Governor Proclaims January School Board Recognition Month

In appreciation for “New Jersey’s 4,800 school board members who devote countless hours at no pay to the oversight of school district operations,” Acting Governor Richard J. Codey has proclaimed January 2006 as School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey.

“As the policymaking bodies for local school districts, New Jersey’s local boards of education endeavor to meet the challenges facing public schools and help students achieve state academic standards,” the governor stated. “By making meaningful contributions to our schools and communities, the dedicated members of local school boards have enhanced our state and nation.”

In addition to the governor’s action, the state Board of Education approved a resolution on January 4 commending New Jersey’s local school board members.

Initiated by NJSBA The New Jersey School Boards Association initiated the state’s first School Board Recognition Month in 2002 to honor the dedicated local school board members who oversee the education of the state’s 1.4 million public school students.

“School Board Recognition Month was created as a way to thank current and former school board members for their work on behalf of their communities,” explained Patti J. Pawling, NJSBA president. “New Jersey’s local school boards are their community’s voice in setting goals for their schools.

“School board members, who serve without pay, devote an extraordinary amount of time to their communities,” added Pawling, a member of the Barrington Board of Education in Camden County for 19 years. “Moreover, many board members attend training programs and reach out to state legislators and members of Congress on behalf of schoolchildren.”

The National School Boards Association also recognizes January as School Board Recognition Month. In the early 1990s, then-President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation to recognize the contributions of the nation’s local school board members. A number of other states also dedicate a month or week to recognize the service of their community’s school boards. President George W. Bush, for example, proclaimed a School Board Recognition Month when he served as governor in Texas.

For New Jersey, School Board Recognition Month comes at an important time of year. In January and February, New Jersey citizens who have a sincere interest in public education are urged to consider candidacy on their local board of education. February 27 will be this year’s deadline to file a nominating petition for candidacy in the Annual School Election. The election will take place on April 18, when more than 1,500 school board seats will be on the ballot throughout the state.

Visit www.njsba.org for ideas on observing School Board Recognition Month in your community.