Veteran board members simulated various board of education meeting scenarios at the Mock Board program. Left to right: Sheli Dansky (standing with microphone); at table: Mike McClure, Bruce Young, Eileen Miller, Dan Sinclair, Sharon Schueler, Mike Bertram, and Charles Caraballo.
The New Jersey School Boards Association’s popular New Board Member Orientation Weekend returned for the first time since early 2020 during the Feb. 3-5 weekend.
The weekend began with virtual sessions on Friday night that included small group breakout sessions. The small groups, led by volunteer veteran board members, are a highlight of this program and provide the opportunity for board members to ask questions, learn what other boards do and build a network of trusted colleagues.
The Saturday and Sunday programs were held at the Crowne Plaza Princeton Conference Center, and covered topics including the School Ethics Act, board governance, student achievement, policy, school finance and the Open Public Meetings Act. The Saturday evening agenda included breakout rooms staffed by NJSBA experts in school law, public relations and social media, among other topics, where board members could ask questions. The program culminated on Sunday in a mock board meeting led by veteran board members.
The program, which was sponsored by the New Jersey Schools Insurance Group, was provided at no cost to local boards and their members.
