The NJSBA Board of Directors met on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at Association headquarters in Trenton.
The board approved the Association’s Advocacy Agenda-Action Plan to guide NJSBA’s efforts during the new legislative session. The document addresses accountability, funding, local governance, staffing/collective bargaining, special education and vocational education. It was proposed by the NJSBA Legislative committee.
In addition, the board of directors approved:
- The open session minutes of the Nov. 3, 2018 meeting;
- Legislative Committee appointments; and
- Resolution Subcommittee appointments.
2018-2020 Strategic Plan Executive Director Dr. Larry Feinsod provided the schedule of activities developed by staff to implement the Association’s new Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan’s goals and objectives were approved by the board of directors on Nov. 3, 2017.
The Action Plan includes approximately 100 activities. They were identified by five staff task forces—one for each of the Strategic Plan’s goal areas. Activities include:
- Publication of an information resource to advise school board members on how they can become involved in NJSBA;
- Efforts to increase member participation in professional development, both in-person and remote, through the use of new technology and data analysis;
- Development of a technology wellness audit for local school districts;
- Refinements to the Board Member Academy certification and credit process, and
- Creation of an “Equity Council,” consisting of board members and experts in various fields, who will advise the Association and local school boards on research and best practices in curriculum, educational opportunity, school climate, policy and other areas.
Technology Update Dr. Feinsod reported that Cisco Systems will make a $200,000 in-kind contribution of video-conferencing equipment. This is a critical element of the Association’s technology plan and will enable distance learning and communication among the membership. The contribution will not only save the Association and its members a substantial amount of money, it will also move NJSBA closer to become the future-ready association envisioned by the 2018-2020 Strategic Plan.
Other Business The board of directors recognized Ginny Murphy, who was elected to move into the member position representing the County Association Leadership (CAL); Judith Amorim Dias, the new alternate member representing the CAL; and Nancy Schwartz, alternate representing Passaic County. The new members took the oath of office with the following returning members: Jennifer Montone, Andrea Olenik-Hipkins, Cherie Adams, Jonathan Hodges and Anthony Wilcox.
In addition, the board of directors:
- Received reports from the Executive Director, President, Immediate Past President, Vice President for County Activities and Vice President for Legislation/Resolutions, and
- Provided ideas on the areas that they believe the new administration and Legislature should address in the coming year.
Information items included the Association financials; NJSBA legal case summary; written copies of the NJSBA president’s and officers’ reports, schedule of NJSBA holidays (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019), and the governor’s proclamation and State Board of Education resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month.