Congratulations on becoming a school board member! Serving as a board member can be challenging. It also can be one of the most fulfilling responsibilities you'll ever experience.

To assist you on your journey, NJSBA provides support in all areas of board membership, including representation and advocacy, training, and information and publications. On-site assistance and consultation are available through the field services, labor relations, legal , and policy resources departments.

We hope you will take advantage of all the resources supported by your membership dues. Explore our website, review the NJSBA Membership Guide and reach out to your Field Service Representative. Your personal representative is a wonderful resource when you have questions or need direction.

Good luck on your journey and be sure to let us know how we can serve you. We're only a phone call or email away.

Governance I: New Board Member Orientation

Pursuant to the School Ethics Act, every newly elected school board member is required to participate in the orientation course within their first year of service.  More information on completing your New Board Member Orientation training can be found inside your New Board Member Kit.

Please don't let your involvement with the Association end with the Orientation.  Take advantage of your membership by using NJSBA's training, services and resources throughout your term in office. We are here to listen to your concerns, develop effective solutions to the challenges you face and help you grow in your role as a board member.

In-person Training Choose in-person training for hands-on learning, face-to-face contact and the ability to meet and network with other new board members and NJSBA staff. NJSBA will offer several one-day programs, and an exciting opportunity to attend an intensive weekend orientation.

Weekend Program (March 8 - 10) This program begins on Friday evening with a "mock board meeting" during which participants will observe the do's and don'ts of effective governance and ends late Sunday morning. Intensive training includes hands-on exercises, case studies and simulations in small groups under the guidance of experts in school district governance; general sessions on issues ranging from student achievement and school finance to board member ethics; discussion of your own critical issues during clinics led by experts in negotiations, board-superintendent relations, advocacy, policy and school law; and the opportunity to network with other board members throughout the state. The costs for this program, including all meals, materials and hotel stay are being covered by a grant from the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey (ELFNJ). Attendance is limited to the first 100 registrants.

Registration for mandated training may only be completed online through the school district office. Please contact your district office to be registered.

In-Person New Board Member Orientation: Dates & Locations

Saturday, February 2

Mountain Lakes High School (Northern Region)

Member Rate: Free · Non Member Rate: $250

Ask your business administrator to register you for this program.

Friday, March 8 - Sunday, March 10

(Weekend Orientation)*

Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, Princeton

Member Rate: Free · Non Member Rate: $408

Ask your business administrator to register you for this program.

Saturday, May 11

Southern Region

Member Rate: Free · Non Member Rate: $250

Registration and location are coming soon.

Saturday, June 1

Central Region

Member Rate: Free · Non Member Rate: $250

Registration and location are coming soon.

NJSBA also offers Web-based New Board Member Orientation. Choose the training program that fits your learning style. Completion of either course satisfies the requirements of the School Ethics Act.

Web-based Training Choose the online training option if you are self-motivated, comfortable with technology and willing to accept the challenge of being an independent worker. Ask your business administrator to register you for this program. Cost: This program is free for school board members and charter school members and $100 for nonmembers.

*Cancellations for the weekend program made up to 10 working days prior to the program date will be refunded the entire registration fee. Cancellations made within 72 hours and no shows will be charged the full fee of $408. For possible program cancellations due to inclement weather, call 609-392-2000. To cancel your registration, please email callcenter@njsba.org.