East Brunswick Board Of Education General Election 2025: Heather Guas

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Current Board of Education president Heather Guas is seeking another term on the East Brunswick BOE. Guas served six years on the BOE and believes her lifelong commitment to education and to children sets her apart from other candidates.

Read all about her platform in this Q&A with Patch.

Heather Guas

Age: 56

Town of residence: East Brunswick

Family: I am a proud single mother of three. My two older children are recent East Brunswick High School graduates, and my youngest is currently thriving in one of our district’s elementary schools. East Brunswick has been our home for over 20 years—a community that has given so much to my family and one I am deeply committed to serving.

Education: I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education from The College of William and Mary in Virginia and am a certified Special Education and Secondary English teacher. I recently earned my Supervisor’s and Principal’s certificates, furthering my lifelong dedication to learning and leadership

Occupation: High School English Teacher

Previous or current elected or appointed office: I am seeking re-election to the Board of Education, where I have had the honor of serving for the past six years, including my current term as Board President.

Why are you seeking a seat on the BOE?

My service on the Board and my continued professional growth all reflect one purpose: to ensure that every child in East Brunswick receives the highest quality education possible and that our schools remain places where students and staff can thrive.

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

Looking ahead, I believe the district’s greatest challenges are our budget and the aging high school facility. I have great confidence in our newly appointed Superintendent, Dr. Evelyn Mamman, whose experience and vision will guide us through these evolving educational and legislative challenges. Together—with the Board’s continued support—we will focus on improving efficiency, addressing redistricting, and advocating for stronger legislative funding.

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

As Board President, I was proud to lead the effort to open the budget process to the public, giving our community a transparent view into how financial decisions are made. Continuing this level of transparency and engagement is vital so that our budget truly reflects the values and priorities of East Brunswick residents.

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

Our high school, while it has served generations well, is now facing escalating maintenance costs and limitations that hinder future growth. It’s time to look forward. Investing in a new, state-of-the-art facility would not only provide a learning environment worthy of our exceptional students and staff but would also elevate our district’s standing across the state and increase home values. I believe this is a decision that should be placed before our community in a referendum, so every voice in East Brunswick can be heard. As a single, working teacher, I understand the impact of taxes—but I also believe that investing in our town and our children is the smartest investment we can make.

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

I think the District has been successful in many ways, from leading the state in school security to the growth of our incredible programs we offer to our students. We work to create a safe environment where all students can succeed - and we continue to grow in that direction. Among my proudest accomplishments as a Board Member has been leading the Board in the collaborative process that brought Dr. Mamman to East Brunswick. From selecting a strong search firm to developing a leadership profile that reflected our community’s vision to conducting an efficient and rigorous interview process during a highly competitive time, our Board worked tirelessly to find the right leader. I believe we succeeded. Now, our shared responsibility is to provide Dr. Mamman with the support and collaboration she needs to build relationships, listen, and lead effectively. I am deeply committed to ensuring her success—and, through her leadership, the continued success of every student, teacher, and family in East Brunswick.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

What truly sets me apart is my lifelong commitment to education and to children. Over my 34 years as a public school teacher, I have written curriculum, led professional development, and advocated for both students and educators. Bettering our educational system for children has been my focus since I was 19 and entered my graduate program. I am not a politician—my goals are not political. My work has always been, and will always be, about education, opportunity, and kids.

What sets me apart from most of the challengers is the combination of my educational background and career alongside my experience as a Board Member. My education and career give me a strongly informed position, while my experience as a Board Member allows me to maintain the ethical balance of making sure the District is well-run, but not running the District. This is a very novice Board. Most of the challenging candidates do not have the Institutional History that we benefit from and need. With a new Superintendent and the upcoming retirement of the Business Administrator, we need this historical knowledge I have from experienced Board Members I have served with, as well as my own, of what we have done that has worked in the past and what the Board has done that has not, otherwise we are destined to repeat mistakes rather than grow from them.

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

Looking ahead, my goals remain rooted in experience, connection, transparency, and growth:

• Experience: Support our new Superintendent with strong, steady leadership and the community trust needed to move our district forward.
• Connections: Support the Superintendent in continuing to open communication with families and staff through social media, Town Halls, and small group discussions that keep everyone informed and engaged.
• Transparency: Continue to support open finance meetings and clarify decision-making, ensuring that our community understands how and why choices are made.
• Facilities & Revenue: Explore the development of a new High School Campus that not only replaces aging buildings but also serves as a hub for community events, enhances academic, arts, and athletic opportunities, and creates potential new revenue streams for the district.

These goals reflect my continued commitment to ensuring that East Brunswick remains a district where students excel, teachers are supported, and our community feels proud and informed every step of the way.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com