The Structure of the Berkeley Heights Board of Education

The role of a board of education is an oversite role; it is their responsibility to ensure that a school district is being run effectively. The Berkeley Heights Board of Education consists of 8 volunteer board members.  Seven of these board members are from Berkeley Heights and one board member is appointed from Mountainside.  Representation from Mountainside on the Berkeley Heights Board of Education is necessary due to our send/receive relationship with them.  The voting right of the Mountainside representative is limited by statute, and basically allows this individual to vote on issues impacting the high school only.

The main functions of the Board of Education are to adopt policies under which the school district operates, oversee the budget, approve the curriculum, hire and evaluate the superintendent, represent the public during contract negotiations and serve as a communication link between the community and the school district.

Individuals are elected to the Board of Education each November as part of the general election.  Each board member serves a term of three years and every year, either two or three terms are voted on.  The Mountainside representative is appointed by the Mountainside Board of Education annually. 

Each January, the Board of Education reorganizes, swearing in new board members, electing officers, establishing committees and setting the calendar of meetings for the year.  The Board has twelve active committees which make recommendations to the entire board which they act upon.  Additionally, Board members sit as liaisons on many community organizations. A list of these committees can be found on the district website.

During the school year, there are typically one or two board meetings each month, as well as one meeting during the summer months.  At each meeting, the Board votes on resolutions referencing: policy approval, personnel appointments, administrative recommendations and financial issues.   At each board meeting, there are  two opportunities for public comment.  The schedule of meeting dates for the year is posted on the district website.  At most board meetings, formal presentations by district staff members are given regarding educational, technology and financial issues.

Minutes from each meeting are prepared and presented for approval by the Board members at the next scheduled Board meeting.  Upon approval, the minutes become public documents and are posted on the district website.

Staff and the public are invited to all board meetings.