I am running for the East Brunswick Board of Education because I know exactly what it is like to struggle to find your voice. As a student here, I took special education classes at Memorial and received speech therapy until high school. I wanted to be challenged, but rigid policies and IEP limits often blocked me from advanced classes. Thankfully, outstanding teachers saw my potential, handing me books above my grade level and encouraging me to explore college-level physics in the seventh grade. My journey led me to community advocacy. I am running to ensure our system listens to every student and helps working families manage the pressures of raising children. By focusing on student mental health, school climate, and creative solutions, we can make sure every child has a safe, supportive place to build their curiosity and confidence.
When my family moved to East Brunswick, we learned firsthand how hard it is for working parents to find affordable, full-day preschool. Because the district only offered a half-day program, we had to keep my younger sister at home. No family should have to choose between their child’s education and keeping their job. That is why I am fighting to expand free, full-day pre-K for every three- and four-year-old here in East Brunswick. We do not have to build this from scratch. By securing New Jersey state funding and partnering with local child care providers, we can roll out a step-by-step plan that keeps costs in mind. High-quality preschool helps our kids succeed, and it gives working families support they can count on. Let's give every child in our community a strong start.
I graduated from East Brunswick High School in 2016, so I know how much this school means to our community. But the building opened in 1958, and many parts of it are getting old. In 2023, a water line broke and forced students to learn from home. The school also needs major work on its roof, heating, cooling, and other systems. The district has estimated about $303 million to fix the current school and about $474 million to build a new one. I support moving toward a new, modern high school for grades 9–12. This could also move ninth grade out of Churchill and help reduce the need for temporary classrooms. But we must do this the right way. The public should see a clear plan that compares the full cost of fixing the old school with the full cost of building a new one. This is not about building the most expensive school possible. It is about making the smartest long-term choice for our students, families, and taxpayers.
Some of the best parts of school happen outside the classroom. Clubs, sports, music, theater, and other activities help students make friends, build skills, and find what they love. But in East Brunswick, families can be charged fees just for their child to take part. These costs can add up fast, especially for families with more than one child. I want to end district pay-to-participate fees for student clubs and activities. These programs cost money to run, and we should be honest about that. Instead of putting more costs on families, the district should plan for these programs in the budget and look for grants, sponsors, and booster support when possible. A student should not miss out on a sport, club, music program, or school activity because their family cannot afford another bill. If our schools believe an activity is worth offering, every student should have a fair chance to take part.
Our school nurses and counselors do great work, but they cannot provide every kind of healthcare a student may need. Right now, families may have to search for a provider, wait for an appointment, and miss work or school to get care. I want East Brunswick to explore a school-based mental and preventive health clinic with a trusted healthcare provider. The clinic would support, not replace, our school staff or family doctors. It could offer voluntary counseling, basic health screenings, and help connect families to more care when needed. Parents should stay involved, and student medical information must be kept private. We can learn from other New Jersey school districts, including Franklin Township, while building a plan that fits East Brunswick. The goal is simple: when a student needs help, getting care should be easier, faster, and less disruptive to their education.
East Brunswick should do more to support our school staff and their families. I want the district to explore creating a full-service health center for staff, based on programs already used in places like South Brunswick and Franklin Township. The center could offer primary care, urgent care, physical therapy, mental health services, and other basic health needs. This is about more than adding a new benefit. It is about making healthcare easier to use, helping employees stay healthy, and finding ways to lower healthcare costs for the district. Before moving forward, the district should use a fair vendor process and complete a clear financial review. After the center opens, the public should receive yearly reports on how many people use it and whether it is saving money. We can support our employees, protect taxpayers, and build a healthier school district at the same time.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
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