Tue, Mar 17
|Ramapo College of NJ
Information is Everything: Navigating the Changing Legal and Technological Landscape Around Student & Staff Information
Time & Location
Mar 17, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ramapo College of NJ, 505 Ramapo Valley Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Guests
About the event
Save the Date - March 17, 2026
Reserve your seat today!
Conference Overview:
Regardless of your role, as a school employee, you are constantly receiving and interacting with a barrage of sensitive student and staff information. What we do with that information has profound implications for the health and well-being of students and staff members, and has the potential to either reduce or increase potential legal liability for you and your school district.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, where artificial intelligence and other technologies are transforming how data is gathered, analyzed, and shared, the stakes have never been higher.
This important conference empowers K–12 district and school teams to navigate the legal, ethical, and technological challenges of managing sensitive information in schools.
Participants will learn to:
Responsibly and confidentially manage sensitive information involving students and staff.
Understand how emerging technologies—including AI—affect data collection, analysis, and collaboration.
Proactively create policies and protocols that protect privacy, enhance well-being, and reduce legal risk.
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A very special thanks to our conference sponsor and contributor...
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Conference Schedule
(Please visit our event site regularly for updates.)
8:30 – 9:00 AM | Continental Breakfast & Networking
Light breakfast and coffee/tea will be provided.
9:00 – 9:50 AM | Opening Keynote: Understanding the Legal Framework Around Confidentiality & Information Sharing Presenter: David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA
Description: In this session, participants will be provided with an overview of the legal framework that governs the management of sensitive student and staff information, the legal repercussions when there are breaches of confidentiality and/or failures to share information responsibly, and an understanding of the legal implications around the use of emerging technologies.
10:00 – 11:10 AM | Session 1: Navigating Data, Confidentiality & Collaboration in Our Schools
Session 1 Overview: In Session 1, participants will focus on addressing data unique to either elementary students, secondary students, or school staff; review key legal requirements related to the gathering, protection, and use of that data; and explore how to collaborate effectively with key constituents to use sensitive data responsibly.
Breakout Cohorts: Breakout Session 1 will be organized according to three (3) distinct cohorts - Elementary Educators, Secondary Educators, and Central Office Administrators and Human Resources Directors. Participants will proceed to breakout rooms according to their respective role/developmental level.
Elementary Educator Cohort
Facilitated by John Worthington, Esq., Coordinator of Special Education Law, FEA, and Michael Gaskell, Principal, Central Elementary School, East Brunswick School District
Description: Explore the unique challenges of early years education. Examine how student information involving elementary students can be responsibly gathered, protected, and shared; establish age-appropriate protocols for student climate surveys; and support at-risk students while building strong partnerships with families.
Participants will:
Establish systems for sharing information involving elementary schools, including between preschools and elementary schools, between elementary and middle schools, between schools and home, and from one school district to another.
Establish systems for tiered access to student information so that appropriate staff members have access to necessary information rather than taking an “all or nothing” approach.
Develop protocols for conducting and responding to student climate surveys in early grades.
Apply strategies for supporting students with unique needs (e.g, students with disabilities, at-risk students) while strengthening communication with families.
Secondary Educator Cohort
Facilitated by Sandra Jacques, Esq., LLM, Assistant Director of Legal Education, FEA, and Timothy Casperson, Director of Professional Learning and Advancement, TMI Education
Description: Tackle the complex realities of adolescent education. This session covers managing sensitive issues, including substance use, safety, and academic integrity, while also using student climate survey data responsibly. Participants will consider strategies for balancing confidentiality with effective family communication and information sharing, both within schools and with external parties, when necessary.
Participants will:
Analyze confidentiality challenges related to substance use, safety, and academic integrity.
Identify protocols for information sharing with external parties, including law enforcement and medical providers.
Evaluate approaches for using student climate survey data to inform decisions.
Practice strategies for maintaining confidentiality while engaging families in problem-solving.
Central Office Administrators and Human Resources Directors
Facilitated by David Nash and Rebecca Gold, LEGAL ONE Consultant and former Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, and Joseph Ventre, Founder, The Cybersecurity Guard
Participants will:
Apply principles of progressive supervision to balance accountability and staff development.
