Dana Krug, a longtime member of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Board of Education, has been named the 2025-26 New Jersey School Boards Association Board Member of the Year.
Krug, who also serves as president of the Mercer County School Boards Association, was recognized for her leadership, advocacy and commitment to public education across New Jersey.
“Dana is a board member whose work exemplifies commitment, not only to the education of the children of her community, but to public education throughout New Jersey,” said Dr. Timothy Purnell, NJSBA executive director and CEO.
The award was presented Oct. 21 during the NJSBA’s annual Workshop 2025 and followed a surprise announcement Octon . 7 at a West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education meeting.
Krug has lived in West Windsor since 1995 and is serving her fifth term on the school board. Her three children graduated from High School North, each having attended WW-P schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
She graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, earned a bachelor’s degree in international area studies from Duke University, and holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from The New School University.
Professionally, Krug has worked in advertising, marketing communication and strategy, and marketing systems development.
In the community, she has served as president and chair of the Friends of the West Windsor Library, co-president of the Community Middle School PTSA, and tournament director for the WW-P Babe Ruth State Baseball Tournament.
Krug has chaired each of the district’s three standing committees — Curriculum and Instruction, Administration and Facilities, and Finance — as well as four negotiations cycles with the West Windsor-Plainsboro Education Association. She has also chaired the district’s negotiations team with the WWPSA service association.
She has earned NJSBA’s Certified Board Member, Master Board Member, and Certified Board Leader credentials.
In her 2023 candidate statement, Krug reflected on her approach to governance and community service.
“Being a West Windsor-Plainsboro school board member is a rewarding responsibility and one that I enjoy,” she said. “Throughout my tenure, I have been grateful to support many families on their children’s educational journeys.”
She said her experience as both a parent and board member has given her perspective on the needs of students and families.
“I understand that children can learn differently, and that the classroom experience should support each child’s learning style,” Krug said. “I’ve helped many parents find the district resources needed to support their children.”
Krug noted that her time on the board has involved guiding the district through major challenges, including a $115 million referendum, significant weather events, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I take my tremendous responsibility as a West Windsor-Plainsboro school board member seriously,” she said. “I read district documents and policies diligently and engage in dialogue with administration and colleagues to ensure our decisions support our community.”
Krug also emphasized the importance of collaboration and continued learning in board service.
“Lifelong learning is important to me,” she said. “Each of my board certifications required participation in NJSBA programs, leadership responsibilities, and a commitment to the mission of school board members in New Jersey.”
As she looked ahead, Krug said she remained focused on statewide advocacy for issues such as school funding, later start times, and teacher recruitment.
“Public education will continue to face challenges in the years ahead, including inequities, social and emotional learning needs, and managing growth,” she said.
“I look forward to working with my board colleagues and the WW-P administration to continue enhancing the educational experience for our students and families,” Krug said.
