East Brunswick Board Of Education General Election 2025: Antoinette Evola

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Antoinette Evola is seeking a one-year term on the East Brunswick Board of Education. She is running for the seat left vacant by Laurie Lachs, who resigned earlier this year.

In a Q&A with Patch, Evola talks about the district-wide budget cuts and how she lobbied in Trenton last fall, meeting key legislators to better understand the funding formula.

Through her candidacy, Evola wants to deliver transparent and accountable leadership, rebuild trust, and promote respectful dialogue.

Patch sent out a questionnaire to all candidates seeking a seat on the BOE. Their profiles will be published as received.

Are you running for office in East Brunswick? Contact Sarah Salvadore at sarah.salvadore@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements.

Antoinette Evola

Age: 46 Town of residence: East Brunswick

Family: Married to my husband Anthony for 18 years, we currently have two children in the East Brunswick school district. Our oldest and his wife just welcomed their first child, making us first-time grandparents.

Education: Merchandising and Marketing Occupation: I am an artist and small business owner, teaching art classes and workshops throughout New Jersey and New York City. I have been self-employed since 2018 and rank in the top 3 percent of my company.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

Why are you seeking a seat on the BOE?

My husband and I moved here from New York City with our 2 small children almost 10 years ago. We chose this school district because of its “Blue Ribbon” status. Over the last 10 years, I have seen our classrooms decline from an increase in class sizes, to ill-prepared curriculum changes, to many other variables. As a parent and resident, I have been very concerned about the direction that our schools are heading towards. As a solution seeker, I want to be a part of the restoration to the district I moved here for.

I’m running for a seat on the Board of Education because I believe our district deserves transparent, accountable leadership that keeps students at the center of every decision. Too often, people confuse the role of a Board of Education member with that of the superintendent. The board’s job isn’t to run the day-to-day operations of the district — it’s to ensure the district is being run in alignment with the vision and values of the community it serves.

I’m running because I want to help rebuild trust, promote respectful dialogue, and ensure that our district’s goals truly reflect the needs and priorities of the community.

What sets you apart from the other candidates/challenging candidates?

While it is important to have a plan, it is even more important to recognize that plans evolve. That is why my candidacy is rooted in not just a plan but a clear and adaptable vision for the future.

What sets me apart is that I bring a personal understanding of how budget decisions affect real families because I am one of those families. As a parent navigating the rising costs of living while supporting my children’s education, I know how important it is that the school district approaches financial challenges with care and creativity.

My leadership style is hands-on and inclusive. I listen closely to parents, teachers, and community members to ensure their voices are heard and reflected in decision-making. For me it's not just about transparency, it's about authenticity. I am consistently genuine in my values and actions.

This combination of personal experience, practical problem-solving, and a collaborative mindset is what truly sets me apart as a candidate.

What, according to you, is the biggest issue facing the school district?

The biggest issue facing our district right now is the lasting impact of budget constraints on both our staff and our students. Teacher morale has suffered as job security and programs have been threatened, creating uncertainty that ripples throughout our schools. When programs that inspire and motivate students are cut, it affects not just learning but the overall sense of pride and connection within our district.

Just as importantly, our community has lost a great deal of trust in the administration. Families want transparency, accountability, and confidence that decisions are being made in the best interest of students. I believe our new superintendent has an opportunity to rebuild that trust and as a Board of Education member, I will work to hold her accountable to ensure that happens.

We can operate responsibly within our budget while still prioritizing what matters most: protecting the classroom experience and ensuring every decision minimizes the impact on children. Restoring trust and honesty in how our schools are managed is essential.

Are you happy with the way the district has handled state aid cuts and budget issues? What would be your approach?

While the district has worked hard to manage budget challenges, I believe there have been opportunities for more proactive communication and advocacy. During the 2024 budget crisis, the district asked the community to reach out to legislators, but offered little guidance. I took the initiative, with the help of two other parents, to create an action alert that included the names and contact information of every legislator on the Senate and Assembly education and budget committees. That effort helped restore $500,000 in funding for that budget year.

With the threat of further state aid reductions, I lobbied in Trenton last fall, meeting key legislators to better understand the funding formula and how property values and township income determine state aid. When proposed cuts for EB schools were announced, it was clear that many would directly impact classrooms. I helped organize another grassroots action alert, this time engaging the board and administration to advocate for the community’s priorities. That effort helped preserve essential programs like second language in HUES, electives, 9th-grade sports, and activity buses.

While the state allows districts to lift the tax levy as a solution, surrounding towns have increased taxes 15–25 percent. Rather than relying on drastic tax increases as a first solution, my approach will be to hold the administration accountable, ensure resources are managed efficiently, and proactively advocate for the programs and services our students need to thrive. As a resident, I do not have full access to the entire budget, which makes it challenging to see how resources are being allocated and to identify opportunities for savings or improvements before they directly impact students. This lack of visibility reinforces the need for the Board of Education to hold the administration accountable, ask the tough questions, and ensure that every decision is made with the children’s best interests in mind. My goal is to advocate for greater clarity in budgeting and spending so that our community can have confidence that programs, staff , and resources are being managed responsibly.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the school district?

In addition to budget management and program preservation, several key issues require attention. Teacher morale and retention are critical. Our educators face uncertainty from budget cuts and shifting priorities, and supporting them is essential for student success. Student mental health and well-being must also remain a priority, ensuring that counseling, social-emotional learning, and support programs are accessible to all students.

I see a strong need for greater community engagement and communication. Families want to feel heard, understand the reasoning behind decisions, and have opportunities for respectful dialogue with the administration and the board. Strengthening these channels will help rebuild trust and ensure the district reflects the community’s values.

Finally, I am committed to equity and access, ensuring every student , including those with special needs or on 504 plans has the fair opportunities and support needed to learn, grow, and thrive.

What, according to you, is the one thing the district has been most successful in doing this past year?

I've noticed that the district's social media presence has improved, which is a positive step toward better communication. That said, there's still an opportunity to make it more effective for families who cannot attend Board of Education meetings. Highlights of each meeting, key bullet points, and links to view the full sessions, along with important slides, would allow the community to stay informed. Using social media more strategically in this way would be essential for fostering openness and building trust between the district and the residents.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I currently serve as the PTA President at Hammarskjold, and last year I was proud to serve as Vice President of Fundraising. Through our collective efforts, we gave back $35,000 to the HUES school community. That funding supported teacher grants, sponsored Hammarskjold’s first-ever Field Day, purchased picnic tables to create an additional recess area beyond the blacktop, and provided students with a more inviting space to gather and connect during their breaks.

I’m not just running for my two children in this district—I’m running to represent all 8,100+ students currently enrolled in our schools and to advocate for what’s best for each and every one of them. I’m committed to being a strong, dedicated voice for our entire community.

I have purple lawn signs proudly displayed throughout the community, majority of them on private homes, because I truly believe people vote for people. I’m grateful to have a huge support system built over the years through my passion and dedication to our schools. I hope that through my efforts and commitment, I have earned your trust and support in the upcoming election.

Our district is at an important crossroads with a new superintendent, a new business administrator, and a fresh Board of Education taking office this January. Together, they bring an opportunity to restore unity in our township through collaboration and open dialogue.

Now is the time for us to come together as a community and work toward a bright, fresh future for our schools and township. I’m excited to be part of that effort, and I hope you will join me. Please vote for Antoinette Evola 1 year term in column 1.