Differentiate between legally permissible and impermissible sharing of staff health/wellness data.
Understand the interactive process that must be followed when responding to staff members who may need accommodations.
Create communication protocols that align HR and instructional staff around compliance.
11:20 AM – 12:20 PM | Session 2: Secure Collaboration by Design: Building Systems for Responsible Data Use
Session 2 Overview: In Session 2, participants will focus on how to leverage available resources, including Artificial Intelligence, to maximize the responsible use of data related to either elementary students, secondary students, or school staff. Participants will explore real-world scenarios, begin to explore how to assess their school district’s unique needs, and initiate the development of action plans to enhance responsible data use.
Breakout Cohorts: Breakout Session 2 will be organized according to three (3) distinct cohorts - Elementary Educators, Secondary Educators, and Central Office Administrators and Human Resources Directors. Participants will proceed to breakout rooms according to their respective role/developmental level.
Elementary Educator Cohort
Facilitated by John Worthington, Esq., Coordinator of Special Education Law, FEA, and Michael Gaskell, Principal, Central Elementary School, East Brunswick School District
Description: Strengthen your communication with families and specialists through hands-on tools and templates. Learn how to leverage technology in ways that enhance collaboration while keeping student data secure and aligned with legal standards.
Participants will:
Use practical tools and templates to strengthen parent communication.
Evaluate technology platforms for secure collaboration with specialists and families.
Draft a role-specific plan for improving secure communication practices.
Secondary Educator Cohort
Facilitated by Sandra Jacques, Esq., LLM, Assistant Director of Legal Education, FEA, and Timothy Casperson, Director of Professional Learning and Advancement, TMI Education
Description: Dive into the digital realities of middle and high school teaching. This session covers secure use of grading systems, digital platforms, and student submissions while also offering strategies for collaborating with families on sensitive issues such as mental health and safety.
Participants will:
Apply secure practices to grading systems, digital platforms, and student submissions.
Identify strategies for handling sensitive student issues (mental health, safety) in collaboration with families.
Generate role-appropriate solutions for balancing technology use with confidentiality requirements.
Central Office Administrators and Human Resources Directors
Facilitated by David Nash and Rebecca Gold, LEGAL ONE Consultant and former Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, and Joseph Ventre, Founder, The Cybersecurity Guard
Description: Focus on building sustainable, legally sound systems. Learn about fair and growth-oriented staff evaluation practices and the flexibilities now available under New Jersey law, along with secure approaches to managing data across HR and other departments. Participants will leave with templates to strengthen communication and compliance across the district.
Participants will:
Explore new flexibilities available related to staff evaluation practices and how they can be used in ways that are fair, legally sound, and growth-focused.
Assess secure data-sharing practices across HR and interdepartmental systems.
Create or adapt templates for supervision, communication, or data protocols to bring back to their district.
12:30 – 1:00 PM | Closing Session: From Compliance to Culture – Leading with Confidence, Clarity, and Care Facilitators: David Nash, Esq. and Timothy Casperson
Description: As we conclude the conference experience together, this final session brings all participants back into one shared space to synthesize key takeaways, identify common challenges, and clarify next steps for implementation. Facilitators will lead a structured reflection and collaborative discussion focused on how to move from compliance-driven policies to a culture of confident, compassionate, and legally sound leadership. Participants will leave with a renewed understanding of their role in fostering secure, student- and staff-centered systems.
Participants will:
Share key insights and “aha moments” from breakout sessions
Gain additional understanding regarding the impact of AI-driven technology on data collection, analysis, and distribution
Identify common priorities and cross-role synergies
Reaffirm the importance of secure, collaborative data practices
Commit to one next action they’ll take in their role
Leave with a digital resource folder and certificate of participation
Important Conference Information
Location
Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ), Trustees Pavilion
Audience
District- and school-level administrators
Content area supervisors and curriculum developers
PK-12 teachers
Instructional coaches
EdTech professionals
District/school teams are enthusiastically encouraged!
