Board Governance
Boards of education that are committed to effective governance can ensure that they are providing the best possible education and advancing the achievement of all students, making wise use of resources and maintaining the trust and support of the community.
The New Jersey School Boards Association has an abundance of resources available to help members learn about boardsmanship. There are regular training programs on board governance, and your field service representative can answer questions and conduct specialized training presentations. NJSBA has also published numerous articles and posted several videos on the topic.
The role of a board of education is to see that the school district is well run.”
– “Who Does What in Public School Governance”
Board of Education Meetings
A well-run board of education meeting is productive, civil and well organized. Below are selected articles that can assist boards in conducting effective meetings.
- Field Perspectives: Calming the Crowd.
- Board President’s Corner: How Can You Keep a Meeting Running on Schedule?
- Board President’s Corner: How Do I Put Together a Good Agenda?
- Board President’s Corner: What Should be Included in the Board President’s Report?
- Board President’s Corner: What Can Be Done to Make Public Comment Sessions More Productive?
- Board President’s Corner: When Is a Recorded Roll Call Vote Required?
Resource: Selected Videos
Board Organization and Reorganization
Each year boards of education must undertake organizational tasks including administering the oath of office to new board members, electing a board president and vice president and appointing any committees the board wishes to have. Learn more about this process from the articles listed below.
- Choosing a School Board President.
- Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Board of Education Organization.
- Take Advantage of Board Reorganization Resources.
- Board President’s Corner: How Do You Fill a Vacancy?
- Board President’s Corner: How Can We Do an In-District Orientation for New Board Members?
Resource: Selected Videos
Explore more videos about board organization:
Board Member Roles and Responsibilities
Board members provide a critical function as representatives of and to their communities. However it is important to remember that the power and authority of a board of education lies with the group. Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of board members from the resources below.
- Who Does What in Public School Governance.
- The Board’s Role in Personnel.
- Board President’s Corner: What Do I Need to Know about the CSA Evaluation Process?
- Field Perspective: A Return to Basics: How All Board Members Can Better Navigate their Duties.
Resource: Selected Videos
Check out other popular videos on board member roles and responsibilities.
Board Committees
Boards may choose how they operate. Some have committees, while others work as a “board of the whole.” Boards must consider the dynamics of their board and district in deciding which is the best choice. Read more below.
