A Message from the President: Encourage Interest in School Boards

A Message from the President:
Encourage Interest in School Boards

On Tuesday, NJSBA President Kevin E. Ciak sent the following message to newspaper editors throughout the state to encourage citizens to consider candidacy for their local board of education. With a statewide average of less than three candidates for every two open school board seats, this message is one that all school board members can share with residents of their communities.

To the Editor:

On Tuesday, April 15, voters in 90 percent of the state’s school districts will select more than 1,500 men and women to serve on their local boards of education. For citizens with a sincere interest in the education of their community’s children, it’s not too late to consider school board candidacy.

To appear on this year’s school election ballot, a candidate must file a nominating petition by Monday, Feb. 25. The petition must carry the signatures of no fewer than 10 registered voters who reside in the school district. [Sample petitions and other information can be found in the School Board Candidate Kit, published by NJSBA and available at local school district offices. The kits can also be accessed at NJSBA's online Candidacy resources or by calling (888) 886-5722, ext. 5202.]

In New Jersey, the local school board plays a critical role in setting the direction for our public schools. Boards of education set the policies under which the schools operate; they hire the district’s superintendent of schools; they vote on recommendations concerning curriculum, staffing and facilities; and they serve as the public’s representatives in negotiations with employee unions.

The legal requirements for board membership are simple. To serve, a candidate must be able to read and write; hold U.S. citizenship and one year’s residency in the school district; be a registered voter; have no interest in any contract with (or claim against) the board; and not currently serve as an elected municipal official.

While legal requisites of board membership are few, the personal characteristics needed are far more extensive. School board membership is not for everyone. An effective board member cannot shy away from tough issues, must be willing to seek answers from school administrators and, as an elected public official, must be able to take criticism.

Entering my 15th year of school board membership, I ask myself, “Why do I continue to serve?” Certainly, there are no financial reasons—by law, school board members receive no compensation for their community service. Instead, the rewards are intangible and meaningful. I think of graduation ceremonies and watching my district’s elementary school, middle school and high school students advance to the next level. Knowing that my school board’s time, effort and decisions played a role in the students’ lives is—as they say in that credit card commercial—priceless.

I urge you to consider service on your local board of education.

Sincerely,

Kevin E. Ciak,
NJSBA President