The New Jersey School Boards Association is mourning the loss of Donald Webster Jr., who led the association as president from 2014 to 2017 and spent more than two decades championing public education. Family and friends gathered at the Manchester Memorial Funeral Home on Nov. 2 to honor his memory.
Webster, of Whiting, served 22 years on the Manchester Township Board of Education, including a term as its president. At NJSBA, he served two terms as vice president for finance before members elected him to the association’s top post.
“Don was an extremely passionate and dedicated leader who cared deeply about public education and the work of local school boards,” said Dr. Timothy Purnell, NJSBA executive director. “He was particularly committed to school safety and security, playing an instrumental role in advancing NJSBA’s efforts in this area, including our initial School Security Task Force report in 2014. Don was also actively involved with Sustainable Jersey for Schools and was a strong advocate for creating safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for students.”
School safety was the cause most closely tied to Webster’s name. He co-chaired the NJSBA School Security Task Force, whose October 2014 report, What Makes Schools Safe?, offered 45 recommendations for local districts and for state and federal policymakers. Those recommendations covered six areas, including security personnel, school climate and policy and planning.
His work on the issue went well beyond that report. He represented NJSBA on the state’s New Jersey School Security Task Force, formed after the 2012 Sandy Hook tragedy, which issued its own recommendations in 2015. In 2018, as immediate past president, he chaired NJSBA’s School Security Committee, which updated the 2014 report and added 15 new recommendations on topics such as emergency response and recovery, law enforcement in schools and cybersecurity.
More than a decade later, the framework he helped build still shapes how New Jersey school boards think about keeping students and staff safe.
Webster believed that decisions about children’s education belong close to home. When he took office as NJSBA president, he put it plainly: “It is my belief that those who know what’s best for our kids’ education are the citizens of our local communities and the educational professionals we have hired to run our schools.”
He paired that conviction with a steady focus on student achievement. He also carried his advocacy to Congress, where he championed school safety, sustainability and federal funding for public schools.
Webster grew up in Yardville and graduated from Hamilton High School East in 1972. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from James Madison University and an MBA in financial management from Rutgers School of Business.
He went on to spend more than 30 years working for the State of New Jersey. He retired in 2009 as assistant director of the Office of Budget Planning and Fiscal Monitoring at the New Jersey Department of Human Services. That financial expertise served school boards well during his years as NJSBA’s vice president for finance.
His commitment to young people reached beyond the board table. He was a licensed U.S. Soccer Federation referee, a PTA member and a former adjunct faculty instructor at Ocean County College.
Away from his public commitments, Webster loved a round of golf, cheering on the Scarlet Knights at Rutgers football games and setting sail on cruises with his wife, Carol.
Those who served alongside him will remember a leader who brought a budget expert’s precision and a genuine devotion to students to public education. Students across New Jersey learn in safer schools today because of the questions he asked and the answers he pursued.
Several Past Presidents Paid Tribute to Webster
“Don was a wonderful friend to every officer at NJSBA. As you learned the role to which you had been elected, he never criticized, instead he offered support and guidance, much to the benefit of the association. In retirement, NJSBA and the needs of all of our members became his full-time passion alongside of the occasional golf game. I feel blessed to have known him and will sorely miss his presence at everything NJSBA.” Irene LeFebvre, NJSBA President 2021-2023
“It is a rare occurrence when a person is so special in your life that you remember the very first day you met. I first met Don Webster on the day he was nominated to be VP of Finance for NJSBA, and I was nominated to be President. Little did I know at the time that day would be the start of a very special friendship.
Over the years, my respect and admiration for Don grew and grew. He was a quiet, thoughtful, and respected leader. We shared many meetings together, co-chaired many committees, wrote white papers and talking points, and presented many programs both in New Jersey and nationally. The breadth of his knowledge and perspective on school issues was vast, and he was always willing to share his insights to the benefit and betterment of others. In particular, during his tenure as Association President, his leadership and guidance were on full display.
Separately, our bond extended well beyond NJSBA matters, and our friendship will forever be cherished. While NJSBA was our “matchmaker”, I will always treasure the many rounds of golf, Rutgers football games and social events that we shared together over the years. I will forever miss my dear friend and extend my deepest condolences to Carol and Family.” Raymond R. Wiss, NJSBA President 2010-2012
“Don Webster was a true gentleman who spoke softly, but always with purpose and meaning. He was a man of principle, stewardship, and discipline—qualities that defined both his leadership and his character. His commitment to school safety and expanding educational opportunities reflected his dedication to the children of New Jersey. I had the pleasure of sharing many rounds of golf with Don over the years, and will remember him not only for his contributions to public education, but for the warmth, integrity, and quiet dignity he brought to every occasion. My deepest sympathies go out to Carol and the entire Webster family. Don will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.” Kevin Ciak, NJSBA President 2006-2008
Webster is survived by his wife, Carol Webster, of Whiting, NJ; his children, Dawn Webster of Philadelphia, PA, Patricia Webster (Danny) of Dover, NJ, and David Webster (Sarah) of Pueblo, CO; his granddaughter, Isabella; and his sister, Nancy Rosenthal (Lee), of Mansfield Township, NJ.
Donations may be made to Educational Leadership Foundation of NJ www.elfnj.org.
