The Newark Public Schools Board of Education (BOE) is comprised of nine members who are elected to the Board in three year intervals. The members represent various parts of the city and come to the Board with various professional backgrounds. In their advisory capacity, the members are charged with reviewing and voting on a wide range of issues that impact the district and all of its students.
Board Members meet in smaller committees to review specific programs and operations prior to the monthly public meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Board is responsible for the development of policy and for the employment of a chief school administrator who shall carry out its policies through the development and implementation of regulations.
Board elections are held once a year in April. Board members serve a three-year term.
Board meetings are held monthly to allow the public an opportunity to hear the discussions between the district’s administration and Board Members regarding actions that impact programs and operations within the school district. All meetings are governed under the Open Public Meetings Act of 1975. The public participation section is included during the meeting to allow the public to ask questions of the Superintendent and Board Members.
Board meetings are typically held on the fourth Tuesday and Thursday of each month. When Board meetings are not held virtually, business meetings are held at the district’s headquarters at 765 Broad Street. General meetings are held at different school locations throughout the school year. Both meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. Schedules of meetings are advertised in the Star-Ledger, Luso Americano, Haiti Progress, El Nuevo Coqui newspapers and on the district’s Website.
Persons interested in speaking at a General meeting must register on the district’s online site at: https://newark.apppresser.com/board-of-education/meetings/public-participation-request/ five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting.
The request should include the individual’s name, address and detailed description of topic to be addressed.
Individuals will present remarks within a (3) three-minute time period.
Speakers must be present when their names are called and will be required to provide their names and addresses or the name of the organization they represent at the beginning of their comments. Sharing or granting of speaking time to others is not allowed. Individuals will be cautioned that personally directed statements may be slanderous or defaming and the individual may be liable for his/her statements. In addition, personal attacks, naming of district employees, racial slurs, excessive loudness or generally disruptive behavior or attempts to incite others to do so may be grounds to be asked to leave a meeting. If necessary, the Board Meeting will be adjourned.
If Newark Public Schools are closed or dismissed early (for example, due to inclement weather), any Board meeting scheduled on that same date will be cancelled. If Newark Public Schools are open or have a delayed opening, any Board meeting scheduled on that same date will remain scheduled. Please check the district’s website for information on cancelled or rescheduled board meetings.