Governor Chris Christie announced the nomination of David D. Blumenthal, D.C., Ph.D. (Linwood, Atlantic) to serve on the New Jersey State Board of Education June 27. Blumenthal is a long-standing chiropractor in the South Jersey area. It is unclear when he will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee for review. The Board is currently short two members with the passing of Vice President Ilan Plawker last year as well as the resignation of Board Member Robert Haney.
The New Jersey State Board of Education has a total of 13 members who are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the New Jersey State Senate. Members serve without compensation for six-year terms. By law, at least three members of the State Board must be women, and no two members may be appointed from the same county. The Commissioner of Education serves as both the secretary and as its official agent for all purposes. The State Board also has a nonvoting student representative selected annually by the New Jersey Association of Student Councils.
The State Board adopts the administrative code, which sets the rules needed to implement state education law. In addition, the State Board advises on educational policies proposed by the Commissioner and confirms Department of Education staff appointments made by the Commissioner.