Board of Education Overview

Sparta Township Board of Education's Mission

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 the 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.

Sparta Board of Education - Board Goals (adopted January 2026)

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

  2. In an effort to continue the policy audit process, the Sparta Board of Education will execute consistent (monthly) policy updates, prioritizing these updates to best align with district needs and goals.

  3. The Sparta Board of Education will adopt and commit to upholding board norms to establish transparent expectations and promote a positive board climate.


 Sparta Board of Education - Board Norms (adopted January 2026)

At all times:

  1. Communicate with respect and civility.

  2. Foster positive relationships and strive to develop trust with board colleagues and administration.

  3. Avoid surprises at the dais by raising concerns in advance of meetings through the appropriate channels (committee, board leadership, administration)

  4. Do not utilize your board position to air personal/parental grievances.

  5. Continuously self-reflect to ensure your words and actions align with the Code of Ethics, established norms, and effective board member conduct.

Before a board meeting:

  1. Inform board leadership if you are unable to attend a board meeting.

  2. Come prepared to board meetings by reading all relevant materials well in advance.

  3. Advise board leadership (and administration) in advance of any items you plan to raise for discussion during the board meeting; this ensures relevant data can be prepared and all colleagues are ready to engage in an informed discussion.

During a board meeting:

  1. Participate in a board culture that promotes open and regular discussion.

  2. Engage in honest dialogue, keeping criticism constructive and solutions-oriented.

  3. Ensure the information you are sharing is accurate, appropriate, and represented fairly.

  4. Respect the public; listen with an open mind.

After a board meeting:

  1. Respect the outcome of a vote and support the will of the board.

  2. Address interpersonal conflict directly and productively, in service of the district’s best interests.

  3. Utilize training to better understand the role of a board member and operate only within the boundaries of that role.

If any board member believes that another board member has violated any provision of this agreement, that board member shall personally raise their concerns with the “offending” board member, in an attempt to resolve the issue. If the attempt fails, the board member (who believes there has been a violation) shall raise the matter to the board president. If the board president is unable to resolve the matter with the parties involved, the matter shall be publicly brought to the attention of the entire board at the next scheduled board meeting. Any grievances that arise should be dealt with at the earliest practical opportunity.

We, the undersigned members of the Sparta Board of Education, the Superintendent, and the Board Secretary, agree to abide by these objectives as a commitment to valuing public education, demonstrating good character, and leading our district with integrity.

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..

Board Members

Dominic LaCarrubba     
Board Member
dominic.lacarrubba@sparta.org
Term Expires: December 2028

Kaitlin Gagnon
Board Member
kaitlin.gagnon@sparta.org
Term Expires: December 2026

Michelle Hinkle
Board Member
michelle.hinkle@sparta.org
Term Expires: December 2026

Roque Martinez
Board Member
roque.martinez@sparta.org
Term Expires: December 2027

Kimberly Noel
Board Member
kimberly.noel@sparta.org
Term Expires: December 2028

Andrew Lowery
Board Member
andrew.lowery@sparta.org
Term Expires: December 2028

Emily Serafino
Board Member
emily.serafino@sparta.org
Term Expires:  December 2027

Rebecca Williams
Board Member
rebecca.williams@sparta.org
Term Expires:  December 2027

Chad Wood
Board Member
chad.wood@sparta.org
Term Expires:  December 2026