TAPinto East Brunswick Questionnaire

I am a construction inspector/ engineer who incorporates data analytics into construction projects for the Port Authority. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology, and I have a master's in data science. I am deeply involved within the East Brunswick community, and I am a firm believer in cross-cultural collaboration to foster inclusive learning environments. I went to school here; I live here, I started at Memorial and graduated from East Brunswick high school.

All I know is East Brunswick...

I have been involved with several South Asian community advocacy groups, including briefly serving as a youth director with a local non profit. I have volunteered with an interfaith homeless shelter and helped organize civic advocacy efforts locally and across New Jersey to serve all individuals regardless of race, religion, or nationality.

I am running for East Brunswick Board of Education because I care about everyone in our community and I want to ensure that when I have children them and any of their friends do not have to face the level of alienation that I felt when I was a student in East Brunswick. I was a student during the COVID-19 pandemic. I and many other community members feel the rising cost of inflation and its impact on housing, childcare, our communities' physical and mental health, and the nearly unaffordable health care premiums we are currently facing statewide. As a Board of Education member, I would try my best to work with the team to find innovating solutions to help reduce the impact of inflation on our school community.

I believe the three most important issues facing East Brunswick Public Schools today are affordability and financial sustainability, student mental health and belonging, and making sure our students are prepared for a rapidly changing world.

First, we must address the growing financial pressures facing both the school district and our community. Families are already dealing with rising costs for housing, childcare, healthcare, and everyday necessities. At the same time, the district must continue providing high-quality education while managing increasing operational costs. I believe the Board must continue looking for innovative and responsible ways to control costs, protect essential programs and sports, and make sure taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.

Second, we need to continue improving students' mental health, school climate, and students' sense of belonging. From my own experience as a student who took special education classes in East Brunswick, I understand how isolating school can feel sometimes – especially for students who may not feel connected to their peers or their school community. Every student should feel that they are seen, supported, respected, and given the opportunity to succeed.

Finally, we must make sure East Brunswick continues preparing students for the world they will enter after graduation. Technology, artificial intelligence, and the workforce are changing quickly. Our schools should continue providing strong academics while also giving students opportunities to develop practical skills, explore different career paths, and learn how to responsibly use emerging technologies. Moreover, I believe East Brunswick should continue being a district that prepares students not only to graduate, but to succeed in whatever path they choose upon graduation.

If elected, my top priorities during my first year would be expanding preschool, making sure the district is spending money responsibly, supporting student mental health, and improving communication with the community. One of my first priorities would be applying for Preschool Expansion Aid and working toward full-day public preschool for three- and four-year-olds. East Brunswick already has many private childcare and preschool providers that the district could possibly partner with.

Expanding preschool could help families with childcare costs while also giving more children a strong start before kindergarten. East Brunswick also needs to keep up with nearby school districts. Sayreville, North Brunswick, and South Brunswick are expanding public pre-K and continuing to invest in their schools. We cannot afford to fall behind. Strong schools are one of the main reasons families choose to live in East Brunswick, and they also help protect property values. I would look for state funding, grants, partnerships, and other ways to improve our schools without putting more pressure on taxpayers.

I would also focus on students' mental health and making sure every student feels like they belong. From my own experience as a student in East Brunswick, I know how important it is for students to feel supported and connected. I would also make it a priority to listen to students, parents, teachers, and residents and improve communication, so people understand what the Board is doing and why.

I believe our schools (East Brunswick Public Schools) do many things well. We have a strong academic reputation, dedicated teachers and staff, and a community that truly values education. Our schools are a major reason many families choose to live in East Brunswick, and that is something we should be proud of.

At the same time, there is room to improve. We need to make sure every student feels supported, connected, and like they belong. That means continuing to focus on student mental health, school climate, and stronger communication between the Board and the community.

We also need to keep looking ahead by expanding public Pre-K, improving our facilities, and making sure students have access to the programs and technology they need for the future. We can build on what the district already does well while staying open to new ideas.

I believe the district must protect jobs and ensure the quality of education does not decline, while recognizing that East Brunswick families are already facing high costs for housing, taxes, childcare, healthcare, and everyday expenses.

We should carefully review spending, operate responsibly, and make sure our budget reflects the needs of students. We should also aggressively pursue state aid, grants, partnerships, and other funding opportunities so taxpayers are not always asked to carry a growing financial burden. At the same time, we cannot make short-term cuts that create larger costs in the future by delaying maintenance or weakening important programs.

Good budgeting means setting clear priorities, being transparent, and finding creative ways to invest in students while respecting what families can afford. Our budget should tell taxpayers a clear story about where their money is going and the educational value their investment is providing to students and the community.

I believe technology and artificial intelligence should be used as tools to help students learn, prepare for the future, and support our teachers. AI is already becoming part of college, the workplace, and everyday life, so students should learn how to use it responsibly rather than simply being told not to use it.

At the same time, technology should never replace teachers, critical thinking, creativity, or students doing their own work. Students need to understand when AI can help with research, organizing ideas, or learning a new concept, and when it crosses the line into doing the work for them. Teachers should also have clear guidance and training, so expectations are consistent across the district.

My goal would be for East Brunswick to embrace new technology responsibly while making sure it supports, rather than replaces, the skills, relationships, and human connection that are essential to student development.

I believe the proper role of a Board of Education member is to represent the community, help set clear goals and policies, guide and approve the budget, and hold the superintendent accountable for carrying out the district's priorities.

Board members should ask questions, review information carefully, and make decisions based on what is best for the entire community. They should also make sure the district is transparent, financially responsible, and focused on providing students with a strong education.

The superintendent and district administration are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the schools, managing staff, carrying out Board policies, and making professional and administrative decisions. Because the superintendent is the Board's employee, that relationship should be collaborative, professional, and built on accountability.

A strong Board understands that difference. We should provide oversight without overstepping.

I believe people are more likely to trust the Board when they feel their concerns are truly being heard and taken seriously. I would make it a priority to be accessible to the community through board meetings, community events, email/snail mail, and conversations throughout town.

Listening needs to go beyond giving someone a few minutes to speak at a meeting. When concerns are raised, residents should be directed to the right person, followed up when appropriate, and not simply forgotten... I would also support more opportunities for community input before major decisions are made.

Most importantly, being heard does not always mean the board will agree. It means people are treated with respect.

Five years from now, I would like East Brunswick Public Schools to remain known for strong academics while being welcoming and accepting of differences.

I would like to see district wide full day Pre-K, continued investment in our facilities, and more opportunities for students to use the technology, programs, and resources they will need to succeed after graduation in an ever-changing world

Most importantly, I want East Brunswick to remain a community where families are proud to send their children to our schools and confident that their tax dollars are being used responsibly.

One thing I would like East Brunswick voters to know about me is that I am running because I genuinely care about this community and the people who call it home. This is personal to me because I grew up in East Brunswick, attended our schools, and my own experiences have shaped how I think about the connection between our schools and the broader community.

I know what it feels like to be a student who does not always feel connected or like they belong. That experience is one of the reasons I care so much about making sure students feel heard, supported, and included. I may not always have every answer right away, but I will always take the time to understand the issue, ask questions, and work toward what is best for the community.

East Brunswick residents should consider me because I bring the perspective of someone who grew up in this community, attended East Brunswick schools, and understand both the strengths of our district and the challenges students and families may face.

I do not have every answer, but I will always do the work to find thoughtful and responsible solutions. Above all, I want East Brunswick to remain a community where families choose to live, students have the opportunity to succeed, and residents are proud of their schools.

If elected, I will serve with commitment, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to our community.