January 25, 2026
Hosted by the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, the members-only event brought together human resources directors, administrators, and district leaders to examine the evolving legal and practical landscape surrounding diversity, recruitment, and equitable staffing in public schools.
This year's theme, Remembering Our Roots, reflected on why the consortium was formed and its evolution from CJPRIDE to NJ STRIVE.
“As you look around this room, diversity is our strength. We come from districts large and small, from brand new HR directors to seasoned veterans, and we learn from one another.”
The keynote address was delivered by David B. Rubin, Esq., a respected New Jersey school law attorney and nationally recognized authority on diversity and constitutional law in public education. Rubin offered a practical review of the legal tools districts may use to promote diversity.
Districts may not use an individual's race as the deciding factor in a hiring, assignment, admissions, or layoff decision, but may pursue race-conscious goals using race-neutral tools. Those tools include diversifying applicant pools, targeted recruitment, building magnet programs, and creating welcoming workplace environments.
Attendees also participated in breakout sessions covering equitable accommodations, recruitment strategies, and artificial intelligence. The day gave members time to exchange ideas, share best practices, and build relationships that support collaboration beyond the conference.
NJ STRIVE will continue to support member districts with networking, job fairs, professional learning, and guidance as schools navigate an increasingly complex legal and political climate.