The mission of the Sparta Board of Education is to ensure the alignment of fiscal resources, policies, governance, and leadership to provide every student with an exceptional educational experience.

The Board will uphold a code of ethics, foster collaboration with the administration, staff, and community, and maintain compliance with New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). By promoting policies that support the mental, emotional, and academic well-being of all students, the Board is committed to preparing them for future success as well-rounded, responsible citizens.

Through exercising fiscal responsibility and setting clear goals, the Board will maximize the impact of investments in students and staff, supporting a learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

Board of Education Goals (adopted September 2024)

1. The Board of Education will commit to achieving board certification through the NJSBA, strengthening our ability to lead with knowledge, integrity, and a deeper understanding of its responsibilities.

2. The Board of Education will work towards successfully passing QSAC, focusing on continuous improvement and accountability across all categories, while striving for strong performance in each area.

3. The Board of Education will promote and support the exploration of grant opportunities, reinforcing a strong commitment to securing additional resources for the district.

4. In an effort to initiate a policy audit process, the Board of Education will complete a thorough policy wellness check in collaboration with NJSBA, evaluating potential policy updates and prioritizing these updates to best align with our district needs and goals.

5. The Board of Education will actively support the implementation and achievement of the District's goals - including both current and anticipated Strategic Plan action items - ensuring alignment with long-term objectives and providing strategic oversight to drive progress across all initiatives.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that emails or other communications sent to board members and/or other school officials may be subject to public disclosure under the New Jersey Open Public Records Act.  Therefore, unless the topic involves a particular child or other confidential matter, community members should have no expectation of privacy or confidentiality in any communication that is sent to a board member or other school official.  As a general rule, communications regarding specific student or personnel matters should be directed to the Administration and not to members of the Board.  This is not to discourage you from contacting these individuals, but to ensure that you are on notice. If you have any questions, you should contact Ms. Joanne Black, the District’s Custodian of Records, by clicking here..

Craig Palleschi       
Board Member
Email Craig Palleschi
Term Expires: December 2024

Wendy Selander
Vice-President
Email Wendy Selander
Term Expires: December 2024

Vanessa Serrano
Board Member
Email Vanessa Serrano
Term Expires: December 2024

Lauren Collier
Board Member
Email Lauren Collier
Term Expires: December 2025

Kurt Morris
President
Email Kurt Morris
Term Expires: December 2025

Kaitlin Gagnon
Board Member
Email Kaitlin Gagnon
Term Expires: December 2026

Leigh McMichael
Board Member
Email Leigh Mcmichael
Term Expires:  December 2025

Chad Wood
Board Member
Email Chad Wood
Term Expires:  December 2026

Emily Serafino
Board Member
Email Emily Serafino
Term Expires:  December 2024

Application and Voting Information

• Application for Vote by Mail Ballot 

• NJ Voter Registration Application

• Role of a BOE Member