The New Jersey School Boards Association met in-person and virtually on Friday, May 5, 2023.
President Irene LeFebvre presided over the meeting from the Association’s headquarters in Trenton. Immediate Past President Michael McClure and Vice Presidents Bruce Young, Tammeisha Smith and Dr. Karen Cortellino also participated in the meeting from Association headquarters. Executive Director Dr. Timothy J. Purnell provided his report to the board at headquarters.
The board of directors approved the following items:
- $215,000 appropriation from free balance for new NJSBA website.
- Open session minutes of the March 24, 2023, board of directors meeting.
- 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, including those of the public health crisis, ensuring that members continue to benefit from essential training, advocacy and direct service.
Workshop 2023 Update — Carli Lloyd, two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time Women’s World Cup champion, will speak at Workshop 2023 on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. A graduate of Delran High School and Rutgers University, she was inducted in the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2018 and lives in New Jersey with her husband. Carli is a great example of this year’s Workshop theme “Today’s Students …Tomorrow’s Superheroes.”
Workshop registration is open, and more than 800 people have already registered. Program proposals are being accepted until June 15.
New to Workshop 2023 will be NJSBA’s first annual Unsung Superheroes Awards. This year, NJSBA will honor staff members whose contributions often go unrecognized – “unsung superheroes” – who have made a positive impact on the lives of children. Staffers in the following categories will be recognized on the awards stage at Workshop 2023:
- Bus driver/aide.
- Crossing guard.
- Secretary/administrative assistant.
- Paraprofessional/aide.
- Custodian/maintenance/building and grounds.
- Cafeteria/food services.
- Librarian/media specialist.
- Coach/club adviser.
- School nurse.
Nominations are open until August 1.
NJSBA 2023-2024 Budget Update — At the previous board of directors meeting, the proposed NJSBA budget was approved, which includes a dues increase for many school districts. Letters were sent out to each board president and business administrator explaining the process and provided an advanced notice on their dues amount for fiscal 2024. Some of the officers and members of the Dues Reassessment Committee have been attending county meetings to address any questions members may have.
NJSBA is on track to meet budget targets for the current fiscal year.
Special Education Week — The winners of the Innovations in Special Education Awards were notified. This year, five programs were recognized for helping special education students achieve their full potential. The honorees included three programs from school districts and two private schools:
- Evesham, Burlington County.
- Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County.
- Neptune Township, Monmouth County.
- New Road School, Somerset County.
- G. Chambers School, Morris County.
The winners will be recognized at a virtual program that will include an appearance from First Lady Tammy Murphy. They will also be honored at the NJDOE’s Special Education Advisory Council meeting in June.
Executive Director’s Goals 2023-2024 — Purnell has selected three areas of concentration for the next year. He will be improving NJSBA’s services and products in the areas of:
- Content – Revamp NJSBA’s Governance I training.
- Connection – Launch a new, engaging, user-friendly website.
- Advocacy – Develop recommendations concerning NJSBA membership in a national-level organization of state school boards associations.
Delegate Assembly – The Delegate Assembly will take place Saturday, May 13. Members will be voting on new NJSBA officers and considering five resolutions.
Recognition of Retiring Members
The board of directors recognized McClure, who is retiring and has served as an officer of the Association for nearly 10 years in addition to his long-term service as president of the Maple Shade Board of Education. McClure made significant contributions to the NJSBA’s mission to advance public education through his leadership and unparalleled dedication.
The board also recognized Young, who is also retiring; Smith; and Sheli Dansky, a member from Bergen County, for their service to the Association and the students of New Jersey.
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. The board also heard detailed reports from NJSBA staff on advocacy and legislation.
Information items included Association Financials, Legal Case Summary, Executive Director’s 2023-2024 Goals, 2023-2024 Governance Calendar, Special Education Week Proclamation and written reports from officers.