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Board FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Please visit the Board tab at the Dunellen Public Schools website to find information and resources regarding the Dunellen Board of Education. Specific information includes:

  • Please review "A Guide to Board of Education Meetings in New Jersey" from the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA).

  • The Superintendent is charged with administering the day-to-day operations of the school district, and the Board of Education is generally responsible for ensuring that the school district is well run. The written policies of the Board provide guidance and direction to the Superintendent for making decisions and taking action. Well-crafted policies minimize ambiguity between the Board and its Superintendent and promote the smooth operation of the school system. 

     Adapted from:  Who Does What in Public School Governance

  • The Dunellen Public School District asks that families follow the chain of command as outlined in Policy 9130. For instance, if a parent has a concern related to a teacher, the parent should first address it with the teacher. If the issue is not resolved, the parent should contact the principal or supervisor, and then the superintendent. The Board should be the “court of last resort.” Many times citizens can get answers to their questions simply by contacting the appropriate person in the school district.
    (Adapted from the New Jersey School Boards Association - FAQ) 

  • There are generally two opportunities for Public Comment at each Dunellen Board of Education meeting. The first is typically limited to comment on agenda Action Items to be voted on only, and the second is open to comment on any item.

     

    Public Comment procedures are outlined below:

    • Public comment sections are intended to provide an opportunity for members of the public to express themselves on school matters of community interest.
      • Prior to making a public comment, all speakers must state their name and municipality.
      • All statements must be directed to the presiding of icer.
      • For comments on Action Items to be voted on, the speaker must identify the action item that will be commented on
    • The Board and administration will take notes during public comment but will not provide substantive responses to questions or concerns raised by individual speakers. If necessary, the Superintendent may provide a brief response after the entire public comment period is completed.
    • The Board appreciates and welcomes feedback from the community but is not at liberty to engage in a back-and-forth dialogue with members of the public during this portion of the meeting.

  • The Dunellen Board of Education uses a committee structure that allows Board members assigned to each committee to work with key administrators to study a specific issue and make recommendations to the full Board for a vote. By the time the Board has a regular public meeting where it votes on issues, the agenda items have usually been shared with Board members for discussion and questions.  (Adapted from the NJSBA)

  • Being a Board member is a valuable and rewarding public service. If you are considering running for a seat on the Dunellen Board of Education, please consider reviewing "What Candidates Want to Know About Being a School Board Member" and "Ten Things School Board Candidates Should Know" from the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA). You are also invited to reach out directly to the Superintendent if you have any specific questions.