On Tuesday, Oct. 20 at NJSBA’s Workshop 2026, NJSBA’s Senior Legislative and Policy Counsel, John Burns, Esq., moderated a panel conversation with members of the State Board of Education. Members who participated in the conversation included:
- Kathy Goldenberg, President
- Mary G. Bennett, Vice President
- Dr. Nedd James Johnson
- Dr. Claudine Keenan
- Ahmed Shehata
- Emilia Reynolds, Student Representative
The conversation covered a variety of topics, including how members of the board view their responsibilities and their proudest achievements during their tenure. The panel also discussed how the State Board’s regulation development process works, how board committees operate, and how the public – including members of local boards of education – can participate in the process. (For more information on how the State Board operates, see a feature article in NJSBA’s Spring 2026 School Leader Magazine.)
State Board members also spoke about the difference in their role from that of the State Legislature. While the Legislature has the ability to craft and pass laws for the governor’s signature, the State Board’s responsibility lies with working with the New Jersey Department of Education on the implementation process for those laws.
Finally, Emilia Reynolds, who is the 2026-2027 student representative to the State Board, had the opportunity to discuss her experience so far on the State Board and offer her hopes for the future of education in New Jersey.
For more information on the State Board’s meeting schedule, meeting agendas, and rulemakings currently being considered, visit the State Board of Education’s website.
