The 2025 NJSBA Leadership Summit, held in June at Manville High School in Somerset County, brought together New Jersey school board presidents and vice presidents under the compelling theme, “Lead, Preside, Unify.” 

The summit’s core mission was to elevate the efficacy of board leadership statewide, delivering cutting-edge insights and practical tools to develop stronger, more unified governance. This year’s focus distinctly was designed to empower leaders, refine fundamental leadership principles and forge robust collaborative leadership teams.

As the day concluded, attendees shared key takeaways from the summit that would have an immediate and practical impact on their important leadership roles.

Outcomes of Personalized Leadership Growth: Executive Coaching A standout moment — and clear reflection of NJSBA’s forward-thinking vision — was the preview of its upcoming executive coaching initiative set to launch this fall. Dr. Kimberley Harrington Markus, former New Jersey Commissioner of Education and seasoned executive coach, unveiled the new program, highlighting its strong focus on personalized professional growth.

Unlike traditional group training, this initiative will employ a solution-focused methodology, providing individualized support tailored to each board leader’s specific needs and challenges. Participants will gain:

  • Customized strategies for complex challenges: Leaders will receive one-on-one guidance to navigate intricate political, financial and educational landscapes, developing bespoke solutions to unique governance issues.
  • Enhanced decision-making acumen: Through focused coaching, participants will sharpen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, leading to more confident, informed and strategic decisions that will directly benefit their schools and communities.
  • Sustained leadership effectiveness: This program aims to provide leaders with long-term strategies for resilience, time management and personal well-being, ensuring continued effectiveness and impact in their demanding roles.

This pioneering initiative underscores NJSBA’s commitment to highly effective, self-aware leaders capable of guiding their districts with vision and integrity. The announcement resonated deeply, with one attendee noting, “I learned that after four years of being a president. I still have so much to learn!” Another board member expressed renewed enthusiasm for their position.  Their common message was clear: Never stop being curious.

Further demonstrating NJSBA’s commitment to providing ongoing opportunities for leaders to share, learn and grow, the summit also highlighted the creation of a new “Connection” page on the NJSBA website, exclusively for board presidents and vice presidents. This dedicated platform will serve as a vital online hub, fostering continuous dialogue and peer support.

Outcomes of Reinforcing Foundational Leadership Principles In addition to the new coaching program, a central theme woven throughout the summit was the reaffirmation of core leadership principles. NJSBA field service representatives expertly guided attendees through an interactive session based on John Maxwell’s “21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” equipping leaders with actionable insights across three key areas:

  • Individual growth: Participants completed leadership profiles that aligned with Maxwell’s principles, identifying strengths and development opportunities that could foster continuous improvement.
  • Real-world application: Dynamic small group discussions translated leadership theory into strategies for improving board dynamics, public engagement and decision-making.
  • Peer collaboration: A powerful exchange of leadership stories and best practices created a supportive learning environment. Attendees valued connecting with peers, gained perspectives and realized they were not alone.

The emphasis on foundational principles ensures that New Jersey’s school board leaders are armed with innovative tools and possess a deep understanding of the necessary qualities that define impactful leadership.

Outcomes of Fostering Collaborative Leadership: The Board-Superintendent Partnership The summit also  focused on fostering strong, collaborative leadership teams, especially the vital board-superintendent partnership, recognizing that true educational leadership is a shared endeavor.

Afternoon sessions delved into strategies for building highly effective teams, with participants dissecting the core components of robust governance: Trust, collaboration and a clearly articulated shared purpose.

A lively panel discussion featuring experienced board presidents and superintendents offered invaluable real-world lessons on facilitating high-functioning partnerships:

  • Cohesive leadership through defined roles: Panelists emphasized the critical importance of clearly defined board and superintendent roles and responsibilities. This clarity minimizes ambiguity, allowing each entity to leverage its strengths and contribute effectively to its district’s mission.
  • Collective impact through aligned goals: The discussion highlighted how meticulously aligned goals between the board’s strategic vision and the superintendent’s operational plans are essential for collective impact, ensuring all efforts serve shared educational objectives. Leaders agreed to link their agenda items to board and district goals and post strategic goals on each agenda.
  • Effective communication for navigating challenges: The most emphasized aspect was the critical role of ongoing, open and transparent communication. Leaders learned practical strategies for fostering a culture of honest dialogue, active listening and constructive feedback, which is crucial for navigating challenges and celebrating successes. Key takeaways included, “Always listen!” and “Listen to understand, NOT to respond.”

Foundation of trust and mutual respect: Panelists illustrated how trust is built through consistency, integrity and a mutual commitment to their district’s best interests. This foundation underpins effective problem-solving and long-term success. Many participants found value in strengthening the board-superintendent relationship.

The 2025 NJSBA Leadership Summit underscored a clear message: The future of New Jersey’s schools depends on strong, ethical and collaborative leadership. By investing in individual growth, reinforcing core principles and championing powerful partnerships, the NJSBA is committed to actively building and enriching effective leaders dedicated to student success across the state.

Gwen Thorton is NJSBA’s senior director of content. She can be reached at gthorton@njsba.org.