(See cost benefits under "Registration Fees" below)
Registration Fees
Early Registration Fee: Register by November 30, 2025, to take advantage of the early registration discount — only $175 per individual registration.
Standard Registration Fee (after Nov. 30): $195 per individual registration
Special Team Discount – Early Registration Fee: Register through November 30, 2025, and receive the special team rate!
If your district registers a team of four (4) or more, each registrant pays only $130.
Four (4) registrants: $520 total
Five (5) registrants: $650 total
Five (6) registrants: $780 total
Special Team Discount – Standard Registration Fee: Register after November 30, 2025, and receive the standard special team rate!
If your district registers a team of four (4) or more, each registrant pays only $146.25.
Four (4) registrants: $585 total
Five (5) registrants: $731.25 total
Five (6) registrants: $877.50 total
Other TMI and NJPSA special offers — including, but not limited to, the STAR Advantage, L2L Mentor, and NJEXCEL Student coupons — are not eligible for this conference event.
Important Payment Information: If you're paying by Purchase Order, please submit the PO/PO number before the conference date to confirm Board of Education approval.
All purchase orders should be issued to: The Madison Institute, LLC (d.b.a. TMI Education)
Email: support@tmieducation.com
Mail: The Madison Institute, LLC, PO Box 922, Madison, NJ 07940
For More Information: Email support@tmieducation.com.
Introducing your Conference Organizers and Presenters
Timothy Casperson | Conference Organizer/Presenter
SVP and Director of Professional Learning/Advancement, TMI Education
Tim began his career in education in 1999 as a History teacher with the Bergen Academies in Hackensack, NJ. During that time, Tim established a reputation for successfully integrating new technologies into the classroom, specifically video-conferencing to promote authentic-based learning. In 2005, he assumed the position of Supervisor of Humanities. Whether teaching a high school elective, college-level course, or facilitating professional learning programs, teaching and learning are truly his passion.
Tim has been an outstanding lead consultant and trainer for TMI Education since 2000, specializing in differentiated instruction; effective technology integration; evaluation of teaching effectiveness; and authentic-based instruction, assessment, and curriculum development in support of TMI Education's long-standing Project ABLE initiative.
Tim's hard work, impressive achievements, and invaluable contributions earned him the opportunity to assume the position of TMI Education SVP to lead TMI Education's Professional Learning Division. In this role, Tim furthered TMI's growth and outstanding reputation as a consultancy that genuinely cares about its clients and their ultimate success.
Dr. Brian P. Chinni | Conference Organizer
CEO Emeritus/Founder/Business Administrator and Advisor, TMI Education
Brian has dedicated 36 years to the education profession, serving in numerous roles, including teacher, school principal, district-level administrator, university professor, graduate program director, assistant dean, and entrepreneur. In 1999, he founded The Madison Institute (TMI), LLC, a New Jersey-based educational consulting and professional development firm committed to supporting PK-16+ organizations. Under his visionary leadership, TMI has successfully partnered with school districts, state-based educational associations, the NJ DOE, consortia, higher education institutions, and international ministries of education, contributing to numerous high-impact collaborative initiatives. In 2008, Brian joined Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ), where he served as the Lead Developer and Director of the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) program, a professor of Educational Leadership, and the Assistant Dean of Teacher Education and Certification until 2023. His work at RCNJ was instrumental in designing and implementing programs that prepare educational leaders and teachers to excel in an ever-evolving educational landscape. Brian brings a wealth of expertise in educational leadership, strategic visioning and planning, and authentic-based assessment, teaching, and learning. His proven ability to manage large- and small-scale projects, attention to detail, strong financial acumen, empathetic nature, and interpersonal skills have uniquely contributed to the organization's outstanding reputation and long-term success.
In 2024, Brian retired as TMI Education CEO, a position he held for 25 years. Today, he continues to provide invaluable guidance to advance the organization's mission and vision as TMI Education CEO Emeritus, Organizational Advisor, and Interim Business Administrator.
