13 Things School Board Members Wish People Knew About Them
Published in School Leader Magazine (November|December 2018)

1.   We are the best trained elected officials in the state.

New Jersey requires school board members to take training courses that cover topics such as policy, school finance, student achievement, labor relations and school law.

These courses must be taken in the first, second and third years of a board member’s first term in office. Then, in the first year of any re-elected or reappointed term, the board member must undergo training on recent developments in school law. No other elected officials in the state are required to take such training.

2.   We have to go through a criminal background check before taking office.

Again, this is a mandate that no other elected officials must go through. Before taking office, we undergo a criminal background check to ensure we haven’t been convicted of crimes that would disqualify us for school board service.

3.   We have to adhere to a code of ethics.

The Code of Ethics for School Board Members says, among other things, that board members will not administer schools but see that they are well-run; that board members will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed would injure individuals or the schools; and that board members will make decisions based on ethe educational welfare of children. Here is the entire code of ethics.

4.   We are legally required to go into executive session when we discuss certain matters.

At a school board meeting, when the board adjourns to go into executive, or “closed” session, sometimes people don’t understand the function of such as session. They think that perhaps the board would just rather conduct its business out of the public eye. But there are solid legal reasons why boards have to do this: they are required to protect the privacy of employees and students when discussing certain matters. Examples of other topics that need to be kept confidential would include anticipated litigation and issues that invoice attorney-client privilege, negotiations with labor unions; matters involving the purchase or property and issues dealing with security that could undermine safety if made public.

5.   We can't tell you the "real" reason that teacher was non-renewed...or that student got suspended.

One of the core values we observe—and a tenant of the Code of Ethics for School Board Members—is observing confidentiality.

6.   We're not the person to talk to if you have a problem with your child's teacher.

Our mandate is to oversee the management of the schools, not to manage them. That means complaints about a teacher need to go through the chain of command. First, parents need to talk to the teacher, then perhaps the department supervisor, the principal…and so on up to the superintendent. So if you tell me about a problem with a teacher, the first thing I’ll say is: Have you talked with the teacher and the principal?

7.   At school board meetings, the public comment period is for the members of the public to comment, not engage in a discussion with board members.

State law requires a public comment period at board meetings, but it is not a time for board members to engage in a dialog with members of the public. If a member of the public has a question, school district staffers will sometimes answer, and sometimes will get back to them later with the information.

Boards are allowed to establish reasonable restrictions on the time, place and manner of public comment. For instance, school boards typically set guidelines on the length of an individual’s comment time, so no one person dominates the meeting. There is no required format for public comment; some boards have one public-comment period per meeting, others have more.

8.   We don't get keys to the school buildings.

Again, we don’t run the school district, we see that it is properly run. Building administrators have keys to the buildings, but we don’t. So don’t call us at 9:30 p.m. when the building is locked and your child left his math book in the locker.

9.   We don't get paid a salary!

More often than you’d think, we have to educate people about the fact that being a school board member is an unpaid gig. There are some school districts in some states, including Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and California that pay school board members, but not in New Jersey. Not now, not ever.

10.   We only oversee one employee: the superintendent.

The board votes on recommendations for hiring (and non-renewal) that the superintendent makes, but we only truly have complete authority over the hiring of one employee: the chief school administrator.

11.   One or two board members can't enact new policies.

The board only has authority to act when a majority of its members vote on something. That means no matter how strongly one or two board members feel about an issue, or how often they bring something up at meetings, unless they can convince a majority of their colleagues to see things their way, they don’t have a the power to do anything.

The board only has authority to act when a majority of its members vote on something. That means no matter how strongly one or two board members feel about an issue, or how often they bring something up at meetings, unless they can convince a majority of their colleagues to see things their way, they don’t have a the power to do anything.

12.   We don't decide when school is closed for a snow day.

That call belongs to the superintendent. To be honest, we wouldn’t even want to make that decision!

13.   We take great pride in the most satisfying part of our job: having a lasting impact on the education of the children in our community, and helping every child reach his or her full potential.

As veteran board members will tell you, it is immensely satisfying to watch their district’s schoolchildren at graduation, at a musical or theater performance, at an athletic event, or receiving some sort of recognition. Research has shown that the decisions that boards of education make can positively impact student achievement. Just knowing that their service on the board contributed to that child’s success, makes all those long evening meetings worth it!

Superintendent and Board Member Roles & Responsibilities

The role of the board of education is to oversee the management of the school district, not to manage it. The management is the responsibility of the superintendent.

What is the role of the Board of Education?

1. Setting district policies and goals to see the district is well run.
2. Communicating policies and goals to the superintendent
3. Overseeing the budget
4. Hiring and evaluating the superintendent
5. Serving as the communications link between the community and the school district
6. Representing the concerns of the community
7. It does not operate the district's day-to-day business
8. It does not communicate directly with staff. Any concerns, questions, or comments regarding staff must be referred back to the Superintendent or chain of command.

What is the role of the superintendent?

The Superintendent’s responsibilities fall into three areas:

1. Primary advisor to the Board of Education - The superintendent briefs the board on district issues and provides updates on district operations as well as background information, alternatives, suggestions, and recommendations before Board decisions are made. The superintendent may ask other district staff to attend board meetings to give reports on particular items.
2. Chief Executive Officer of the school district - Responsible for administering the policies adopted by the school board and for running the school system on a daily basis. The superintendent is accountable to the board regarding how well the district is run.
3. Educational leader of the community - It’s the superintendent’s job to evaluate and assess how district policies are being implemented at all levels. The superintendent ensures that all issues on an agenda for board action are accompanied by his/her recommendation, including staff input and study when necessary. The superintendent also acts as the liaison to the Board for all district employees.

