The NJSBA Board of Directors met in-person and virtually on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026. President Michael Jacobs presided over the meeting from the Association’s headquarters in Trenton. Immediate Past President Karen Cortellino and Vice Presidents Dr. Tom Connors and Barry Walker also participated in the meeting from Association headquarters. Executive Director Dr. Timothy J. Purnell provided his report to the board from headquarters.
The Board of Directors approved the following items:
- Resolution concerning Group Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits
- Termination of participation in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP)
- Joining the Southern New Jersey Regional Employee Benefits Fund
- The Southern New Jersey Regional Employee Benefits Fund Indemnity and Trust Agreement
- Appointment of a Fund Commissioner
- Donation to the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey
- Open session minutes of the Jan. 30, 2026, Board of Directors meeting
- Legislative Committee appointments
Executive Director’s Report: Dr. Purnell addressed NJSBA activities and the progress made in enabling school districts to meet the challenges presented to them, ensuring that members continue to benefit from essential training, advocacy, and direct services.
Crisis Communication Service – NJSBA has launched a new Crisis Communication Service in partnership with Laura Bishop Communications. This offering connects members and districts with experienced, vetted communications professionals when needed the most. The goal is to help members respond thoughtfully, communicate effectively, and maintain public confidence.
FREE Policy Manual Update – NJSBA is offering members free access to its policy manual. Since the January launch, 80 districts and seven charter schools have downloaded the new Core Online Policy Manual. The Policy Services department is preparing its first set of updates, which will be available on April 1. Notifications will be sent via School Board Notes and directly via e-mail to those who currently subscribe. The updates will include new policy language on electronic notice requirements under the Sunshine Law and the bell-to-bell cell phone ban, among others. Next month, Policy Services will host a live, interactive webinar titled “NJSBA Policy Briefing: Key Updates for Districts and Charter Schools.”
Spring Training Programs – Upcoming NJSBA programs include:
- NJSBA LEAD Master Class Series – April 8, April 22, and May 6
- Now being offered in the evening (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
- NJSBA/NJASA Women’s Leadership Breakfast – April 22
- School Public Relations Forum – April 24
- Virtual Spring Conference – May 8
- Technology Conference – June 5
- Spring School Law Forum – June 11
Workshop 2026 – The team has been hard at work on Workshop 2026, set for October 19–22. The call for program proposals is closed. Registration and housing open April 1.
Recognition of Retiring and New Members
The following new members and alternates were introduced: Jennifer Knittel, Washington Township Board of Education, member representing County Association Leadership.
The Board of Directors also received reports from the president, vice president for county activities, vice president for finance, and immediate past president, and detailed reports from NJSBA staff on civility, advocacy, and legislation.
Information items included Association financials, legal case summary, and written reports from officers.
