VOTE411 Voter Guide

I'm running for the Board of Education because I care deeply about our students, our schools, and our community. I want to make sure every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter who they are or where they come from. I’ve spent my entire career working at the intersection of health and education, and I understand how much support teachers, staff, and families need to make our schools the best they can be.

I bring a unique mix of personal and professional experience that makes me especially qualified to serve. I’ve worked in schools across all levels, from early childhood through college, and I currently teach as a university professor. I’ve been in classrooms, supported students and staff, and dealt with the real challenges that impact education every day. This isn’t just theory for me, I’ve lived it.

I also bring a strong academic background that supports my work in public education. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, an associate’s degree in criminal justice, a Master of Education, and a Master of Public Health. I’m currently completing my PhD in Public Health, with a focus on community health and health policy. My training helps me look at education through the lens of equity, student well-being, and systems that work for people, not just paperwork.

I want to make sure our schools are welcoming, safe, and inclusive for everyone. I believe in listening to students, families, and educators and making informed decisions that reflect what’s actually happening in our schools. I also believe in holding leadership accountable, standing up for what’s right even when it’s uncomfortable, and keeping the focus where it belongs, on student success and well-being.

At the end of the day, I’m running because I want to use my experience, my education, and my passion to help make our schools stronger for everyone.

My top priorities are improving student achievement, strengthening school climate, promoting equity, and ensuring our schools are fiscally responsible and people-centered. We need to close the achievement gap, not just for students who are struggling, but for the many in the middle who often get overlooked. I want to expand the use of differentiated learning strategies and provide more professional development for teachers so they can meet students where they are and help every child succeed.

Students and staff deserve to learn and work in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. That means reducing bullying and conflict, building stronger relationships between staff and administrators, and promoting a culture of compassion and collaboration. I will push for better communication, restorative practices, and mental health supports that help create a more positive school culture.

I want to make sure our staff better reflects the diversity of our student body and that all families, regardless of language, background, or income, feel welcomed and heard. This includes improving communication, increasing translation and accessibility services, and making sure decision-making is inclusive and community-centered.

We need to be smart about how we spend, making sure funds go directly to supporting students, staff, and core programs. I will advocate for fair pay, fewer unnecessary administrative layers, and more investment in the people who work directly with students. I also believe we can reduce certain costs, like excessive school policing, by investing in physical security, staff training, and support staff who create a safer school climate.

I will start by listening to staff, students, and families so I can bring their voices to the boardroom. I will work to ensure our decisions are data-informed, people-centered, and aligned with our values. I will also push for more transparency and open communication, both within the board and with the community.

We need to protect and, in many cases, increase the parts of the budget that directly support students and staff. That includes competitive salaries for teachers and support professionals, mental health services, sports, clubs, special education, arts, music, world languages, and programs that support equity and inclusion. These areas are essential to student success, not optional. We should also invest in professional development that equips educators to use strategies like differentiated instruction, enabling them to meet students where they are.

At the same time, we should closely examine areas where spending could be reduced. For example, we allocate significant funds to police and external security contracts. By improving physical infrastructure, hiring well-trained in-house security staff, and giving school personnel better training and support, we can create safer environments without over-policing or draining resources. We should also take a close look at administrative costs and ensure each position is adding real value to schools.

To accomplish this, I would advocate for a transparent budgeting process that invites feedback from teachers, staff, and the community. Every dollar in the budget should reflect our values and directly impact student outcomes. I believe in smarter spending, not just more spending. That means prioritizing what works, reevaluating what doesn’t, and focusing every investment on helping our students thrive and our staff succeed.

When parents disagree on Board of Education policies, my job is to create space for respectful dialogue, gather facts, and make decisions that center on students and align with district values and legal responsibilities.

Beyond listening to both sides, I would start by making sure everyone fully understands the issue, including any state mandates, educational research, or legal obligations involved. Often, disagreement can come from confusion or a lack of access to full information.

Next, I would work to create opportunities for open, two-way communication, whether through community forums, small focus groups, or working sessions with district leadership. These conversations should include diverse voices and be structured in a way that encourages solutions, not just debate.

When making a decision, I would prioritize what is best for students, what is fair and equitable, and what helps maintain a safe, inclusive, and effective school environment. It’s also important to communicate clearly and respectfully about why decisions are made, especially when not everyone agrees with the outcome.

My goal is always to lead with transparency, empathy, and a focus on student success while treating all community members with respect, even in disagreement.

The role of schools is to protect and support every student, no matter their immigration status. Schools should be safe havens where children can learn, grow, and feel secure without fear of being targeted or separated from their families. That means school districts must follow legal protections in place for students and limit cooperation with ICE unless absolutely required by law.

