Council is one of 132 school board members in New Jersey to attain NJSBA’s highest certification
NEWARK, N.J. – District officials have been notified by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) that Hasani K. Council, President of the Board of Education, has become a Certified Board Leader through the NJSBA Member Academy.
NJSBA Field Representative Charlene Peterson offered her congratulations to Board President Council.
“Congratulations to Hasani Council for achieving NJSBA’s highest level of individual training certification, the Certified Board Leader award,” said Peterson. “Of the 5,000 New Jersey school board members currently serving their communities, Hasani joins an elite group of only 132 members who earned this prestigious distinction and did so within two years of being eligible.”
Board President Council is the second Newark Board of Education member to attain the Certified Board Leader certification.
The rigorous requirements to earn the certification include earning a minimum of 60 Board Member Academy credits, attending at least 10 Essex County School Boards Association meetings, three NJSBA Workshops, five full-day statewide or regional professional development programs, passing an exam covering areas of Board member responsibilities, serving in a leadership role for at least one year, and never violating the School Ethics Act.
Superintendent León congratulated President Council on his achievement.
“Completing the rigorous requirements for this prestigious certification is just one of many ways President Council has demonstrated his personal commitment to effective district governance,” said Superintendent León. “I greatly appreciate his constant desire to learn more about being a better education leader. I look forward to continuing working with him in our shared mission of transforming Newark Public Schools.”
“Through the NJSBA Member Academy, I have gained valuable insights and enhanced my skills in school board governance, ensuring that our policies and initiatives remain focused on student success,” said President Council. “I am grateful to the NJSBA for this recognition and look forward to applying the knowledge and expertise gained through this certification to further advance our district’s goals.”
Council was first elected to the Board of Education in 2020 and was elected board president in 2023. He has served as chairperson of the Board’s Governance, Personnel, and Finance Committees, vice chairperson of the Legal Committee, and member of the Operations Committee. In accordance with the bylaws, President Council serves as an ex-officio member on all Board Committees, and with the NJSBA, he serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Legislative Committee and has previously earned certifications in New Boardsmanship and as a Certified Board Member, and Master Board Member.
“Hasani Council, a child of this city, a proud product of Newark Public Schools, and a distinguished member of the Newark Board of Education makes Newark very proud,” said Superintendent León.
Council also serves on the Board of the Council of the Great City Schools, the nation’s largest coalition of urban public school systems, dedicated to the improvement of education for children in the inner cities.