Past Board Members of the Year, NJSBA officers and staff gathered on Monday, June 2 to celebrate the winners of the School Board Member of the Year award and offer an opportunity for them to network, share best practices, personal stories and ideas for NJSBA programs and services.
The annual event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the latest award winner, Charles Caraballo of the Bloomingdale Board of Education. His photograph was added to the “Wall of Honor” in the first-floor conference room at NJSBA headquarters, alongside pictures of all previous winners.
NJSBA President Tammeisha D. Smith and Dr. Timothy Purnell, the Association’s executive director/CEO, were on hand to celebrate Caraballo’s achievements.
President Smith acknowledged his 12 years of service as a member, president, and chairperson of numerous committees on the Bloomingdale Board of Education. In particular Smith spoke about Caraballo’s service as board liaison to the township seniors, mayor and council and his strong support of Bloomingdale’s Senior-Student Bridge Program, which pairs middle school students with local senior citizens, a project that builds support for the school district and connects generations to enrich the lives of students.
Smith spoke about Caraballo’s role as small group leader at NJSBA’s New Board Member Orientation Weekend and earning the designations of Certified Board Member, Master Board Member and Certified Board Leader.
Dr. Purnell also spoke about the impressive level of focus, energy and insight that Caraballo brings to his work as a board of education member.
Purnell went on to thank all of the winners of the award for their contributions to public education, their leadership and strong commitment to the children of New Jersey.
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. Though they are no longer with us, their passion and unwavering dedication to helping the children of New Jersey 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 the children of New Jersey; 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.
