NJSBA’s popular New Board Member Weekend Orientation returned this winter. Two weekends were held Jan. 19-21 and Feb 23-25, and provided training to nearly 200 new board members.

During the training session, the New Jersey School Boards Association provided support in the form of resources, training and advocacy to help board members tackle their role efficiently and effectively.

Board members learned how to effectively fulfill their responsibilities while attending large and small group sessions on topics including school law, policy, the School Ethics Act, ways to improve student achievement, school finance, labor relations, the board-superintendent relationship and advocacy.

The small group breakout sessions are one of the highlights of the weekend program. Small group gatherings, led by volunteer veteran board members, provide the opportunity for board members to ask questions, share experiences and build a network of trusted colleagues.

Pursuant to the School Ethics Act, every newly elected school board member is required to participate in an orientation course within their first 90 days of service.

The program is provided at no cost to local boards and their members. 

A mock board meetinåg session
(Front left and right) Michelle Kennedy, NJSBA field service representative, and Tammy Smith, Knowlton Twp. board, led one of the small groups.

(Seated, front center) Mark Bonjavanni, NJSBA consultant, and Jean Trujillo, Hillsborough Twp. board, led a small group at the February program.

Charles Muller, NJSBA’s business administrator in residence, conducts a large group session on school finance and budgets.