Candidates Briefing: Regional Informational Program for School Board Candidates

The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), a non-regulatory, statewide association of all public school districts in New Jersey, provides support to all our school boards and school board members. NJSBA is here to help you, beginning now!

The New Jersey School Boards Association is proud to host a virtual webinar version of the popular Candidates Briefing to address the structure and responsibilities of local school boards in New Jersey. Participants will receive pertinent information on topics including:
• An overview on the role of the board member;
• Legal requirements, including criminal background checks and financial disclosures;
• The board as a policy making body;
• Mandated Training requirements;
• Ethical considerations to avoid conflicts of interest;
• Resources available to board members.

Fall 2023 Legislative Update

Over the last few months, the Legislature and the Murphy Administration have advanced several education priorities likely to impact school district programs and operations in the 2023-2024 school year and beyond. The NJSBA Governmental Relations team will provide information on new statutes and regulations affecting school districts, and a summary of other recent legislative developments. Staff will be available to answer questions on any recent activity and what we might expect as the 2022-2023 legislative session draws to a close.

Writing Collective Bargaining Proposals and What to Do With Them

In anticipation Workshop, join the Labor Relations staff for a taste of what to expect on the topic of all things Labor. Attendees will learn about writing proposals, what to expect before, during and after the exchange of proposals and counter-proposals. Learn some best practices for organizing and writing effective proposals to achieve your district’s goals.

Adapting Education: Teaching in Harmony with Individual Learning Styles

When students connect emotionally with a subject – any subject – they are much more apt to engage and care about learning. If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.

Unfortunately, many schools can’t teach students in the way they want to learn today. This generation, which has grown up online, wants fast-paced technology that’s interactive. But at the same time, they want us to be personal. They want to feel cared for.

Schools need to find, and fast-track, student content engagement platforms that have proven efficacy. This webinar will showcase an easy-to-use livestream platform that boosts content engagement and student achievement and demonstrate a way to deliver live, interactive, educational theatre performances to individual classrooms in any type of school, anywhere in the country.

We will show how to enrich the interaction between students and educators while using new technology that appeals to young learners. In other words, to make technology serve as a resource rather than just a tool.

Strategic Planning for Student and Campus Safety

The vast vendor-agnostic database allows partners to support your student safety, Social and Emotional Learning, and campus security priorities. SHI will help you find the right tools for your team to receive notifications, detailed data reporting, and professional development for analysis.

SHI’s needs assessment allows their education team to truly understand your vision for staff and student culture so that they can help you build, execute, and continuously improve your tailored comprehensive safety plan.

Cybersecurity – It is EVERYONE’s problem now.

What School Board Candidates Should Know About Campaign Finance Information and Disclosure

School board candidates, like others seeking elected office, must comply with New Jersey’s campaign finance laws. In this webinar we will discuss the information that needs to be maintained and disclosed, as well as the dates for submitting reports. We will also discuss some of the nuances concerning the receipt of contributions and the expenses associated with campaigns.

The Power of a Proactive Approach: Getting Your School Board Ready for 2023

Though you may have just put away your beach umbrella, it’s time to start thinking about how to strengthen your board for the upcoming year, starting with your re-organization meeting.

This webinar will feature Field Service Representatives Gwen Thornton and Kathy Helewa who will talk about strategies to position your board for success in the new year, even if your board will experience significant turnover in membership. The discussion will focus on the tools and methods to establish and fortify board norms, how to ensure your board remains focused on the crucial goals of your district, and effectively communicating your board’s “why” to your stakeholders.

Legislative Update

Do you want to know what’s been happening at the State House over the last few months, and what may lie ahead? Join members of the NJSBA Governmental Relations staff to learn about the FY2023 state budget and various new education-related measures that have been recently signed into law by the Governor. Staff will also provide updates on noteworthy pending legislation affecting school districts and be available to answer questions from viewers.

School Safety: The Role of the Student Voice

If you want a healthy school climate, you must listen to students. Has your district thought about how it will welcome student board representatives, now required by law (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-1.3)? Have you determined how they will be selected, what they will do, and when to include them in discussions? Join superintendents and board members from districts who currently support student representatives to the school board to learn how these students can serve a vital role on your school safety team.