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NJ School Boards Association consultant urges clearer roles, stronger communication and goal-setting
Summary
Tim Teehan of the New Jersey School Boards Association presented to the Pinelands board on distinguishing the board's "what" from administration's "how," improving communication, financial oversight and using board self-evaluation and goal-setting to increase effectiveness.
Tim Teehan, representing the New Jersey School Boards Association, gave a training for the Pinelands Regional School District Board of Education focused on roles and responsibilities, finance, personnel and board self-evaluation.
Teehan framed the board's work as the "what" and administration as the "how," advising members to ask whether a decision is a strategic question for trustees or an operational one for the superintendent and staff. "Is this a what or is this a how?" he asked the board, urging clearer lines so administrators can do the implementation work.
He emphasized communication: "If we don't tell our own story, somebody else will," and recommended routine reporting out on district and board goals several times per year. On finance, Teehan told the board to use monthly reports, bills lists and the secretary's reports to exercise oversight without micromanaging the business administrator's duties. He warned that salaries and benefits typically consume the majority of a district budget and urged careful collaboration on the local tax levy and contract negotiations.
On board improvement, Teehan recommended formal board goals (three to five) and a board self-evaluation process; he noted the Chief School Administrator evaluation is statutorily due by July 1 and suggested the board complete self-assessments and discuss results at an upcoming special meeting. Board members raised questions about state aid timelines and cross-district collaboration on absenteeism; Teehan advised administrative-level collaboration and board support for those efforts.
Superintendent Dr. Clark and board members thanked Teehan for the presentation and said the district would pursue the suggested self-assessment and goal-setting steps.
