2023-24 Board Committees

Parent Engagement & Student Life Committee

Mission

To empower families and the community with resources, information, and opportunities related to Newark Public Schools (NPS) and public education. To develop innovative ways to increase parent participation and community inclusion for the effective implementation of the key milestones in the Strategic Plan, timely NPS initiatives, and other NPS community engagement responsibilities. To ensure all NPS communications to the public and families are clear, accurate, timely, and transparent. To strengthen partnerships with multiple stakeholders, including but not exclusive of families, alumni, businesses, and community organizations.

Committee Members

  • Dawn Haynes, Chairperson
  • Allison K. James-Frison, Vice Chairperson
  • Helena Vinhas

Personnel Policy Committee

Mission

To drive efficiency and proper alignment of NPS organizational structure and strategic goals of the districts. To annually review district personnel policies and recommend new policies and/or amendments to existing policies to ensure compliance with statutes and long term strategy of NPS. To enact sound HR practices that will strengthen the culture of the NPS workforce.

Committee Members

  • Hasani Council, Chairperson
  • Josephine C. Garcia, Vice Chairperson
  • Daniel Gonzalez

Instruction and Programs Committee

Mission

To provide process guidance, standards and oversight of the curriculum approval process and consider matters related to PreK-12 curriculum and instruction. To strengthen student achievement by supporting efforts in ensuring all students are college-ready, ultimately increasing high school graduation rates.

Committee Members

  • Vereliz Santana, Chairperson
  • Crystal Williams, Vice Chairperson
  • Kanileah Anderson

Operations Committee

Mission

To drive efficiency of Newark Public Schools operations in the area of facilities and safety. To ensure the proper maintenance of NPS facilities. To ensure the establishment of safe working and learning environments for NPS students and employees implementation of sound public safety policies/initiatives.

Committee Members

  • Josephine Garcia, Chairperson
  • Allison K. Frison, Vice Chairperson
  • Helena Vinhas

Legal Committee

Mission

To review legal issues impacting Newark Public Schools.

Committee Members

  • Vereliz Santana, Chairperson
  • Crystal Williams, Vice Chairperson
  • Dawn Haynes

Finance Committee

Mission

To ensure the financial solvency of Newark Public Schools so that it provides quality academic programs to its students. To strengthen the fiscal position of Newark Public Schools so that funds are used more effectively and efficiently at Central Office and in schools; while prioritizing spending to directly impact student achievement and operational efficiency.

Committee Members

  • Daniel Gonzalez, Chairperson
  • Crystal Williams, Vice Chairperson
  • Kanileah Anderson

Governance Committee

Mission

To identify and coordinate board development activities in collaboration with board members. To develop and recommend a comprehensive Board Member Handbook designed to guide and assist board members in performing their roles. To work with board officers, in cooperation with the office of the superintendent, and with input from school board members, to develop an Annual Board of Education Work Plan and Calendar. To assist the board officers and board members in implementation and monitoring of communication agreements, norms to support board effectiveness, and alignment of committees to achieve annual goals of the board and school district. To support board efforts to maintain the relationship between the Board and the Superintendent.

Committee Members

  • Dawn Haynes, Co-Vice Chairperson
  • Vereliz Santana, Co-Vice Chairperson