The Role of Your Board of Education

Members of the Mount Laurel Board of Education serve their community by making a commitment to its children. They are among nearly 5,000 New Jersey men and women dedicating their time and efforts to living up to that commitment and the traditions inherent in local lay leadership of our state's public school system.

Members of the board of education set the goals and establish the policies for the Mount Laurel School District. They adopt the annual budget, make decisions on a wide range of educational concerns and serve as a communications link between the schools and the community.

The board consists of nine members, each of whom is elected by nonpartisan vote in annual school elections and serves in a volunteer capacity without payment. Vacancies in midterm are filled by majority vote of the board until the annual school election. Terms are staggered, and with the exception of unexpired terms of office, all members are elected to serve for a three-year period. Each member of the board shares equal responsibility.

Board members are not responsible for the day-to-day operation of the schools. Parents are encouraged to deal directly with the person who can most immediately address concerns that might arise by contacting the building principal or responsible administrator. Issues that remain unresolved at that level may be brought to the superintendent of schools. If still unresolved, concerns may be brought to the board.