I believe the district should have strong, clear policies in place that protect student privacy, prevent unnecessary communication with immigration authorities, and ensure that staff understand their rights and responsibilities. School personnel are educators, not immigration agents. Our priority is creating a safe, inclusive environment where students feel welcomed and valued.

When families are afraid to send their children to school, the entire community suffers. Our role is to build trust, provide stability, and ensure that no child is denied an education or a sense of belonging because of fear. That is both a moral obligation and an educational imperative.

Our district has many strong programs, but we still have important gaps to fill so that every student has access to high-quality academic, career, arts, and athletic opportunities.

Academically, we need to do more for students in the middle, those who don’t qualify for intervention or advanced programs but still need support. These students often go unnoticed, which hurts engagement and achievement. We should expand differentiated instruction and create more flexible learning pathways that match how students learn, not just how they test.

In career and technical education, we must modernize our offerings and expand access to trades, certifications, and community college partnerships. Not every student is headed to a four-year college, and we need to better prepare all students for the real world. That means building stronger partnerships with local employers and introducing career options earlier, especially in middle school.

In the arts, we must continue to protect and invest in music, theater, and visual arts. These programs fuel creativity, build confidence, and give students a sense of purpose. We need consistent funding and equitable access across the district.

Athletically, we should invest more in our sports programs to build a strong pipeline that prepares student-athletes for success. A competitive, winning program strengthens school pride, builds community, and supports student growth, on and off the field. Athletics also attract students and can generate revenue that benefits the broader district.

When we offer students strong academics, real-world skills, creative outlets, and athletic opportunities, we create a district where every student has a path to success.

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My background in education has prepared me to be an effective advocate for students, families, and educators. I’ve worked in K–12 public schools as both a teacher and an Educational Support Professional, and I currently serve as an administrator and educator in higher education. This experience has given me a well-rounded understanding of both the academic and operational sides of the education system. As a parent of two NBTPS students, I bring a personal perspective to the table. I’ve been actively involved as a class parent and through the PTO, which has deepened my understanding of the day-to-day realities families face. In addition to my work in education, I’ve served on municipal and organizational boards, gaining valuable experience in governance, budgeting, and community engagement—skills that directly align with the responsibilities of a board member. I also hold a master’s degree in education and am currently pursuing advanced studies in public administration and higher education, with the goal of earning a doctorate. These combined experiences—as an educator, administrator, board member, and parent—equip me to make informed, thoughtful decisions that prioritize academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and equitable access to high-quality education for all students.

First is the persistent student achievement gap. We must ensure that every student—regardless of background, learning style, or ability—has access to the support and resources they need to thrive. This includes strengthening academic interventions, expanding enrichment opportunities, and making data-informed decisions that reflect the diverse needs of our student population. Second is the compensation and retention of our staff. Our educators and support professionals are the foundation of student success. We need to remain competitive in attracting and retaining top talent by advocating for fair compensation, professional development opportunities, and a school culture that values and supports all staff members. Third, our growing community demands thoughtful planning when it comes to infrastructure and budgeting. As our student population increases, we must ensure our facilities are safe, modern, and equipped to support high-quality learning environments. At the same time, we need to manage our budget responsibly, balancing immediate needs with long-term sustainability. Addressing these issues requires collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to equity—and I believe the board plays a critical role in driving that vision forward.

As a candidate, I believe our budget decisions must protect and expand the resources that directly benefit students. As a former English language learner, I know firsthand how critical interventions and supports are to student success. As a former teacher and educational support professional, I also understand the value of enrichment services and the direct impact they have on learning, growth, and opportunity. That is why I will work to protect teacher positions, ensure robust support for all students, and expand counseling and mental health resources to meet the needs of our students. In addition, I will advocate for maintaining and growing opportunities in the arts, STEM, and extracurricular programs. Safe, well-maintained facilities must also remain a priority, with investments in security, air quality, and energy efficiency. At the same time, we must carefully examine areas where costs can be reduced without impacting student learning. This includes reviewing administrative overhead for efficiencies, renegotiating vendor contracts to ensure the best value, and preventive maintenance to lower long-term operational costs. My strategy is rooted in zero-based budgeting, meaning every expense must be justified annually, and data-driven decision making, where programs are evaluated by their impact on student outcomes–quantitative and qualitative data will be reviewed. I would also promote transparency by sharing budget summaries in plain language and engaging the community through listening sessions to ensure decisions reflect shared values. Ultimately, my goal is to balance fiscal responsibility with a firm commitment to protecting what matters most: our students’ education, well-being, and future success. By safeguarding instructional resources while eliminating inefficiencies, North Brunswick can continue to provide high-quality learning opportunities for every child.

