NJSBA History

"Such an organization could go before the legislature or appeal to the state department and be sure of a respectful hearing; it could not be ignored," the letter continued. "It will also unite the school boards of the state so that when the occasion arises, the taxpayers, by their chosen representatives, can act quickly, strike hard and strike with telling effect."

In 1914, the New Jersey Legislature authorized local boards of education to form a federation to "investigate such subjects relating to education in its various branches as it may think proper, and ... encourage and aid all movements for the improvement of the educational affairs of [New Jersey]."

So began the New Jersey Federation of District Boards of Education, later renamed the New Jersey School Boards Association.

Early Issues and Services Concerns of the early Federation were strikingly similar to those of the present NJSBA: taxpayers' interest in education because of the amount of money being spent; conflict with employee organizations, and concern about quality of instruction. In 1915, there was a move to increase from three to five years the length of service teachers would need to acquire tenure. And as early as 1916, the Federation was involved in a debate over the consolidation of schools.

In 1919, the Federation issued its first publication, The Present and Future Cost of School Buildings.

The Federation established a statistical and research service in 1921. A bill proposing tenure for superintendents and assistant superintendents was the subject of a special delegates' meeting in 1923.

School Funding How New Jersey funds public education was an issue even at the Federation's infancy. At the annual meeting in 1920, the railroad tax, the prime source of school revenue since 1906, was the main topic of discussion.

In 1927, the state's chief education officer asked the Federation to conduct a financial study on sources and distribution of school monies. The document is still used as a reference on early school finance and tax distribution.

In 1936, the Federation and the NJEA joined together to support increased state support for education. The two organizations continue to work together on the issue of adequate school finance and, over the years, have joined in coalitions to generate public support.

Governance/Policy-Making The 1914 law establishing the Federation authorized a delegate assembly made up of members selected annually by district boards and the election of Federation officers "as may be necessary for the transaction of its business." The delegates met annually and, among other business, were required to assess dues for payment by the member boards to cover the Federation's expenses.

By the late 1930s, a movement began among the Federation members to secure a permanent office in Trenton and to increase dues to provide for a full-time executive to run its affairs in Trenton. The idea was rejected in 1939.

In 1949, the Federation's president told the membership that the organization needed the resources to maintain quality education. He called for a change in the Bylaws to allow increased dues and acquisition of a full-time secretary. He also recommended changes in the process, in practice at the time, of having members of the Federation's Executive Committee selected by the state senator of each legislative district.

By the end of the decade, the issue was resolved: Dues increased to a new high of $75 per year, and the federation employed a full-time secretary. In 1952, a new law removed the ceiling for Federation dues.

Expanding Services During the early 1950's, the Federation rented offices at 306 East State Street in Trenton, and the first issue of School Board Notes was published, improving communications between the Federation and its members. In 1953, the first statewide conference for local school board members—Workshop—took place in Atlantic City, and legislative bulletins were issued on a regular basis.

The Federation published a new book, What Every School Board Member Should Know, a forerunner to NJSBA's existing publications in the areas of school law, labor relations, policy and school board practices.

In 1957, the Federation appointed its first Executive Secretary. The decade closed with the establishment of an orientation program for new board members, the format of which continues to today and still serves as a model for other state school boards associations.

As Federation services grew, the organization found a need to purchase its own building and, in 1963, property at 407 West State Street was purchased to serve as its headquarters. By 1964, staff had grown to three professional staff members and five secretaries. Primary publications were School Board Notes and the Legislative Bulletin. A Code of Ethics was drawn up in the mid-1960s. At the end of the decade, there were 14 staff members of the Federation.

A New Era The 1970s brought expanded roles of state and federal government in public education, resulting in increasingly complex responsibilities for local boards of education and their members.

Now known as the New Jersey School Boards Association, the organization expanded its services to help school boards deal with new laws and regulations, participate in collective bargaining which was now mandatory, and have a voice before the Legislature and other government agencies.

In 1976, the Association developed its first five-year Long Range Plan. This comprehensive plan for growth and development set specific objectives based on the expressed needs of local boards.

The Association remains committed to the Long Range Planning process. In September 2008, the Board of Directors approved a strategic plan for 2008-2011. The plan addresses resources, advocacy, and training and accountability. Significantly, it focuses on further strengthening the federation of school boards, created more than 95 years ago.

NJSBA moved into its current location, at 413 West State Street, in 1985 after occupying two other buildings in the same neighborhood. By 2005, the need for enhanced services and member communication prompted discussion about the adequacy of the current headquarters.

A Construction Review Task Force is presently considering various facility options available to the Association.

Today's NJSBA consists of nine departments, plus the Executive Office. The staff provides direct services, training and representation for boards of education across the state.

At the core of NJSB's mission remains the "advancement of public education."