Montclair Board of Education Members

Navigating Education: A Comprehensive Guide to the Montclair Board of Education Members

Are you a resident of Montclair, curious about how decisions are made for your children's education? Do you want to understand the individuals shaping the future of Montclair Public Schools? It's natural to seek clarity on such vital community matters. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to the Montclair Board of Education members, clarify their crucial roles, and explain how you can effectively engage with them to support our local schools.

Understanding the Role of the Montclair Board of Education

The Montclair Board of Education (BOE) serves as the governing body for the Montclair Public School District. But what exactly does that entail? Their primary function is to represent the concerns of the community—parents, taxpayers, and citizens—while also championing the needs of students and the school district itself.

It's a dual responsibility: they set the overarching policies, goals, and objectives for the district, and then hold the Superintendent of Schools accountable for implementing those policies and achieving those goals. Importantly, the BOE does not manage the day-to-day operations of the schools or directly supervise employees other than the Superintendent. They also play a critical role in fixing and determining the amount of money necessary for the public schools, largely funded through local property taxes.

Why is their role so vital? Because these volunteer members ultimately guide the educational vision for Montclair's students, impacting everything from curriculum standards to budget allocations and school facilities.

Who Are the Current Montclair Board of Education Members?

The Montclair Board of Education consists of nine volunteer members, all elected by the community to serve three-year terms. Montclair transitioned to an elected school board (a Type II system) in November 2021, meaning all members are now chosen by public vote.

As of the latest available information, here are some of the current Montclair Board of Education members:

• Monk Inyang: President (Term: 2023-2025)
• Yvonne Bouknight: Vice President (Term: 2023-2025)
• Melanie Deysher (Term ends: 2027)
• Phaedra Dunn (Term ends: 2027)
• Allison Silverstein (Term ends: 2027)
• Jada Roman (Term ends: 2027)
• Eric Scherzer (Term ends: 2027)
• Holly Shaw (Term ends: 2027)
• Brian Fleischer (Term ends: 2025)

These individuals bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to their roles, working collectively to oversee the Montclair Public Schools.

How the Montclair Board of Education Operates

Transparency and public participation are key to the Montclair Board of Education's operations. Understanding their meeting structure can help you stay informed and engaged.

Meeting Schedule and Public Participation

Board meetings are generally held on the first and third Mondays of each month, with the exception of July when no meetings are typically scheduled. Meetings usually begin at 6:00 PM or 6:30 PM with an executive (closed) session, followed by the public portion of the meeting at approximately 7:30 PM. All meetings take place in the George Inness Annex in Montclair, New Jersey, unless otherwise noted.

These public sessions are working meetings where the Board conducts its business, discusses agenda items, and makes official votes in full view of the community. A crucial part of every meeting is the opportunity for public comment, allowing parents, students, residents, and staff to voice their opinions on both agenda and non-agenda items. The Board listens to these comments and follows up as appropriate.

Decision-Making Process

The Montclair Board of Education makes decisions by setting policies, goals, and objectives for the district. They then rely on the Superintendent and the district administration to implement these directives. While individual board members may have their own views, decisions are made collectively through votes during public sessions. Executive sessions are reserved for specific matters like personnel issues, student actions, or pending legal matters, as outlined by New Jersey law.

Engaging with Your Montclair Board of Education Members

Your voice matters! The Montclair Board of Education welcomes community input and encourages residents to engage constructively. But what's the most effective way to communicate your concerns or suggestions?

Here are some guidelines for effective engagement:

• Start at the Source: If your concern is about your child's class or teacher, the first step is always to contact the classroom teacher. If the issue isn't resolved, then contact the building principal.
• Escalate When Necessary: If a matter remains unresolved at the school level, or if you have a district-wide concern, you should then contact the office of the Superintendent of Schools. The Board typically addresses individual matters only after these channels have been exhausted, as their primary focus is on policy matters.
• Attend Public Meetings: Attending Board meetings is an excellent way to hear discussions firsthand and participate during the public comment period. Check the Montclair Public Schools website for the official Board calendar and agendas.
• Write to the Board: You can write to Board members collectively by sending correspondence to the Montclair Board of Education at 22 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07042. Individual email addresses for current Montclair Board of Education members are also listed on the Montclair Public Schools website. If you email multiple members, you will typically receive one response, often from the Board President.

Conclusion

The Montclair Board of Education members are dedicated volunteers committed to fostering an excellent educational environment for all students in Montclair. By understanding their roles, staying informed about their operations, and knowing how to effectively communicate, you can become an active participant in shaping the future of our public schools. Your engagement is a crucial part of a thriving educational community.

Do you have thoughts or experiences to share about engaging with your local school board? Leave a comment below, or consider attending an upcoming Montclair Board of Education meeting to see them in action!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many members are on the Montclair Board of Education? A1: The Montclair Board of Education consists of nine volunteer members.

Q2: How are Montclair Board of Education members selected? A2: All Montclair Board of Education members are elected by the community for three-year terms. Montclair transitioned to an elected school board system in November 2021.

Q3: Where and when are Montclair Board of Education meetings held? A3: Montclair Board of Education meetings are generally held on the first and third Mondays of each month (except July) at the George Inness Annex in Montclair, New Jersey. Public sessions typically begin around 7:30 PM.

Q4: What is the best way to contact the Montclair Board of Education members with a concern about my child? A4: For concerns specific to your child, it's recommended to first contact the classroom teacher, then the building principal. If the issue remains unresolved or is a district-wide concern, you can then contact the Superintendent's office or communicate directly with the Montclair Board of Education members via email or written correspondence.