The New Jersey School Boards Association’s board of directors met in-person and virtually on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Karen Cortellino, M.D., president of NJSBA, presided over the meeting from the Association’s headquarters in Trenton. Immediate Past President Irene LeFebvre and Vice Presidents Barry Fitzgerald and Chanta L. Jackson also participated in the meeting from Association headquarters. Executive Director Dr. Timothy J. Purnell provided his report to the board from headquarters.
The board of directors approved the following items:
- Open session minutes of the Nov. 17, 2023, board of directors meeting.
- 2024-2025 advocacy agenda.
- Legislative Committee appointments.
Executive Director’s Report: Purnell addressed NJSBA activities and the progress made in enabling school districts to meet the challenges presented to them by taking advantage of the Association’s essential training, advocacy and direct services.
School Board Recognition Month: NJSBA has received a proclamation from Gov. Phil Murphy declaring January to be School Board Recognition Month. For more than 20 years, NJSBA has been organizing this effort to honor the service of the state’s volunteer board of education members. A page has been posted on the NJSBA website with resources to celebrate board members, including sample resolutions and certificates of appreciation.
Purnell and LeFebvre will attend the monthly meeting of the State Board of Education, and the state board will present NJSBA with the annual resolution it passes to honor boards of education. NJSBA will also debut a short video thanking board members for their service via social media and through School Board Notes.
NJSBA Financial Update: NJSBA is very close to reaching the goal of 100% of members’ dues collection. There is less than $1,400 remaining to collect, and the payments are in the mail. The Association has been pleased with this year’s dues collection efforts.
Workshop 2023 was a financial success. The event exceeded its registration, exhibitor and sponsorship revenue targets.
NJSBA Personnel Update: NJSBA is continuing to interview candidates for the following open positions:
- Senior policy manager.
- Legal counsel.
- Administrative assistant, legal labor and policy.
- Field service representatives.
In addition, the search for a deputy executive director will also kick off. There will be two town hall forums to solicit input from members on what qualities NJSBA should look for in a successful candidate for this position. The forums will be held virtually on Wednesday, Jan. 24 and Thursday, Jan. 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. Details on how to log on to the town hall forums will be sent in an email blast to members. Participation is strongly encouraged. The forums will be conducted by Dr. Chris Tienken, the consultant for this search.
Recognition of Retiring Members
The following retiring members were recognized for their service to the NJSBA and the students of New Jersey: Joseph Miller, member for Camden County; Kimberly Lane, alternate for Middlesex County; and Al Miller, member for Monmouth County.
The following new alternate was introduced and asked to take his oath of office: Mark Patterson, Oceanport Board of Education alternate, representing Monmouth County.
The board of directors also received reports from the president, vice president for county activities, vice president for finance, vice president for legislation/resolutions, and immediate past president and detailed reports from NJSBA staff on advocacy and legislation.
Information items included Association financials, legal case summary, schedule of NJSBA holidays, School Board Recognition Month – governor’s proclamation and written reports from officers.