When groups of parents disagree about Board of Education policies, my responsibility as a board member is to ensure that every voice is respected while also guiding the community towards solutions that serve the students first. Beyond simply listening, I would first ensure that accurate, clear information about policy is shared with all families. Misunderstandings often fuel disagreements, and transparency builds trust. Depending on the issue, structured opportunities such as town halls, listening sessions, or small group forums for parents to engage directly with district leaders in a respectful and solution-focused way will be offered. After reviewing perspectives, data, research, legal requirements, etc., this will ground decision-making in facts rather than opinion alone. From there we can identify a shared goal to keep equity and student well-being at the center. As an educator and parent, I understand the value of diverse perspectives. My role would be to ensure that every parent feels heard and that policies are shaped with transparency, fairness, and a commitment to the success of our students.

Schools must be safe havens for every child, regardless of immigration status. The role of schools when interacting with ICE is to uphold the law while protecting the rights, safety, and trust of students and families. In North Brunswick, this means that if ICE were to make inquiries involving our schools, the district would not act independently but would coordinate with the North Brunswick Township Police Department and legal counsel to ensure proper protocols are followed. Staff must be trained to understand that they cannot release student information without a judicial warrant or directive, in compliance with FERPA and state guidelines.

It is equally important that we protect our staff. There may be instances where staff members themselves feel racially profiled or targeted. As a district, we have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Staff should be trained not only in how to respond to ICE inquiries but also in understanding their rights, so they do not feel pressured or singled out based on race, language, or perceived background.

Ultimately, the district’s role is to partner with the North Brunswick Township Police Department, follow the law, and uphold the rights of students and staff. By doing this, we can ensure our schools remain places of learning and trust, where both families and educators feel supported and protected.

The North Brunswick Township has strong academic programs, but there is always room to expand opportunities so that every student can discover their strengths and prepare for the future. I believe we must continue to strengthen core academics while also ensuring our students have access to vocational pathways, career and technical education, and a robust fine arts program. The change I would recommend is creating a balanced approach: strong academics, meaningful vocational options, and vibrant fine arts. Together, these ensure that all students graduate with the skills, experiences, and confidence to pursue their chosen paths

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I am running for the North Brunswick Board of Education because I believe that strong schools are the foundation of strong communities, and I want every child in our district to have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. As a Computer Engineer, business owner specializing in supply chain optimization, licensed real estate agent, and public speaking coach, I bring a combination of analytical, organizational, and leadership skills that are critical for thoughtful decision-making and strategic planning in education. For more than a decade, I have actively mentored students and parents, helping them navigate academic challenges and explore their potential. I have also contributed to launching and supporting programs such as the Science Fair, Chess Club, and Spelling Bee, while consistently partnering with teachers, PTO members, and administrators to enhance student learning experiences. These experiences have allowed me to witness firsthand the dedication of our educators and the importance of strong community-school collaboration. Having been a North Brunswick resident for over 20 years and a parent of two children currently in our school system, I have built meaningful connections with families, teachers, and staff, gaining a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of our community. My professional experience, combined with my academic background and years of community involvement, equips me to approach Board responsibilities with a balanced perspective, practicality, and compassion. I am committed to serving our district with vision, transparency, and dedication. My goal is to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education that fosters academic growth, creativity, and life skills. By actively listening to families, educators, and students, I aim to make informed decisions that strengthen our schools, support our teachers, and prepare all children for success in college, careers, and beyond.

My priorities as a Board of Education member are advancing academic excellence, supporting our teachers and staff, ensuring the well-being of every student, and maintaining fiscal responsibility with transparency. I believe that a strong school system begins with a commitment to rigorous academics, and I want to strengthen core subjects while also expanding opportunities in STEM, the arts, and athletics so that every child can explore their interests and discover their passions. Supporting teachers is equally critical. This means advocating for fair compensation, professional growth opportunities, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. Teachers are the backbone of our schools, and by investing in their development and well-being, we directly impact student success. For students, it is essential to provide robust counseling and social-emotional resources, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience, and thrive academically and personally. Fiscal responsibility and transparency equally essential. I will advocate for clear communication about how taxpayer funds are allocated, ensuring that investments directly benefit classrooms and enhance learning experiences. This includes careful planning, balancing innovation with sustainability. By actively collaborating with educators, parents, students, and community members, I aim to create a school system that is supportive, innovative, and accountable. I am dedicated to creating a school community where students thrive, educators are supported, and families remain actively connected and informed. Together, we can build a strong, inclusive, and forward-looking school where every student has the foundation to succeed.

