TRENTON, Nov. 3, 2025 – Dana Krug, member of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Board of Education and president of the Mercer County School Boards Association, has been named the New Jersey School Boards Association’s 2025-2026 Board Member of the Year.
The annual award honors a board member who makes significant contributions to public education; exemplifies leadership in the field of education with a strong commitment to the children of New Jersey; demonstrates a strong commitment to their personal and professional development as a board member; and shows active involvement in school governance at the local, county and state levels.
The winner is chosen by a group of judges at another state school boards association, who review the numerous nomination packages that NJSBA receives.
“Dana is a board member whose work exemplifies commitment, not only to the education of the children of her community, but to public education throughout New Jersey,” said Dr. Timothy Purnell, NJSBA executive director/CEO.
In presenting the award on Oct. 21, during the NJSBA’s annual Workshop 2025, NJSBA Interim President Karen Cortillino, M.D., stated that in her nomination of Krug, Judith Bassford, president of the Passaic County School Boards Association and Clifton Board of Education member, noted that Krug has been instrumental in revitalizing the Mercer County School Boards Association’s engagement by actively recruiting board members from every district in the county, ensuring that every board has a seat at the table and a voice in countywide dialogue.
Krug’s service also embraced outreach to the local community. In addition to her board work, she has been a consistent presence in the West-Windsor Plainsboro community, attending local events, engaging with stakeholders, and lending her support wherever it is needed. As Board Liaison to the West Windsor Recreation Commission, Krug has been instrumental in strengthening cross-sector collaboration between the township and the school district.
Board Member of the Year Award Presentation, Oct., 21, 2025. Cortellino, Krug, Purnell, and Barry Walker, vice president of county activities.
In addition to her service on the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Board, Krug has been very involved with the New Jersey School Boards Association, serving on the NJSBA Board of Directors, Delegate Assembly, County Association Leadership, and the Finance Committee.
She has demonstrated exceptional commitment to professional development and leadership in school board governance, achieving all three levels of certification offered by the New Jersey School Boards Association Board Member Academy: Certified Board Member, Master Board Member, and Certified Board Leader.
In her acceptance speech, Krug thanked individually the many people that inspired, motivated, guided and supported her in her role as a board member. She also spoke about the valuable assistance she received from NJSBA training programs. Krug was surprised with the award by Purnell, during the West Windson-Plainsboro Board of Education meeting on Oct. 7, 2025. Krug will also be featured in an upcoming issue of NJSBA’s School Leader magazine.