David Nash, Esq. | Conference Organizer/Presenter
Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, NJPSA/FEA/LEGAL ONE
Mr. Nash currently serves as Director of Legal Education and National Outreach for the Foundation for Educational Administration. His responsibilities include coordinating the efforts of FEA to promote its wide array of professional learning courses, events, programs, and services nationally. Mr. Nash is also responsible for overseeing legal education through the LEGAL ONE (Law, Ethics, Governance for All Leaders, including an Overview of New and Emerging issues) program. LEGAL ONE is an innovative program that provides school law professional development for school leaders and other educators. From 2003 to 2011, Mr. Nash served as legal counsel for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association. In that role, Mr. Nash provided legal assistance to NJPSA members for legal issues arising out of the performance of their duties. Mr. Nash also served as Assistant Director of Government Relations for NJPSA from 1994 to 2003. He currently teaches graduate-level school law courses at Ramapo College and has previously taught at Rutgers University and New Jersey City University. Mr. Nash received his B.A. from Rutgers University and graduated with High Honors from Rutgers Law School in 2003. While at Rutgers Law School, he served as an editor for the Rutgers Law Review. His prior civic involvement includes six years’ service as a member of the Old Bridge Board of Education, including two years as board president, and service on the Board of Trustees for both Healing the Children New Jersey and Advocates for Children of New Jersey.
Kevin Fahy | Presenter and Sponsor
Chief Client Officer, LinkIt!
Kevin Fahy joined the LinkIt team in January 2018 as an Account Manager working with school districts across Pennsylvania and New Jersey before transitioning to his new role in the summer of 2020. Kevin began his career in education in 1999. He was a long-time LinkIt user in the Gloucester City, NJ School District, first as a middle school math teacher, and then as the district’s Mathematics Coach, where he helped to implement a district-wide LinkIt initiative for administrators and teachers across multiple schools and content areas. Immediately prior to joining LinkIt, Kevin was an Assistant Principal at Gateway Regional High School.
Kevin Fahy joined the LinkIt team in January 2018 as an Account Manager working with school districts across Pennsylvania and New Jersey before transitioning to his new role in the summer of 2020. Kevin began his career in education in 1999. He was a long-time LinkIt user in the Gloucester City, NJ School District, first as a middle school math teacher, and then as the district’s Mathematics Coach, where he helped to implement a district-wide LinkIt initiative for administrators and teachers across multiple schools and content areas. Immediately prior to joining LinkIt, Kevin was an Assistant Principal at Gateway Regional High School.
Michael Gaskell | Presenter
Principal, Central Elementary School - East Brunswick School District
Dr. Michael Gaskell is an author, speaker, and principal in East Brunswick. He models the pursuit of lifelong learning as he mentors new principals through the New Jersey Leaders to Leaders (L2L) program. An NJPSA Stars recipient, presents on AI in the Classroom, at NJPSA/FEA, and at Rutgers, has been published in over 4 dozen education journals and blogs, including ASCD Smartbrief, Tech & Learning, Education Post, eSchoolNews, NASSP, Edtech, currently writes a monthly column for ASCD Smartbrief, and has made the most-read section of ASCD Smartbrief. Mike presents at national conferences, including the Learning and the Brain conference (November 2021), FETC (January 2022, 2023, 2024, and January 2025), CEC (January 2023), NJCEC (2023 and 2024 ), and ISTE (June 2023). He has been on numerous podcasts, including Larry Ferlazzo’s Education Week Classroom Q&A. Mike has published three books: Radical Principals, Leading Schools Through Trauma, and Microstrategy Magic. Dr. Gaskell supports instructional excellence and student success for all.
Rebecca Gold | Presenter
Consultant and Former Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, NJPSA/LEGAL ONE
Rebecca retired in 2015 from Lawrence Township as their HR Director. Since that time, she has been working with LEGAL ONE as a presenter for several HR related workshops, including both the Affirmative Action Officer Institute and the HR Directors Institute. She has also served as an Interim HR Director in Hamilton Township. As HR Director, she assisted staff with their NJ TPAF pension planning. She is adept at navigating the retirement process. While at Lawrence, Rebecca also served as the Director of Technology. She co-founded the NJ Association for Educational Technology, a major NJ Technology support group (now part of ISTE). Also, she co-founded CJPRIDE to help HR Directors recruit diverse educators in NJ.
