Moorestown Board of Education President Kathy Goldenberg wanted to become a BOE member in the township, as she felt Moorestown has a dynamic school system and was compelled to help the schools where she could. Since her election in 2007, Goldenberg has served three consecutive terms, and earlier this year, she was named board president.
“I’m so proud of Moorestown’s educational system. I wanted to contribute what I could. There are so many wonderful opportunities the district provides; it really is a marvelous school system,” Goldenberg said.
For all of her hard work, Goldenberg received two awards for her high level of Board of Education training. She received the Board Member Academy Award, and is now officially recognized statewide as a certificated board member. She was also the recipient of a surprise Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition given by Rep. Tom MacArthur, from the Third Congressional District.
On Thursday, May 8, Goldenberg’s Certificated Board Member Award was presented in Bordentown, at the Burlington County School Boards spring dinner meeting, held at the Villa Mannino Restaurant.
A certificated board member is the first tier of the NJSBA’s Board Member Academy certification program. The New Jersey School Board Academy is designed to give board members training and information on a variety of subjects related to their board duties. Those areas include, but are not limited to, labor relations, leadership, school finance, advocacy, governance, school law, negotiations and student achievement.
To become a certificated board member, a board member must have earned at least 20 credit hours of training in at least four subject areas, and served more than three years on their local board.
Goldenberg has been re-elected for three terms, and has served eight and a half years on the Moorestown Board of Education. She has attended more than 20 training programs offered by NJSBA, taken 24 courses and earned more than 30 credits.
“I was delighted to have been the recipient of the certification. It is just a privilege, to learn and to gain information from the NJSBA. Things are always evolving in education. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to keep up to date and be ahead of the curve, that way, we can serve our communities better,” Goldenberg said.
Goldenberg has not only earned this certification, but is well on her way to attaining the next certification, the master board member. For that certification, she must earn a cumulative total of 40 credits, attend academy programs in seven core areas and attend at least four county meetings, two delegate assemblies, two Annual NJSBA Workshops and one full-day statewide program.
These various training programs are held at NJSBA’s annual convention, at the Burlington County School Boards Association, as well as many full-day training seminars on Saturdays within the state.
Goldenberg said her favorite part of the process is the learning and becoming more knowledgeable on financial responsibilities and legal changes with the government. Though finding time to go to the courses can be difficult, as they are on the weekends and at night, she really enjoys it. Also through spending time with other districts, she learns how they deal with different obstacles.
“Not only is it extremely interesting, it is incredible to see what is going on in other districts and see how similar situations are dealt with throughout the state. It’s enjoyable to serve to the best of my abilities,” Goldenberg said.
That same evening, Goldenberg was simultaneously awarded a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, presented by MacArthur. The award was given to Goldenberg, along with South Jersey board members, for her outstanding and invaluable service to the Moorestown community. It was a total surprise to those there, and Goldenberg was honored to receive the certificate.
“It was very kind of Tom MacArthur to thank all of the board members of southern districts with the certificate. It was a very nice surprise,” Goldenberg said.
“It was great speaking to such an inspiring group of educators at the Burlington County School Board Association meeting. I was also excited to help recognize members who were earning special honors at the event,” MacArthur posted on his Facebook page.
Goldenberg would like to continue to take courses and keep updated with the legislative changes within the state and continue to serve Moorestown to the best of her abilities. She would like to find methods for additional funding to provide more opportunities for student involvement and learning.
“I would like to have our district continue to excel and provide opportunities for all of our students, in manners that are sustainable financially,” Goldenberg said.
NJSBA President Don Webster has asked and appointed Goldenberg to take on a new position for the New Jersey School Board Association. It involves a three-year term to serve the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association as an executive committee member of the NJSIAA representing NJSBA. She will begin this in September.
