The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) is a non-partisan, state-created federation of boards of education founded in 1914. It provides mandated governance training to the board of education members representing 580 public school districts and the trustees representing the majority of the state’s charter schools.

The Trenton, N.J.-based group has a full-time professional staff, deemed school officials as defined by the state School Ethics Commission. The NJSBA delivers direct services, professional learning, advocacy and resources to school boards across the state to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students.

The NJSBA serves as a one-stop-shop for public school boards concerning policy, news and information, legal and labor relations resources and services specifically geared for elected and appointed local board of education officers.

The Association offers its members unparalleled service so they can positively support the education of New Jersey’s 1.4 million public school students.

How We’re Managed

The day-to-day operations of the organization are managed by NJSBA’s executive director, Dr. Tim Purnell.

NJSBA is overseen by an elected Board of Directors, representative of the Garden State’s 21 county school boards associations, and urban, county and vocational boards. The board is led by an elected Executive Committee, consisting of five officers tasked with monitoring the organization’s operations and finances.

The semi-annual Delegate Assembly is NJSBA’s primary policymaking body, and charts its advocacy agenda, establishes the bylaws that govern its operations, and elects Association officers. Most NJSBA policies are derived from resolutions submitted by local boards of education for consideration at the NJSBA Delegate Assembly and are voted upon by delegates from each district.

NJSBA also provides oversight and direct support to the state’s 21 county school boards associations, which offer regular meetings, training and support.

Annual Workshop Conference

Every October, the NJSBA, along with the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) and the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO), sponsors an annual Workshop, the largest professional development conference in New Jersey for school officials. Typically it attracts thousands of board members, superintendents and school business administrators, and other school district staff.

The Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey

In 2008, the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey (ELFNJ) was established. The organization, which has 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax status, was established to secure non-tax revenue to advance effective public school governance through the training of local school board members and research.

Committees

NJSBA oversees numerous standing committees that study critical educational issues or assist in the governance process in the following areas: legislative, resolutions, school finance, special education, audit, urban boards, standards and assessment, ethics and NJSBA finance.

NJSBA Cooperative Pricing System

NJSBA also provides school districts with cooperative pricing system programs to provide cost-saving opportunities. Among the cooperative programs is the Alliance for Competitive Energy Services (ACES), which offers electricity and natural gas at discounted prices through the largest energy aggregation program in the state; NJSBA Technology and Cybersecurity Solutions; 21st Century Classroom Solutions;IT and telecommunication audits; E-Rate consulting; and cloud and managed services.

Visit Us Online

NJSBA has a robust online presence through its official website, njsba.org, and on social media on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Take Advantage of Your NJSBA Membership

NJSBA’s professional team is experienced, knowledgeable and innovative in thought and practice. Staff also must legally abide by stringent state ethical standards, just as board members do when they are sworn into office.

We are living in extraordinary times filled with both unprecedented challenges and new opportunities that will help our members remain adaptable, productive and resilient. Our collective purpose is simple: We do whatever it takes to serve members and help them carry out their responsibilities, tackle tough challenges and realize the rewards of successful boardsmanship.

Your NJSBA professional team is just an email away. Contact us through the website.