The heart of any school budget should be focused on supporting classrooms, ensuring that the majority of resources directly benefit instruction, teacher support, student programs, and services that enhance learning. Protecting—and where possible, increasing—funding for these areas allows students to access high-quality educational experiences while providing teachers with the tools and support they need to succeed. Investments in STEM programs, the arts, athletics, and social-emotional resources are equally important, as they give students well-rounded opportunities to explore their interests, develop critical skills, and grow academically, creatively, and personally. At the same time, it is important to identify areas where funds can be optimized. Non-essential administrative expenses, redundancies, and inefficiencies should be carefully reviewed and, where possible, reduced, so that taxpayer dollars are directed to the programs and initiatives that truly impact students’ daily experiences. Transparent communication with the community is equally essential—families and taxpayers should understand how funds are allocated, how decisions are made, and how investments directly support classrooms and student success. By prioritizing classroom needs, investing wisely in both academic and extracurricular programs, and practicing fiscal responsibility with transparency, we can build a school system that strengthens student outcomes, supports teachers, and maintains the public’s trust. A thoughtfully managed budget is more than numbers on a page—it is a reflection of our district’s values and our commitment to providing every student with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

When parents disagree on Board of Education policies, I believe it is essential to approach the issue with fairness, respect, and a student-first mindset. Conflicts or differing opinions are natural in a diverse community, but they must always be addressed thoughtfully, focusing on what is best for students. Beyond actively listening to all perspectives, I would carefully examine the facts, review relevant data, and consult with teachers, administrators, and subject matter experts to understand the educational, social, and long-term impacts of any policy decision.

Finding common ground is a key part of resolving disagreements. I would look for areas where different viewpoints align and identify solutions that meet multiple needs whenever possible. At the same time, I recognize that consensus may not always be achievable. In such cases, maintaining transparency is critical. Clearly communicating the reasoning behind decisions, outlining the evidence considered, and explaining how student interests were prioritized helps build trust, even among those who may not fully agree.

I also believe that decisions should reflect a balance between the needs of students, families, educators, and the broader community. By considering input from all stakeholders and weighing short-term and long-term effects, the Board can make policies that are thoughtful, equitable, and sustainable. My approach would emphasize openness, empathy, and accountability, ensuring that every family feels heard and every student’s well-being remains at the center of our work.

Ultimately, my goal is to foster a culture of collaboration and trust where differing opinions are respected, decisions are clearly explained, and the focus remains on providing the best possible educational experience. By approaching disagreements constructively, even challenging conversations can lead to positive, informed, and student-centered solutions.

Safety must be the top priority in any school. The primary role of schools is to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where every student can focus on learning and personal growth. Ensuring student safety goes hand in hand with protecting their rights, privacy, and access to education. Schools must follow applicable laws, while maintaining a clear focus on the well-being and development of students. Clear policies, consistent procedures, and staff training are essential for responding appropriately to any situation that could affect safety or learning. When teachers, administrators, staff, and families, understands how to act in a safe and consistent manner, students can focus on learning without fear or disruption. Schools should be environments where all students feel safe, supported, respected, and included. The mission of every school is to educate and prepare students for success, both academically and personally. By fostering trust, inclusivity, and open communication, schools not only protect students but also strengthen the broader community. Policies and practices should emphasize prevention, support, and collaboration, ensuring that safety measures enhance the educational experience rather than create unnecessary barriers. Ultimately, prioritizing safety means creating a foundation where students can thrive. A school that is secure, welcoming, and prepared to respond effectively to challenges is a school that promotes learning, well-being, and community confidence. By combining clear procedures, thoughtful planning, and a student-centered approach, schools can fulfill their mission of preparing every child for success in a safe and supportive environment.

Our district has strong academic programs, but there is always scope to grow and adapt to meet the diverse needs of students. I believe we should continue strengthening core academics while expanding opportunities in STEM and vocational training, ensuring that students who choose technical paths are fully prepared for the workforce or further education. Providing hands-on, practical learning experiences helps students develop critical skills while exploring potential career interests. Equally important is consistent support for fine arts and performing arts programs. These areas foster creativity, build confidence, and promote teamwork, all of which are essential for well-rounded development. Exposure to music, visual arts, theater, and other creative programs allows students to discover their passions, express themselves, and gain skills that complement their academic learning. Listening to students, parents, and educators is crucial in shaping programs that truly meet the community’s needs. By gathering input, reviewing current offerings, and aligning resources with demand, the district can provide meaningful and equitable opportunities for all students. Ultimately, a balanced approach that combines rigorous academics, hands-on vocational pathways, and robust arts programs is what we need. This approach not only prepares students for college and careers but also equips them with the personal, creative, and collaborative skills needed to succeed in life. By investing in all areas of learning and maintaining open dialogue with families and staff, we can create a school system that supports every child’s growth, promotes engagement and curiosity, and ensures that students are prepared to meet the challenges of the future.