Past Board Members of the Year, NJSBA officers, staff and invited guests gathered on Friday, June 12, to celebrate the winners of the School Board Member of the Year to network, share best practices and personal stories.
The annual event also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the latest award winner, Dana Krug, of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. Her photograph will be added to the “Wall of Honor” in the NJSBA headquarters, alongside pictures of all previous winners.
Dana Krug, 2026 Board Member of the Year.
Michael Jacobs, president and Dr. Timothy Purnell, executive director/CEO, of the NJSBA were on hand to celebrate Krug’s achievements.
Purnell acknowledged Krug’s years of service as a member and chairperson of numerous committees on the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Board of Education. In particular, he spoke about Krug being an integral part of the district’s Dual Language Immersion Program, which begins in kindergarten and offers students instruction in English alongside either Spanish or Mandarin, and serving as a valuable member of her board’s curriculum committee, where she spearheaded the introduction of six new Advanced Placement courses in the social sciences. Krug is also the longest-serving board member in her district
Jacobs spoke about how Krug truly embodies everything that a dedicated school board leader should be, deeply committed to the district’s students and acknowledged her impressive level of focus, energy and insight that all of the board members of the year bring to their work. He thanked them for all their contributions to public education, leadership and strong commitment to New Jersey’s schoolchildren.
Participants also observed a moment of silence to honor the memory of deceased board members Peggy Saslow, Linda Bond Nelson, Helen Kirsch and Marie Hakim, noting that their passion and unwavering dedication to helping children reach their fullest potential will always be remembered and celebrated.
The School Board Member of the Year award honors an individual board member who makes significant contributions to public education; exemplifies leadership in the field of education with a strong commitment to children; demonstrates a strong commitment to their personal and professional development as a board member and shows active involvement in school governance at the local, county and state levels.
