The NJSBA Board of Directors met virtually on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. President Jacobs presided over the meeting. Immediate Past President Cortellino and Vice Presidents Walker and Connors also participated in the meeting. Executive Director Dr. Timothy J. Purnell provided his report to the board from headquarters.
The Board of Directors approved the following items:
- NJSBA 2026-2027 budget
- ACES grant request from ELFNJ
- Open session minutes of the Nov. 14, 2025 Board of Directors meeting
- Closed session minutes of the Nov. 14, 2025 Board of Directors meeting
- 2026-2027 Advocacy Agenda
- Legislative Committee appointments
- Resolution Subcommittee 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 service.
Commissioner Nominee Begins Tenure with Visit to NJSBA
On Jan. 16, 2026, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced Lily Laux as her nominee to be the next Commissioner of Education. On Jan. 21, 2026, NJSBA welcomed Dr. Lily Laux and Dr. Joe Howe, along with Chief of Staff Chris Williams, to their first LEE (New Jersey Leadership for Educational Excellence) meeting. NJSBA is proud to be the first state association to meet with the Commissioner nominee.
State Level Advocacy
Assemblywoman. Reynolds-Jackson and Senator Gopal will remain as education chairs of their respective legislative branches. Jonathan Pushman, NJSBA senior director of advocacy, participated in Governor Mikie Sherrill’s “Delivering a Strong Education for New Jersey Children” action team.
The Winter edition of Capitol Watch has been released. This edition includes a Names to Know section, which features an introduction to the new Commissioner of Education and legislative leadership for the 2026-2027 legislative session.
New Partnerships
NJSBA has announced two new strategic partnerships. One is with the Future Ready New Jersey Coalition to help more residents achieve postsecondary degrees/credentials and provide employers with a more educated and skilled workforce. The second is with the New Jersey Education and Technology Association (NJETA). NJETA is a professional membership organization dedicated to supporting the wide range of school technology professionals across the state.
Training Programs
Upcoming NJSBA programs include:
- NJSBA LEAD Master Class Series – Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026
- 3rd Annual Women’s Leadership Conference – Friday, March 20, 2026
- School Public Relations Forum: “The PR Productivity Lab: Maximizing Impact with Minimal Time” – Friday, April 24, 2026
Workshop 2026
Planning for Workshop 2026 has already begun. The Workshop team is analyzing feedback from Workshop 2025 and making adjustments, finalizing theme and sponsorship options, and reviewing keynote speaker options. If you or your district is interested in presenting, the call for proposals and student performances opens this month (February). Registration will open in April.
Recognition of Retiring and New Members
The following retiring members were recognized for their service to the New Jersey School Boards Association and the students of New Jersey: Benjamin Morse, member for Essex County; Dr. Rena’ Morrow, member for Gloucester County; and the late Scott Nodes, member for Warren County.
The following new members and alternates were introduced: Parul Aneja Khemka, Livingston Board of Education, alternate representing Essex County, and Vickie Mendes-Branch, Phillipsburg Board of Education, alternate representing Warren County.
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 advocacy, legislation and the NJSBA 2026-2027 budget.
Information items included Association Financials, Legal Case Summary, Schedule of NJSBA Holidays, School Board Recognition Month – State Board of Education Resolution, School Board Recognition Month – Governor’s Proclamation, and written reports from Officers.
