East Brunswick Board Of Education Election 2023: Tim Cummings

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — In July, candidate Tim Cummings took his place on the Board of Education, filling the position left vacant by Susann Chiu.

Cummings is now seeking re-election. Having moved to East Brunswick based on the reputation of its schools, Cummings has three children currently in the school district.

In a Q&A with Patch, Cummings talks about his platform and why is seeking a seat on the Board of Education.

Name: Tim Cummings

Age: 42

Town of residence: East Brunswick

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: Tim and his wife, Kristy, have three children – ages 12, 10, and 7 – who attend East Brunswick Public Schools (Warnsdorfer, Hammarskjold, and Churchill) and are actively engaged in the community.

Education: BA, Fairfield University; MBA, University of Findlay

Occupation: Non-profit, Administration

Previous or current elected appointed office: Current member of the BOE

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

Every young person deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in a district that supports their well-being, nurtures their social and emotional development, strengthens their academic understanding, and builds resiliency. As an individual who has consistently worked to foster healthy and vibrant communities, I want to be a part of this process in East Brunswick and I believe that I can contribute to the goals of the district.

What according to you is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

There are two items that are most pressing at this time. First, I am concerned about the collective mental health of our society, and especially that of young people. To confront this, we must ensure that our schools remain safe and nurturing environments. We have an amazing team of talented and dedicated teachers, administration, and staff who deserve ongoing support and training. It is our responsibility to ensure that additional services and programming remain in place that support the healthy development of each individual. Second, it is evident that we have an issue with the high school. The fact that students were sent home early the first several days of school due to extreme heat, coupled with the recent water line situation are clear indicators that the building presents challenges. As a community, we need to move forward in a way that eliminates gaps in learning and provides all students with the tools and resources they deserve to grow into the people that they want to be. I will work closely with my colleagues on the Board, listening to the input of our local community, to ensure that a data-driven and strategic plan is implemented to appropriately address this issue.

The effects of COVID-19 are still seen in the form of student performances. What's your plan to help the most vulnerable students struggling in school right now?

We need to ensure that a variety of services remain in place to support individuals still struggling as a result of the pandemic. This starts by maintaining a well-trained staff who are capable of identifying and addressing signs that a young person may be struggling. Further, to the best of our ability, we need to ensure that we are operating supportive communities where students feel safe and comfortable to express their concerns. While I believe that this is already happening thanks to our dynamic administrators, teachers, and staff within each school, it is an ongoing effort and will require innovative thinking as we progress forward.

Residents often speak about overcrowding of schools once new housing opens in the Township. Do you think the BOE is well-placed to tackle the issue?

Yes, I believe that we are well-poised to address overcrowding in schools. In addition to possessing the tools to capture and track data within each of our buildings, we have a clear sense of state mandates as it relates to permissible class size and safety. Of course, forecasting growth in new construction will always remain semi-unpredictable. With that said, our commitment to constant evaluation will keep us in front of this situation and allow us to make decisions that are rooted in accurate and relevant data.

What issues do you feel are not being adequately tackled in the district?

I believe that our district is doing a very good job supporting the many diverse and unique needs across our community. East Brunswick schools have a great reputation that drives people to the town (my wife and I included). With that being said, in any institution, there is always room for improvement. As we continue to navigate through big projects and confront challenges, we should continue to focus our efforts on clear and consistent communication with residents across the district. Further, as a parent of three children in three different schools, we receive a significant amount of information on a daily basis. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the district administration to implement practices that make it easier for all individuals to remain informed of not just day-to-day activity, but also large-scale initiatives that are being rolled out across the district. I believe that we have a great opportunity to accomplish this goal through the use of technology and I look forward to gaining insight from experts in the field on how to best accomplish this goal.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am confident that my innovative and collaborative outlook, leadership and team-building skills, strategic thinking, and commitment to quality improvement will significantly enhance our shared goals for a healthy and resilient district. Further, my broad range of experiences have equipped me with a unique ability to navigate through difficult situations. I treat people with dignity and respect and believe in the power of compassionate communication and listening.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

As the son of a lifelong educator, I am well aware of the intrinsic value that teachers, administrators, and staff play in any community. I have witnessed the tireless commitment and unwavering spirit that each of these positions require, and I am profoundly impressed by the professionals who dedicate their lives to the advancement of their students and to the community as a whole. Like these individuals, my goal is to elevate and strengthen the already incredible work that is being accomplished across the district. I am committed to seeing East Brunswick succeed and I am grateful for your consideration of my election to the Board of Education.

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