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North Brunswick Township school-board candidates stress student achievement, staff retention and fiscal stewardship at forum
Summary
Five candidates for three North Brunswick Township Board of Education seats outlined shared priorities — closing achievement gaps, retaining and fairly compensating teachers and educational support professionals, and managing referendum-driven facilities work — at a public forum hosted by the NBTEA. Organizers reminded residents of voting dates and options.
North Brunswick Township Board of Education candidates emphasized academic improvement, staff retention and careful use of referendum funds at a ‘‘meet the candidates’’ forum hosted by the North Brunswick Township Education Association on the evening the event was recorded.
Beth Pasner, president of the North Brunswick Township Education Association, opened the event and provided logistical details, saying the association has "over 900 members" and that the forum was funded through a New Jersey Education Association grant. She reminded voters that vote-by-mail opens Sept. 20, voter registration closes Oct. 14, early in-person voting runs Oct. 25–Nov. 2, and the general election is Nov. 4.
Jason Carter, a board incumbent who serves as chair of the board's business operations committee, framed his candidacy around fiscal stewardship and continuity: "I believe in our kids, our teachers, and our community," he said, adding that he would continue work on student achievement, teacher support and facilities oversight if re-elected.
Several candidates placed student achievement and narrowing the achievement gap at the top of their lists. "We must ensure that every student, regardless of background, learning style or ability has access to support and resources they need to thrive," said one candidate who described academic interventions, enrichment opportunities and data-informed decisions as priorities.
Retaining teachers and educational support professionals (ESPs) was a recurring theme. Candidates called for competitive compensation, clearer career pathways, mentorship and professional development. "By investing in our employees, we can definitely build a stable and empowering and talented workforce," one candidate said; others described ESPs — custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, nurses and clerical staff — as "the backbone of our schools" who deserve respect, resources and fair pay.
Several candidates noted the district's recent referendum and said the board must ensure construction and repairs remain "on track and on budget." Carter and others said fiscal responsibility and transparency were essential as the district implements facility work supported by voters.
On curriculum decisions, candidates expressed a shared view that teachers should lead on professional judgment while parents should have a voice in implementation and community values. "Teachers bring the professional expertise... parents know their children best," a candidate said, urging collaboration within state standards and evidence-based practice.
Throughout the forum candidates also emphasized school safety, student social-emotional supports and community engagement. In closing remarks they reiterated their priorities and urged residents to vote, and organizers thanked the moderator and the audience and reminded viewers the event will be available on the district's YouTube channel.
The forum presented candidates' positions on key local issues ahead of the Nov. 4 election; it did not include any formal board actions or votes.