Sandra Jacques, Esq., LLM
Assistant Director of Legal Education, NJPSA/FEA/LEGAL ONE
Ms. Jacques is the Assistant Director of Legal Education for FEA. She provides School Law Training to school leaders, educators, parents, and other education stakeholders through the LEGAL ONE program. Ms. Jacques practiced law in the Federal and State Courts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where she represented school districts in civil litigation matters, including civil rights, discrimination, and negligence claims. She simultaneously earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She holds a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Trial Advocacy from Temple University Law School. As an Adjunct Professor at both Ramapo College of New Jersey and New Jersey City University, she teaches the School Law Course in their respective Master's in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) Programs. Ms. Jacques is also an NJ EXCEL instructor and a frequent guest speaker for the NJ Leaders to Leaders Program and the NJ Teacher Leader Certification Program. Ms. Jacques has presented at Conferences for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the NJ Association of School Attorneys (NJSBA), and for numerous New Jersey Education Organizations.
Chad Marcus | Presenter and Sponsor
Chief Academic Officer, LinkIt!
Chad's primary focus at LinkIt! is district and client management, including professional development, product training, and client support. As a former Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Assessment, and Instructional Technology, Chad's insight helps guide product design, content management, client communication, policy, and procedures. Chad's passion for helping educators, enthusiasm for data, and product insight continue to influence LinkIt's short and long-term product roadmap.
Joseph Ventre | Presenter
Founder, The Cybersecurity Guard
Joseph Ventre, a distinguished Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), has over two decades of expertise in steering transformative IT initiatives. Mr. Ventre currently serves as a CIO for a statewide organization where he has played a pivotal role in IT operations. In addition to his current role, Joseph Ventre's extensive career journey includes key positions such as Director of Technical Services for the largest healthcare network in New Jersey and consulting roles in healthcare IT and business relocation projects. He brings a wealth of experience in managing complex IT landscapes, implementing data security frameworks, and optimizing technical infrastructures. With a B.S. in Management Information Systems and Business Analysis and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, Mr. Ventre is not only a seasoned professional but also an engaging speaker, poised to share valuable insights into the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cybersafety. Connect with Joseph on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephventre/ to stay informed about his expertise and contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and information security.
Ryan Winter | Presenter and Sponsor
Chief Executive Officer & President, LinkIt!
Ryan joined LinkIt in October 2008. Ryan’s focus at LinkIt is managing all aspects of our organizational growth as well as the customer experience. While his operational responsibilities include the firm’s marketing, sales, business development, finance, and human resources activities, Ryan’s greatest responsibility is ensuring client success. Specifically, this includes working directly with internal product and support teams as well as the clients themselves. Ryan particularly enjoys working on LinkIt’s Navigator with clients, our custom reporting and consultation service, which was inspired by his business background and enthusiasm for data analytics. Prior to Linkit, Ryan was the senior investment analyst at both Knowledge Investment Partners (KIP), an education investment firm, and at Rudman Capital, where he invested in software and technology companies.
John Worthington, Esq. | Presenter
Coordinator of Special Education Law, NJPSA/FEA/LEGAL ONE
John Worthington is an Educational Law Specialist for LEGAL ONE (Law, Ethics, and Governance for All Leaders, including an Overview of New and Emerging issues) at NJPSA/FEA. John retired as Director of the Office of Special Education Policy and Procedure in the New Jersey Department of Education, where he was responsible, under federal statute and regulations, for operating a system of general supervision and monitoring the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 in New Jersey. As director of OSEPP, John oversaw the operation of multiple systems, including:
Monitoring; Dispute Resolution; Complaint Investigation; Distribution and oversight of the IDEA Part B Grant; Oversight of Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities; Development of Policy, Guidance, and Administrative Code; and Special Education Data collection and analysis.