New Jersey’s county school boards associations will sponsor four briefing sessions for local school board candidates in March. Coordinated by the New Jersey School Boards Association, the four regional programs will provide candidates with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of local boards of education.

Candidates will receive information on what to expect if they are elected to office during the Annual School Election on April 18. The briefings will cover issues, such as school policy, administration, finance and budgeting, collective bargaining, community relations, and relations among the board, superintendent and staff.

“School board membership is a rewarding office, but one that has become increasingly complex,” said Patti J. Pawling, NJSBA president. “The briefing sessions will give candidates and overview of the full range and responsibilities of a school board.”

Dates and locations of the briefings are as follows:

Wednesday, March 15, 2006, 7 p.m.
Montville Township High School, 100 Horseneck Road, Montville

Sponsored by the school boards associations of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and Warren counties. To register or for more information, call (877) 294-6416.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 7 p.m.
North Brunswick High School, Raider Road (off U.S. 130), North Brunswick

Sponsored by the school boards associations of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset and Union counties. To register or for more information, call (877) 294-6418.

Thursday, March 23, 2006, 7 p.m.
Hammonton High School, 566 Old Forks Road, Hammonton

Sponsored by the school boards associations of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. To register or for more information, call (877) 294-6417.

Monday, March 27, 2006, 7 p.m.
Manchester Township High School, 101 South Colonial Drive, Manchester

Sponsored by the Ocean County School Boards Association. To register or for more information, call (877) 294-6418.