The Essex County School Boards Association welcomed numerous high-profile educators and public officials at its Nov. 10 meeting highlighting the theme of “Equity, Diversity and Equality.”
Meeting attendees included Sheila Oliver, New Jersey’s lieutenant governor; Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, acting commissioner of the New Jersey State Department of Education; Josephine Garcia, president of the Essex County School Boards Association; Catherine Connors, a teacher at West Orange High School; Maura Baker of West Orange High School, who is the student representative to the State Board of Education, and was a speaker at 2021 Workshop; Terry Tucker, president of the East Orange Board of Education; and Theresa Maughan, a teacher at East Orange STEM Academy and the 2021-2022 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.
“We were honored to have the lieutenant governor, and the acting commissioner join us, as well as the student representative to the State Board, and New Jersey’s Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director of the NJSBA. “Our county school board meetings are so important, and striving for equity, diversity and equality is something all districts should make a priority. With so many notable guests and the large turnout at this meeting, it’s clear to me that our members are making this a priority.”
Numerous representatives from the NJSBA also attended the meeting, including Dr. Feinsod; Tammeisha Smith, vice president for finance; Charlene Peterson, field services representative; Jonathan Pushman, director of governmental relations, who participated virtually; and others.
Also at the meeting was Ray Pinney, NJSBA’s director of member engagement, who recognized numerous board members celebrating anniversary milestones and/or new Board Member Academy certifications.
The county school boards association meetings are opportunities for board members to receive professional development and up-to-date information on current education initiatives, legislation and regulations affecting public schools. The meetings enable board members to stay connected and work together to advance the achievement of all public-school students in New Jersey.
Watch a short video highlighting the meeting.
View a list of school boards associations by county and learn about upcoming meetings.