MY TURN By Kathryn Compa

Board conventions benefit the entire school district Every fall the New Jersey School Boards Association along with NJASA and NJASBO offers a convention for all board of education members including superintendents and business administrators. As a member of the Sussex-Wantage Board of Education in the second year of my three-year term, I have attended the 2008 and 2009 conventions. The three-day event focuses on information sessions covering all aspects of educational opportunities in the State of New Jersey. Our school budget provides for board members to attend this event and constitutes a wise decision by the administration. Having informed, trained, knowledgeable board members is key to creating the kind of atmosphere we want for our children. Not all members are able to attend this event, so I will share with them as much of what I learned as possible. The information I received last year brought me home filled with enthusiasm and definitely aided me in my duties as a member of the board. This year I decided to go again and take training required by law for members of boards of education in New Jersey. I only wish I had more time to take all the interesting classes that were offered at the convention. There were nearly 80 sessions available for board members to attend. In addition to the required training on governance, I attended classes on the budget process, using research in board decision making, useful public relations in a difficult economy and one entitled “Making the Connection: Fostering Parent Involvement in Your Schools.” Each session provided information and insights that supplement those gained through participation in board meetings and decision-making. I was especially interested in the session about fostering parent involvement in our schools. Actually, just about every session I attended made some reference to how important the family is to the education of all our children. I make it a goal of mine to find ways in which parents and interested community members can contribute in diverse and meaningful ways to education in Sussex-Wantage. While parents are their children’s first teachers, their continuing involvement in our schools is essential if all our children are to succeed. Together, we must provide the resources help our children achieve their potential and reach their dreams. I look forward to seeing parents participate in events and programs planned to enhance the cooperative relationship between education professionals, board members, students, parents and community members. All of us have a stake in maintaining a system that works for everyone. The writer is a member of the Sussex-Wantage Board of Education.