The New Jersey School Boards Association held the GPS for Visionary Leadership Weekend for school board leaders at the Princeton Marriott on May 3-5.

The weekend, an intense three-day program, was designed to hone the skills of board presidents, vice presidents, and those who aspire to those critical roles. Topics included building a board team, creating meetings focused on student achievement, winning community support, and other areas vital to effective governance. The weekend also featured hands-on small group sessions, which were led by seasoned school board members who serve as trainers and share their expertise.

The entire weekend program was free to local boards of education, courtesy of a grant from the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey, which received funding from Dell EMC and Microsoft for the weekend.

Dan Sinclair, NJSBA president
The conference attendees met in small groups for discussion and hands-on exercises. Front row, left to right: Jessica Ingrassia, Watchung; Michele Ricci, Glassboro; Dahiana Grisales, Town of Dover; and Bethany Summers, North Warren Regional
Back row, left to right: Peter Hughes, Kinnelon; Peter Wendrychowicz, Mahwah Township; Lynn Anderson, Plainfield; Kevin Ciak, Sayreville, small group leader; June Cade, Hamburg; Mattia Scharfstein, Stanhope; and Kelly Mitchell, Vernon Township