Brick Township School Board Election 2024: Gregory J. Cohen

BRICK, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

In Brick Township, the only local election is for the Board of Education. There are three, three-year terms up for election, and there are six candidates seeking those seats.

Incumbent Victoria Pakala is seeking re-election and running with John Henry and Nancy Ellson on the slogan Believe in Brick.

Challenging for the three seats, on the slogan Common Sense 4Education, are George Malgeri, Gregory J. Cohen and Georgia Lane-Hansen. Cohen sought election to the school board in 2023 but was defeated.

The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from Gregory J. Cohen.

Name: Gregory J. Cohen

Age: 61

Family: Married to Kim Cohen. We have a blended family of 7 children, 8 grandchildren and one on the way.

Education: Atlantic School of Insurance, Rutgers Collage of Government Studies

Occupation: Director of Transportation, West Orange Schools; Adjunct Instructor for Rutgers Transportation Supervisors Course; Owner, Gregory J. Cohen Insurance Agency

Any previous elected office or appointments in local government? No answer provided

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. No.

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for the Brick Schools board to bring transparency and common sense back to our education system. I believe that every parent, taxpayer, and staff member deserves to know what is happening in our schools. My main goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of our students and to provide robust support for the dedicated educators who guide them. Together, we can foster an environment where everyone feels informed and empowered.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing the Brick Township School District right now and how would you address it?

The biggest issue facing Brick Township Schools right now is the continued erosion of funding from Trenton. This reduction is leading to increased class sizes and decreased staffing, which ultimately impacts the quality of education our students receive. To address this, I believe in empowering our parents, staff, and the community to advocate for our schools. By building a coalition of voices, we can push for proper funding and hold our state leaders accountable. Together, we can work to ensure that our schools receive the resources they need to provide a high-quality education for every student.

Name one thing about the Brick Township School District that always makes you smile.

One thing that always makes me smile about the Brick Township School District is reflecting on the incredible teachers who have guided me, my brothers, and my seven children throughout our years in Brick Schools. Their dedication and passion for education have made a lasting impact on our lives, creating a supportive and nurturing environment where students can truly thrive.