After a very successful Workshop 2024, it's time to return to Essex County SBA's business. We eagerly await the second Essex County SBA meeting of the 2024-2025 school year, focusing on the crucial topic of "AI: Embracing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Education`` and ``Best Practices for Social and Emotional Learning``.

Attendees can participate in both topics. The AI program will offer a comprehensive overview of AI: Artificial Intelligence. It will explore its various applications and address the potential benefits and challenges in how our school districts function and students work. The SEL program will address the critical role of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in fostering a supportive and resilient school environment for students and staff, especially during challenging times.

The meeting will include reports from the Essex County SBA Executive Committee Members, a Field Service team update, recognition of all retiring board of education members from Essex County, and much more!

We warmly invite all Board of Education Members, Superintendents, and Business Administrators from across New Jersey to participate in person at the Newark Vocational High School or virtually. We are also very excited that all newly elected Board of Education members elected in the November 2024 elections will be able to participate. Your presence and insights at this important event are not just appreciated but integral to its success.

The Essex County SBA Executive Committee extends an invitation to the third Essex County SBA Meeting of the 2024 - 2025 School Year. The topic for the program is "Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) and Sustainable Jersey". Your active participation in these discussions is crucial and greatly valued.

The Winter County School Board Association's meetings will be held virtually only through Swoogo. The meetings will continue to focus on the challenges facing local school boards and school districts across New Jersey, topics that are directly relevant to your roles. They are opportunities for board members to receive professional development and up-to-date information on current education initiatives, legislation, and regulations affecting public schools.

The virtual meeting will start at 6:45 PM and run for about an hour and a half. The meeting will allow members to discuss issues of concern and include an NJSBA legislative update from the NJSBA Governmental Relations staff and an update from your NJSBA field service representative. You will receive an update on the upcoming Essex County SBA Unsung Hero Awards Ceremony and the Essex County SBA Executive Committee elections.

The Essex County SBA will host the final meeting of the 2024 - 2025 school year, a joyous occasion dedicated to celebrating the great successes and accomplishments of this past year. We will recognize the dedicated service of the Essex County board members and celebrate their achievements, including those who achieved a board member individual certification through the NJSBA Board Member Academy. All board members and the district's hard work and dedication have truly made a difference, and we are proud to celebrate these achievements with everyone.

The 2024 - 2025 Essex County Teacher of the Year will be the featured speaker for the evening, offering a unique opportunity for all attendees to engage with their inspiring message.

The election of the 2025 - 2027 Essex County SBA President, 1st Vice President, and 2nd Vice President for Legislation will all be elected at this meeting, a crucial step in shaping the future of our association. President Reginald Bledsoe will highlight the 2023 - 2025 term, and the incoming President will share their ambitious goals for the 2025 - 2027 term.

The meeting will also include reports from the Essex County SBA Executive Committee Members, an Advocacy Update, and a Field Services update.