By Dr. Larry Feinsod

Ten months ago at NJSBA’s Delegate Assembly, I opened the meeting with a special greeting to the membership: “Good morning to New Jersey’s citizens extraordinaire!”

I meant it. The leadership of our state’s 5,000 school board members, their enthusiasm for public education, and their aspirations for our students are inspiring.

These qualities are exemplified by the recipient of NJSBA’s annual School Board Member of the Year program. Today, I am pleased to announce that the 2017-2018 Board Member of the Year is Bruce Young of the Carlstadt Board of Education. Bruce has more than 26 years of local board of education service on the Carlstadt board and, previously, on the Carlstadt-East Rutherford Board of Education. He is also president of the Bergen County School Boards Association.

Bruce’s resume, reflecting his work at the local school board, county association and state levels, is impressive. Even more so is the sincere commitment he has brought to each office he has held.

In her letter of nomination, Bruce’s colleague, Judith Bassford, president of the Passaic County School Boards Association, succinctly summarized his contributions to education.

“Bruce Young’s impeccable work ethic and his commitment to education throughout New Jersey are reflective in the countless hours he has given at the local, county and state education board levels,” she wrote. “It is the very reason I am honored to recommend him as NJSBA School Board Member of the Year.” Simply stated, Bruce represents the best attributes of each and every school board member in New Jersey. He is a quality human being.

An independent committee at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association reviews the nominees for our Board Member of the Year program and selects the winner. This year’s program, the 14th annual, attracted a number of nominees, many of whom I know and respect for their dedication to public education—all truly “citizens extraordinaire.”

So, if you plan to attend Workshop 2017, please join us in honoring Bruce Young during a special ceremony in the Exhibit Hall Theatre at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24.  It will be a celebration of our 2017-2018 “citizen extraordinaire”—and the contributions of all New Jersey local school board members.

These are my Reflections. I look forward to hearing yours. Contact me at [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter: @DrLarryFeinsod