What happens at Board of Education meetings?

At public meetings, the Board of Education takes official action on school business, discussion policy and confirms personnel appointments recommended by the Superintendent. Board members have the opportunity to discuss items prior to voting on official agenda items. At every public meeting of the Board, there are two opportunities for the public to address the Board.

Where and when can I get minutes from a previous Board of Education meeting?

Minutes of public Board of Education meetings are available on the district website. Board minutes are presented for approval at subsequent Board meetings, in order to be voted into the public record.

Where can I get a copy of an upcoming Board of Education meeting agenda?

Board of Education agendas are available on the district website on Friday afternoon prior to the meeting.

How and when may I address the Board during a Board of Education meeting?

• Board Policy 0167 - PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN BOARD MEETINGS

The Board seeks public comment twice during the regular public meeting. The first opportunity for comment is under the agenda item "Public Comments on Agenda Items." Members of the community may comment on any action item prior to Board discussion.  They are required to fill out a "blue public speaker form" prior to speaking which includes their name, address, and reason for speaking. When called to speak, individuals need to state their name and address for the record. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to no more than three (3) minutes’ duration. All comments must be respectfully presented. Abusive or obscene comments will not be tolerated. 

Later in the meeting, there is a second opportunity for public comment under the agenda item "Public Comments". The second public comments allows students, parents, employees, and community members to comment on any item of interest pertaining to the Roxbury Township Public Schools. The public member must complete a "blue public speaker form" prior to speaking which includes their name, address, and reason for speaking. When called to speak, individuals need to state their name and address for the record. Each statement made by a participant shall be limited to no more than three (3) minutes’ duration. All comments must be respectfully presented. Abusive or obscene comments will not be tolerated.

All statements, questions, and inquiries made during Public Comment—whether related to agenda or non-agenda items—must be directed to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee. Any comments or questions directed to an individual Board member will be redirected to the Superintendent, who will determine whether the matter should be addressed by the presiding officer on behalf of the Board or by the individual Board member. Please note that the Public Comment period is not intended to serve as a forum for dialog or back-and-forth discussion.

Why does the Board go into closed Executive Session?

The Roxbury Township Board of Education may meet in closed Executive Session prior to, or at the end of, a regular public meeting. In accordance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (aka the "Sunshine Law"), closed Executive Sessions are not open to the public. Although debate may be private, any action taken must be in public session. The Board will indicate that "action may be taken" when they return to public session and before the meeting is adjourned.

Only items that fall under the following topics may be discussed during closed Executive Session:

• Collective bargaining agreements/proposals or other contracts
• Personnel issues
• Matters confidential by law
• Items protected by attorney-client privilege
• Matters of individual privacy
• Specific pending or anticipated litigation
• Purchase or lease of real estate
• Protecting public safety

It seems the school board rapidly works through the agenda, without much debate. Why is that?

The school board has committee meetings where certain members of the board, often worked with the Superintendent or key administrators, study a specific issue and make recommendations to the full board for a vote. By the time the board has a meeting where it votes on issues, the agenda items have usually been vetted or studied already.

What is the difference between the school board's policy and state regulations and statutes?

Statutes are the laws that are enacted by legislation in Trenton. Usually the law will contain broad language on an issue, and it will authorize the appropriate state agency (which would be the New Jersey Department of Education, or NJDOE, in the case of school law) to write regulations, also called "administrative code," that detail how the law will be carried out. Local public schools must adhere to state statute and regulations. There are many aspects of school management that the state does not manage. Those are covered by the local school board's policies, which are the school board's rules and guidelines that detail how the district will operate. Policies address many issues ranging from student discipline and dress codes to whether the district will rent the gym to community groups after school hours. The state generally does not delve into the oversight of local board policies unless there is a specific law requiring boards to have policies on an issue (such as school bullying), or if the local board's policies are found to be arbitrary or capricious, or have otherwise run afoul of state laws and regulations.

How is the Board of Education selected?

Members are elected to three-year terms by the local voters. School board elections are in November. Board members elected in November will be sworn in and take their seats at the Reorganization meeting in January.

If a vacancy occurs between elections, the current Board will appoint a new board member to serve until the next election. Appointed members will be sworn in and take their seats at the next regular public meeting of the Board.

What are the legal requirements to become a Board member?

To become a member of a local Board of Education in New Jersey, you must:

• Be able to read and write
• Hold U.S. citizenship and one year's residency in the school district
• Have no interest in any contract with, or claim against the Board
• Not hold office as mayor or member of the municipal government body, or in the case of county school districts, the county governing body
• Be registered to vote in the district

What is the Board member's Code of Ethics?

All school board members in New Jersey are required to abide by the following Code of Ethics for School Board Members:

• I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.
• I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.
• I will confine my board actions to policy making, planning, and appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.
• I will carry out my responsibility, not to administer the schools, but, together with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run.
• I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board.
• I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends.
• I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, I will provide accurate information and, in concert with my fellow board members, interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its school.
• I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after considerations of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer.
• I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties.
• I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.

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If I have a question or concern about something in the district, whom should I contact?

If you have a concern, we encourage you to talk first with the teacher or principal, next the department supervisor, and finally the superintendent. Should the superintendent be unable to resolve a problem, and it involves district policy, school board members and agenda items, the budget or requests for specific courses or programs, the Board of Education is the final step in the process. Please remember that all personnel items should be referred directly to the administration. Refer to our chain of command page on our district website for who to contact with regard to your specific needs.

What are the best ways to communicate with the Board of Education?

To communicate with the Board as a whole, we invite members of the public to attend a regular public meeting and share your ideas and thoughts during the public comments period. You may also write a letter to the Board President, which will be shared with other Board members. Individual Board members can be reached via email.