Rowan University’s College of Education convened its 2026 Education Summit on April 28 under the theme Collective Futures: Community, Criticality & the Future of Education, drawing educators for a day of keynotes and sessions on the forces reshaping public schools.
NJSBA Executive Director Dr. Timothy Purnell delivered a standout session for school leaders on the changing landscape of education, arguing that shifts in governance, technology, culture and the workforce have created a system more complex than ever before. He organized his remarks around three tensions he said leaders must manage continuously. The tensions identified included the pull between local control and state authority, the balance between innovation and stability, and the challenge of pursuing equity without sacrificing excellence. Additionally, he discussed how K-12 and higher education need to rethink the current model, which is destined to become antiquated.
“Dr. Purnell’s presentation at Rowan University was brilliant… engaging and entertaining,” said attendee Rochelle Robinson Hendricks, former Commissioner of Education and trustee of Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey.
Looking ahead, Dr. Purnell predicted continued state involvement in education alongside more personalized learning, schools serving as broader community hubs and an expanding leadership role for school board members. That role includes navigating uncertainty and engaging communities with care. It was a message that resonated well beyond the session room.
