NJASECD mourns the passing of Mark Biedron, Life Member
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Mark Biedron, former president of the New Jersey State Board of Education, died on Friday, Nov. 6, after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. A resident of Gladstone, he was 68 years old.
Mark was a lifetime member of NJASECD in recognition of the contributions he made to our organization while serving as President of the New Jersey State Board of Education. Mark was instrumental in supporting social, emotional, and character development and a positive school culture and climate for all students in New Jersey.
As board president beginning in 2014, he ensured that social and emotional learning became part of the New Jersey Department of Education’s strategic plan. He was recently quoted in an article on school climate and equity in The State Education Standard, the periodical of the National Association of State Boards of Education (May 2020): “It is incumbent on the state board to dive into how we’re doing education…and how important school climate and culture really is in turning around school districts,”
Mark participated in several of our annual conferences representing the State Board of Education. On these occasions his remarks always demonstrated his thoughtfulness and his deep understanding of our shared mission. His support also contributed to the restitution of NJASECD’s funding when EIRC was dissolved.
Mark was a founder of the Willow School, a private pre-K-8 school in Gladstone, N.J., which focuses on character development, and is well-known for its achievements in environmental sustainability.
His vision, vitality, and energy were evident in every project and effort and his advocacy for SECD made a difference for the students, staff, and schools of New Jersey.
As we continue to advocate for SECD, we will think of Mark and his passion for this important work.
