NJSBA’s County Association Leadership, Urban Boards and Legislative committees met for their first-ever joint meeting on Jan. 20 to help coordinate and focus advocacy by the Association’s members.

More than 65 people attended the event at Monroe High School in Middlesex County. The summit was convened by NJSBA’s Officers, who since the fall, have focused advocacy on communication and collaboration among various segments of the membership. They were encouraged by recent successes in stalling legislative proposals that would have created a pilot countywide school district and 21 “super” executive county superintendents and would have moved school board member elections from April to November.

These proposals could reappear in the future. Meanwhile, new challenges confront school boards. Gov. Jon S. Corzine and Senate President Richard J. Codey have proposed a 4 percent cap on the growth in school property taxes. In addition, the issue of state aid for 2007-2008 is looming.

Tapping the Brainpower The enthusiastic group shared best practices and discussed effective ways for NJSBA leaders to communicate urgent messages to the membership.

The Association’s long range and strategic plans call for interaction between the Legislative Committee and the County Association Leadership to build momentum in advancing public education from the local and county levels up to Trenton.

Legislative Committee delegates will lead these teams.

Action Plan Saturday’s discussion was led by NJSBA President Kevin E. Ciak. Each of the Association’s officers has taken on a role in mobilizing an NJSBA unit in advocacy: Vice President for Legislation/Resolutions Eva M. Nagy—Legislative Committee; Vice President for County Activities Harry J. Delgado—County Association Leadership; and Vice President for Finance John Bulina; and Immediate Past President Patti J. Pawling—the Urban Boards Committee and all other standing committees.