As Board of Education members, we would like to take this opportunity to share with you some information about your Board of Education.

The New Jersey Constitution mandates, "Legislature shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all children in the State."

All boards of education are created by statute to perform a state function at local level. The Spring Lake Board of Education, within the powers delegated to it by law, is charged with governing the Spring Lake School district and is the policymaking, legislative branch of our one-school district.

Board members are unpaid officials elected by qualified voters. We are empowered by the state to govern our school district. We have no legal status except when sitting with other board members in a legally constituted meeting. Board members are elected to three-year terms in annual board elections, which occur in April. The positions of board president and vice president are elected annually by the members of the Board of Education.

The Board meeting is the vehicle at which we transact the business of H. W. Mountz School. The meeting must always be conducted in a specified manner because State regulations require certain procedures. The Spring Lake Board members, as elected State officials, must make sure we take all the actions required of us at each meeting.

The Spring Lake Board of Education welcomes residents, staff members, students, and other interested persons to attend its meetings. Decisions by your elected Board members affect the education of our children and the well being of our community. The Board can better represent its constituents when members of the community take the time to observe the Board in action, to express opinions, and to ask questions. We are pleased when you attend and hope you can join us often.

Boards of Education were created by the State Legislature and charged with providing schools for the children of their districts. The five members of the Board of Education live in Spring Lake and have been elected by you. It is strictly a volunteer position and they receive no salary or other remuneration for their work.

The Board of Education sets the policies by which the school district operates and they hire a Superintendent to carry out these policies and run the day-to-day operation of the district.

Each Board member serves a three-year term of office with two of the members’ terms expiring each year. There is no limit to the number of terms to which a Board member may be elected.

Again, remember that your Board of Education members are local residents who are serving the community and devoting many unpaid hours of their time to your school system. Board members do not have any authority as individuals and can act on school matters only at a regular scheduled and advertised meeting of the Board of Education.