Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director of the New Jersey School Boards Association, announced last week he would retire effective July 1, 2022. Feinsod, whose career in public education is in its 53rd year, joined NJSBA in September 2012.
“On behalf of the literally thousands of school board members who have benefited from the services of the NJSBA for the past 10 years under Dr. Feinsod’s leadership, I say ‘thank you,’” said Irene LeFebvre, NJSBA president. “Larry brought a lifetime of educational experience to NJSBA and never lost sight of the reality that every day is ‘all about the kids.’”
“I’ve worked with Larry as an officer for the past seven years, and I think what he has accomplished in his time here is just fantastic,” said Michael McClure, NJSBA immediate past president. “His motto has always been ‘good to great,’ and he has brought NJSBA a long way on that path. He is also a wonderful person to work with, always open to suggestions and not afraid of change. We wish him all the best in retirement.”
Feinsod is no stranger to managing an organization during challenging times — one of his first actions as executive director was to facilitate the Association’s efforts to assist districts after Superstorm Sandy. Since March 2020, he has overseen NJSBA’s response to the pandemic, including a pivot to online member training and services.
Before joining the Association, he served as the superintendent of schools in the Cranford, Madison and Mount Arlington school districts. From 2008-2012, he was the state Department of Education’s executive county superintendent for Essex County. He began his career as a special education teacher in Linden. In addition, he served for approximately 20 years as a member of the Board of Education of the Morris-Union Jointure Commission, including a term as the board’s president.
In the near future, NJSBA President LeFebvre will be forming an Executive Director Search Committee to recommend his replacement.