Whether you’re a new board member or a seasoned veteran, there are always new leadership skills to explore. NJSBA offers training opportunities to help you reach your full potential as a board member.
Sound school budgeting and finance is crucial to the smooth operations of your district.
School Budget and Finances
It is often said that the annual school budget is the financial expression of your district’s educational goals and aspirations. It also reflects the district’s financial resources and how they will be utilized, is a plan for controlling the level and type of spending in your schools during the year and is a consensus document that reflects the input of your administration, board and community.
A comprehensive understanding of school finance and the budget process empowers board of education members to make informed, strategic decisions that support the educational mission of the district while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
School finance is the backbone of every effective educational program, and a challenge for almost every board member.”
– “Fundamentals of School Board Membership”
School Finance
Below are some of the resources that NJSBA has developed to help board members better understand school finance and budgets.
Legislative Update: Assembly Committees Advance Measures on Preschool Funding, School Key Boxes, Special Education, and More
In a flurry of activity, legislative committees approved eight education-related bills.
06/17/2025
Topics: Advocacy, School Budget and Finances, School Safety, Special Education
Legislative Update: Senate Holds Voting Session, Sends No-Fee Lunch Payment Bill to Governor's Desk
In addition to approving no-fee option for student lunches, the state Senate also moved forward with legislation to create a chronic absenteeism task force.
06/02/2025
Topics: Advocacy, School Budget and Finances
State Board of Education Acts on a Variety of Topics at its May Meeting
The board continued its discussion on updates concerning the rules for educator preparation. The proposed rules will ensure alignment with recently enacted laws.
05/12/2025
Topics: Professional Development, School Budget and Finances
