The Somerville Board of Education relies on guidance from state agencies to ensure that the Board implements all policies from an informed perspective. The following sites offer frequent updates on school governance issues:

New Jersey School Boards

https://www.njsba.org/news-information/

New Jersey Association of Superintendents

https://www.njasa.net/

The New Jersey Department of Education Broadcast Email Archive

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/

What are the primary responsibilities of the Somerville Board of Education?

The stated mission is “to provide quality education through an environment which promotes individual excellence” for all of our PreK-12 grade students. To that end, the Somerville Board of Education sets district policy which is then implemented by the superintendent of schools and administrators. The Board also develops the annual school budget, sets student and district achievement goals, and reviews curriculum changes.

What is the composition of the Board?

The Board consists of ten community members elected for three-year terms. The Board includes nine Somerville residents elected by the Somerville community, and one Branchburg resident, appointed by the Branchburg Board of Education from among its members.

How long do Board members serve?

Board members serve overlapping three-year terms. As a result, three members are typically elected each year on the same date as the annual school budget election in April. The Branchburg Board member is appointed by the Branchburg Board of Education each April and serves a one-year term.

What happens if a member moves away or decides to step down from the Board?

In the event of a mid-term vacancy, the public is invited to apply to fill the opening. The existing Board members interview the candidates and then appoint one to the open seat.

What are the requirements necessary to run for the Board of Education?

Board candidates must meet specific legal qualifications. Candidates must also submit a notarized nominating petition endorsed and signed by ten (10) registered Somerville voters. For additional information, the New Jersey School Boards Association publishes a “School Board Candidate Kit,” which is available by contacting the NJSBA at (888) 886-5722.

What kind of time commitment should Board members anticipate?

Board members can anticipate attending at least two Board meetings a month, several committee meetings, and various school functions. A significant amount of time for reviewing written materials is also required.

What is the role of the Branchburg member?

The member represents Branchburg and is a voting member on all issues affecting Somerville High School students. Branchburg sends its 9-12 grade students to Somerville High School and, as a result, is entitled to one voting member on the Somerville Board of Education.

Does the Board ever meet in smaller committees?

The Board has a variety of standing committees to deal with such issues as buildings and grounds, curriculum, finance, athletic, and student activities. The Board also creates Ad Hoc Committees to consider new initiatives. Ad Hoc Committees generally include Board members, faculty, staff, and district residents. Previous Ad Hoc Committees have resulted in improvements to the high school grading policy and better school facilities for the entire district.

Is the Board permitted to meet privately?

There are occasions when the full Board meets privately in Executive Session. Scheduled Executive Sessions are indicated in the Board Agenda. Board members are “honor bound” not to disclose Executive Session information. Among the topics that Executive Session discussions usually entail are: personnel issues, labor negotiations, legal matters, and items of a confidential nature.

Somerville Public Schools