The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) held its Delegate Assembly on Nov. 22, 2025, at The Conference Center at Mercer County College in West Windsor. Delegates from across the state convened for a morning dedicated to shaping the Association’s future through policy discussions, leadership reports, and the election and installation of new officers.
The meeting was called to order by Interim President Karen Cortellino, M.D.
In his Executive Director/CEO report, Dr. Timothy Purnell highlighted recent gains and achievements made by the NJSBA. Among them were intentional investments in human capital, including expanding the NJSBA staff by 16 new employees, 14 of whom are providing direct support to districts. He also highlighted NJSBA’s Unsung Superheroes award, recognizing the dedicated professionals who are the heartbeat of our schools.
In addition, Dr. Purnell spoke about the organization’s focus on three pillars: content, connection, and advocacy. Within those pillars, Dr. Purnell discussed the addition of several podcasts, including the recent addition of ‘What’s Brewing in Education Law.’ He also mentioned the success of the Women in Leadership event, which sold out for two consecutive years. NJSBA is seeking a larger venue for this very popular event in the future.
Tied to the pillar of advocacy, he touched on the legislative team’s work, specifically their ability to foster strong relationships with the state legislature, noting that Jonathan Pushman, senior director of advocacy, has been elected to serve on governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s transition team.
Furthermore, Dr. Purnell illustrated some of NJSBA’s future initiatives. Some of those include free policy manuals for every district, a customizable strategic planning dashboard for districts, crisis communication support, and executive coaching.
Resolutions
Prior to the review of the resolutions, Irene LeFebvre, chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the committee’s report.
The Association received five resolutions. One was not accepted because it did not meet NJSBA formatting requirements. Another resolution was removed from the agenda by the Resolutions Subcommittee pursuant to Art. V §5(f) and (e) of the NJSBA bylaws because it called for a reaffirmation of existing policy. Accordingly, the Resolutions Subcommittee submitted the remaining three resolutions for the delegates’ review.
RESOLUTION NO. 1
The Delran Board of Education (Burlington County) proposed new policy language for adoption by the Delegate Assembly, and for inclusion in the NJSBA’s Manual of Positions and Policies on Education (P&P). The proposed resolution requested that the NJSBA support a limitation on the period of time for which a board member’s and charter school trustee’s criminal history could be reviewed, and that it support language that would consider the nature of the crime committed before a board member or charter school trustee could be permanently disqualified from service.
The Resolutions Subcommittee recommended approval of the following substitute language in File Code 9111: The NJSBA believes that board members and charter school trustees should have the opportunity to demonstrate affirmatively to the Commissioner of Education evidence of rehabilitation upon finding of a criminal offense that would disqualify them from membership. Consideration shall be given to the date of the offense.
A delegate from the Delran Board of Education moved to withdraw the resolution. Several delegates raised objections against withdrawing the resolution, wishing to keep it on the agenda so that discussion could be had amongst the delegates on the topic before a decision was made. After voting, it was determined that the resolution would be considered, opening it to debate. Several delegates presented arguments against the resolution, requesting a motion to postpone it indefinitely. After voting, it was determined to postpone indefinitely.
RESULT: The resolution was postponed indefinitely.
RESOLUTION NO. 2
The Clifton Board of Education (Passaic County) proposed new policy language that supports the belief that universal free school meals should be available to all Pre-K through 12 students in New Jersey.
The Resolutions Subcommittee recommended approval of the proposed resolution with the following substitute language that would amend current policy language to be included in NJSBA’s Manual of Positions and Policies in File Code 3542:
The NJSBA believes that a free school meal program should be offered to all students at the expense of the state and/or federal government.
When opened to the floor for discussion, there was spirited debate on the topic, with members presenting arguments both for and against the resolution.
RESULT: The resolution was approved.
RESOLUTION NO. 3
The Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education (Somerset County) proposed new policy language supporting the belief that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education should be integrated into aspects of pre-K through 12 curricula for all New Jersey students.
The Resolutions Subcommittee recommended adoption of the proposed resolution with substitute language that would revise the language in policy file code No. 6142,
NJSBA believes that local boards of education should dedicate an equitable amount of instructional time to science education in elementary and middle schools relative to the amount of instructional time allocated to other subject areas.
When opened to the floor for discussion, passionate arguments were presented both in favor and against the resolution, citing personal experience. A motion to postpone indefinitely was recommended.
RESULT: The resolution was postponed indefinitely.
Following the review of the resolutions, Interim President Cortellino conducted the installation of officers, formally recognizing the new leadership for the 2025-2027 term:
- President: Michael Jacobs (Ridgefield, Bergen County)
- Vice President for Legislation/Resolutions: Bernadette Dalesandro (Netcong, Morris County)
After being sworn in, President Jacobs addressed the assembly, thanking the nominating committee. He emphasized the importance of unity within the NJSBA. “We are at our best when we stand together. Unity does not mean that we agree on everything. It means respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the 1.4 million students who depend on us”, Jacobs said.
President Michael Jacobs adjourned the Delegate Assembly.
