analysis of the scores. There were drops in proficiency rates in math and English language arts on the spring tests for all student groups in the state. And Newark’s struggles with achieving math proficiency have only grown more pronounced. The scores on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments, known as the NJSLA, were released by the New Jersey Department of Education last week. The tests were taken by students in grades 3-8 in math, English language arts, and science. Students took the tests, which were created by Pearson Assessments, between April and June of last school year. It was... Read more →

[New Jersey – December 5, 2022] Paula White, Executive Director of JerseyCAN, will testify before New Jersey’s Joint Committee on Public Schools regarding the urgent need for the New Jersey Department of Education to release all student assessment data. The hearing will take place over Zoom on Tuesday, December 6th, at Noon. Please contact the Joint Committee on Public School to receive viewing information. CNB Graphic files In the midst of independent analysis showing unprecedented learning loss throughout the state, Ms. White has been at the forefront in demanding the State of New Jersey’s Department of Education fully release the 2021-2022 assessment scores from last Spring. New Jersey currently stands as one of only two states in the county that has not yet publicly released test scores. Last week, JerseyCAN co-hosted with the Urban League of Essex County the statewide digital town hall “Where Are Our Kids’ Test Scores: The... Read more →

The NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) is keeping complete statewide test results under wraps, but partial reports released to school districts show that just 39% of students who took the first ever administration of the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency PRESS RELEASE Assessment (NJGPA) last March passed the English Language Arts section, and just 50% passed the Math section. The low passing rates are a direct result of the State Board’s last-minute decision to raise the passing score on the new exam and reject a lower benchmark recommended by both the test vendor and the NJDOE’s own assessment officials. Only one thing is preventing a graduation crisis for this year’s senior class: legislators responded to the State Board’s action by suspending the exit exam requirement for the class of 2023 and directing the NJDOE to use the new exam as a “field test” only. Citing the “unique and pressing challenges” of... Read more →

The Gloucester City Helping Hand Food Pantry is holding its annual Holiday Food Drive on for your generosity Saturday, December 10. (Rain Date Sunday, December 11. Residents are asked to leave unperishable food items outside their door in a bag. Besides Gloucester City, the volunteers will also collect food from the people living in nearby Brooklawn. More information below Read more →