Election 2024: Jennifer Figueroa For East Brunswick Board Of Education

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Public school educator Jennifer Figueroa is seeking a seat on the East Brunswick Board of Education this November.

In a Q&A with Patch, Figueroa talks about the improvements she would like to see in the school district and her hope to build unity between the community and the school district.

This year's election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Patch has sent out a questionnaire to all candidates. They will be published as we receive them. If you are a candidate and haven’t heard from us, please contact Sarah Salvadore at sarah.salvadore@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements.

• Name: Jennifer Figueroa
• Age: 51
• Town of residence: East Brunswick
• Education: Rutgers University, B.A. in Psychology; Kean University, Teaching certification.
• Occupation: Teacher

1. Why are you seeking a seat on the Board of Education?

I am running for the Board of Education because we need positive change in our schools. Change is needed to our current school climate and culture. The focus needs to be brought back to what is best for the students. All kids should feel like they belong and are accepted. Schools should be a safe place for students to learn and thrive. Teachers and parents should be able to advocate for their students/children without the fear of retribution. I am an advocate for student and staff mental well-being. It is important that the students have what they need for success, and that the teachers and staff are equipped with what they need to perform the duties that they’re being asked to handle. Parents need to understand what their children are doing, what they’re involved in, and what they’re learning. I want to make sure that the kids in this district have everything that they deserve and that decisions are being made on what’s best for kids.

2. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am the only public school educator currently running for the Board of Education. I have worked in an in-class resource classroom that includes students with and without IEPs for the majority of my career. Through my work as an Edison teacher, I have been a member of various committees such as the I&RS committee, Safety Committee, and School Climate Committee. I meet with some of my school’s most at-risk students in my role as a mentor, and I host various Family Engagement Nights. These evening events focus on building a relationship between home and school by engaging parents in their children’s learning on topics such as reading, math, SEL, & cultural diversity.

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

The current state of the school climate in this district is unacceptable. Teachers and staff are fearful of retribution. Teachers and staff are feeling bullied and threatened when they advocate for students or ask questions. Many are complaining of physical ailments such as headaches and stress-related illnesses. Others were mentally exhausted before the school year had even begun. All of this is felt by the students. This needs to stop. We need to change the present school climate to a more healthy work environment.

4. Are you happy with the way the district has handled state aid cuts? What would be your approach?

There is a need to look at the budget closely and see where and how money is being spent. There has been mismanagement of funds that have disintegrated programs and classes for students. It will be essential to identify areas where money could be used for programs and resources that have a direct impact on student success. While I realize that state funding issues have and may occur, there should be a plan in place to address the financial needs of the district at that time. We must have the ability to address budget shortfalls with the state legislature and stakeholders prior to the shortfalls occurring.

Poor planning has put us in an unenviable situation. A deep dive, via a forensic audit of the budget, is necessary in order to begin to make changes in the budget allocations.

5. There were discussions about expanding the high school either by building a new one or renovating the existing one. What are your thoughts on this?

The high school needs to be looked at. It is an outdated building. Any of the talks and committees that were formed to discuss the current high school are years old at this point. Any plans and costs are outdated. Time and money have been wasted as this issue has sat idle. I cannot make an educated decision without more research and information about the costs and conditions of the current building. I would like to know why we spent all this time and money and we are no closer to a resolution.

6. What other aspects need to be improved in the school district?

Fiscal responsibility, accountability, the mental health of staff and students, addressing and meeting students' needs, school culture, and climate are some of the important issues that are prevalent. However, to move forward with any of these needs, we must have a fiscally responsible plan and people willing to work to make sure these non-negotiable areas are managed properly. It is beneficial to have open dialogue with many stakeholders contributing different ideas and perspectives. It is essential to build a sense of unity between the community and the school district.

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

As a proud mom of two East Brunswick students, a teacher who works endlessly to advocate for her students, and a taxpayer in the community, all decisions made by the school administration and the Board of Education affect me personally. I want accountability for these decisions.

I am running with three other qualified candidates. Our slate is running because we care about our schools and want to bring them back to the excellent status they once were.

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