On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the New Jersey School Boards Association’s officers, executive director/CEO, and governmental relations staff visited Washington, D.C. to advocate before the state’s congressional delegation.

NJSBA President Michael Jacobs and Vice President for Legislation/Resolutions Charles Caraballo spent the day engaging in a series of robust discussions on how federal lawmakers can assist New Jersey’s local school districts in advancing the achievement of all public school students. They were joined by NJSBA Executive Director/CEO Dr. Timothy Purnell, Senior Director of Advocacy Jonathan Pushman, Director of Governmental Relations Jesse Young, Legislative Advocate Harrison Silver and Chief Public Affairs Officer Chanta L. Jackson.

By the end of the day, the NJSBA’s officers and staff met with policy advisors from nine congressional offices:

  • Sen. Cory Booker
  • Sen. Andy Kim
  • Rep. Josh Gottheimer (CD-05)
  • Rep. Frank Pallone (CD-06)
  • Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (CD-07)
  • Rep. Rob Menendez (CD-08)
  • Rep. Nellie Pou (CD-09)
  • Rep. LaMonica McIver (CD-10)
  • Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (CD-12)

“NJSBA was pleased to meet with congressional representatives and staff from seven districts, as well as with both Senate offices, to advocate for New Jersey’s boards of education,” Purnell said. “Our dialogue focused on important concerns, including inadequate federal funding for special education and the importance of keeping public funds within public schools. We also discussed the need to maintain critical funding for digital connectivity, the benefits that universal school meals would provide to students across New Jersey, and the importance of maintaining Title I funding in the next federal budget cycle. Our time on Capitol Hill provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen our Association’s relationships with state leaders as they address critical issues impacting education in New Jersey.”

  • NJSBA delegation at COSSBA Advocacy Conference.

For more details on the topics discussed, please see NJSBA’s 2026 Federal Advocacy Priorities.