Business education is bringing “real world” applications to Rutherford High School. In order to keep pace with industry, the Business Education Department at Rutherford High School has undergone and continues to undergo major changes on a yearly basis. Courses such as Desktop Publishing, Web Page Design, Applied Computer Concepts, and Advanced Computer Software Systems utilize industry-standard software packages such as Adobe InDesign, Macromedia Flash, DreamWeaver, Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In addition, HTML and JavaScript programming are taught in our Web Page Design class.
Our philosophy is to be in step with current methodology as it relates to business skills. Therefore, traditional business classes such as Keyboarding, Accounting, Marketing, Fundamentals of Contemporary Business, and Investing in The Stock Market are being taught in nontraditional ways and all the courses in the department use the computer in one capacity or another and keep abreast of the ever-changing role of business and the consumer. We are constantly developing new course offerings and rewriting current course outlines to reflect up-to-date information and software applications found on college campuses and in the world of business.
The department is also proud to expose students to state and national competitions. Students participate in our FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Club, the Consumer Bowl and The Stock Market Game. We have had outstanding success competing in the Consumer Bowl and FBLA Regional and State Competitions.
Business Department Supervisor
Ms. Barbara O'Donnell
Ms. Barbara O’Donnell, Supervisor of Computer Technology and Business Education, came to the Rutherford School District in 1991 as a Business Education teacher and was promoted to supervisor of Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Technology in 1999. In 2005, Ms. O’Donnell became the district Supervisor of Computer Technology and Business Education. A graduate of Montclair State University (College), Ms. O’Donnell has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Office Systems Administration. She earned her Master’s degree in education with a concentration in computers in 1998 from William Paterson University. She earned her supervisory certification from New Jersey City University.
Ms. O’Donnell has served on numerous committees during her tenure in Rutherford. These committees include: Accreditation for Growth – Strategic Planning Committee/Action Plan Committee for Technology, National Honor Society Selection Committee, and Grant Committee for Technology. In addition, Ms. O’Donnell has been closely involved in providing teacher training in the area of computers and technology to the faculty, staff, and administration of the Rutherford School District.
Business Teachers
Mrs. Carol Drewes
Mrs. Judith Leonard
Mrs. Lindsay Richmond
Classes We Offer
Accounting
Honors Accounting
Advanced Computer Software Systems
Applied Computer Concepts
Computer Applications
Desktop Publishing
Fundamentals of Contemporary Business
Investing and the Stock Market
Marketing
Personal Computer Keyboarding
Web Page Design
