Election 2024: Central Regional School Board Candidate Megan Bowens

BERKELEY, NJ — The 2024 general election will likely be a high-turnout year with a presidential race on the ballot, along with candidates for New Jersey's U.S. House and Senate seats. But there will also be local decisions to be made in Berkeley Township, with school board and county elections on the ballot.

The Central Regional Board of Education has two seats up for election. Ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5, Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates seeking their responses. Here is the response from Megan Bowens.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 5 general election. These responses will be published edited only for style. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact veronica.flesher@patch.com

Name: Megan Bowens

Age: 37

Town of residence: Bayville section of Berkeley Township

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Both degrees were completed at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida.

Occupation: Teacher

What drove you to seek public office?

As a parent with children in this district, I have a vested interest in the success of our schools. I’ve seen firsthand how education can transform lives, and I want to ensure that our district provides the best opportunities for every child. I believe my professional experience gives me a unique insight into the challenges our schools face, and I’m committed to making meaningful improvements that benefit both students and teachers. Serving in public office has been a goal of mine for quite some time now. I am passionate about giving back to the community that has already given my family and I so much.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

What sets me apart from the other candidates is my deep commitment to education, both as a parent and an educator. With a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, I bring a strong understanding of how to support effective teaching and learning, grounded in proven educational practices. My experience as an educator equips me with the ability to engage with teachers, students, and families in meaningful ways that prioritize academic excellence and student well-being.

Additionally, as a parent with children in the district, I have firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities our students face. This dual perspective as both a professional and a parent gives me a unique understanding of what our schools need to thrive. I’m dedicated to fostering a school environment where every child feels supported and has access to the resources they need to succeed. I believe in making data-informed decisions that balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of our students and community, ensuring that our schools remain a place of growth and opportunity for all.

What is the most pressing issue facing the district?

In the Central Regional School District, we face the challenge of balancing academic achievement with the social and emotional well-being of our students. With the increasing pressures on students, both academically and in terms of mental health, we need to ensure that our schools are providing a supportive, safe environment that prioritizes both rigorous education and student well-being. Expanding mental health services, fostering strong teacher-student relationships, and creating a positive school culture are all key to addressing these concerns.

The district is currently exploring merging with its sending districts. Are you in favor of this? Why or why not?

The idea of merging with sending districts is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of its impact on students, staff, and the community. I believe any decision should prioritize improving educational quality and resource allocation while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Merging could potentially streamline operations, provide more consistent curriculum alignment, and allow for more shared services, which can benefit all students by offering enhanced academic programs or extracurricular opportunities.

However, we also need to weigh potential challenges, such as the logistics of managing larger student populations and the impact on local control and community identity. It's critical that we engage with stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and local officials, to gather their input and ensure that any move toward merging aligns with the educational and financial goals of our district. Ultimately, I would support a merger if it's shown to improve educational outcomes for students and is fiscally responsible for our community.

Accusations of bullying and racism have plagued the district over the past few years. How do you plan to address this?

First, we need to strengthen our anti-bullying and anti-racism policies to ensure they are clear, consistently enforced, and well-communicated to students, staff, and families. This includes providing ongoing professional development for teachers and staff to identify and address bullying or discriminatory behaviors early, as well as educating students about the impact of these behaviors and the importance of empathy and respect.

Additionally, I believe we need to increase the support available to students who may be affected by bullying or racism. Expanding access to mental health resources, creating safe reporting mechanisms, and engaging in restorative justice practices can help create a supportive environment for both those affected and those who need guidance in changing their behavior.

Finally, we need to involve the entire school community in fostering an inclusive environment. This includes partnerships with parents, local organizations, and community leaders to ensure that we are addressing these issues both inside and outside the classroom.

It’s essential to create a safe, welcoming space for all students, where every child feels valued and respected.