The NJSBA Board of Directors met on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at the Association’s headquarters in Trenton. The board:
- Approved the open session minutes of the Sept. 15, 2017 meeting.
- Approved the Legislative Committee appointments.
- Approved the 2016-2017 Annual Audit.
- Approved the 2018-2020 NJSBA Strategic Plan. (See separate School Board Notes article.)
- Approved a one-time expenditure, not to exceed $500,000, from undesignated free balance to replace/upgrade elements of the Association’s technological infrastructure.
Annual Audit: The annual report by NJSBA’s independent auditor indicates that the Association is in very healthy financial condition, compared to other organizations of the same type and size. The auditor’s report contained no notes recommending adjustment to the Association’s financial/business practices.
2018-2020 Strategic Plan: The Strategic Plan sets 21 objectives in five goal areas: (1) Student Growth, Learning, Well-Being and Success; (2) Direct and Support Services for Local Boards of Education; (3) Advocating for Public Education: (4) Developing New Jersey’s School Board Members, and (5) Building a “Future Ready” Association. It will guide the Association through the year 2020.
Technology Assessment: Aligned with the Strategic Plan, the information technology assessment calls for replacement or updating of hardware and software to ensure effective delivery of current and future services to the membership; the upgrading or replacing of NJSBA’s customer relationship management system (i.e., the membership database); professional development for staff; and development of an IT strategic plan.
Advocacy Update: The advocacy update included a report on the impact of the November election; concern on the federal level about special education regulatory proposals; and the impact of the federal tax reform proposal.
Other Matters: The Board of Directors recognized Paul Williams, the new alternate member representing Warren County, who took the oath of office with the following returning members to the board: Diane Holzberg, Peter Calvo, Karen Vick, Ray Morris, and Cynthia Auberger.
In addition, the Board of Directors:
- Received reports from the president, immediate past president, vice president for county activities and vice president for legislation/resolutions.
- Provided feedback on Workshop 2017.
Information items included the NJSBA Legal Case Summary; NJSBA November 2017 Delegate Assembly update; National School Boards Association Delegate Assembly resolutions submitted by NJSBA; and written copies of the NJSBA president and officers’ reports.