School Board Members Strengthened and Equipped at the Summit
Caption: NJFPC Director of Advocacy Shawn Hyland, Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, and Assemblyman Paul Kanitra
This past Saturday, April 18, we had an energizing morning at the NJFPC School Board Summit, where school board members and local education organizations from across New Jersey came together for a time of learning, connection, and encouragement.
Our panel of State Assembly Members offered valuable perspective on school funding, education policy, and what it’s like to serve as a minority voice in the Statehouse. Their experience helped frame the challenges facing local districts while highlighting the importance of steady, informed engagement at every level of governance.
We appreciate Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R), Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R), and Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R) for joining us. Their willingness to share practical insight, and to encourage board members and community leaders to stay involved, made the morning especially meaningful for everyone in the room.
Beyond the Legislative Panel, attendees also heard from Karyn White, Esq. of the Pacific Justice Institute, who provided an overview of ongoing legal actions in New Jersey related to the state’s Transgender Student Guidelines, known as Policy 5756. In addition, Danielle Bellomo, a current school board member speaking solely in her personal capacity, introduced a software tool that districts can make available on their websites to allow parents to view the titles available in their school libraries.
Friends, your financial support makes a real difference. Because of your generosity, we are able to equip school board members to stay focused, energized, and well‑informed on the policies and practical tools that help them protect children and support the rights of parents in their communities.
