Hillsborough Board Of Education General Election 2025: N. Jannah Hameed

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough's general election on Nov. 4 has six candidates running for three open seats on the Township Board of Education.

Board members Jean Trujillo, Joel Davis, and Danny Lee are all running for re-election to the board.

The candidate field includes three challengers: John Fluet, N. Jannah Hameed, and Marc Ehrenkrantz.

Are you running for office in Hillsborough? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Bridgewater Patch.

N. Jannah Hameed

Age: 20

Town of residence: Hillsborough

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: My family has lived in Hillsborough for over 20 years.

Education: Bachelor’s at Rutgers University (New Brunswick), Hillsborough High School Graduate

Occupation: Full-time student

Previous or current elected appointed office: N/A

Campaign website: instagram.com/hameed4boe and facebook.com/hameed4boe

Why are you seeking election for the Hillsborough Township Board of Education?

I am a lifelong Hillsborough resident and graduate of our school system. Hillsborough will always be my home. I realize both the importance of high-quality education, and the economic impact BOE decisions have on Hillsborough families.

I am running to:

• Spend every dollar responsibly, and with purpose
• Build trust through open, honest communication
• Address growing class sizes to improve quality of education
• Support our educators and students through prioritizing their feedback

School finances have been continuously discussed in the district. The district recently took advantage of the state's tax Incentive Aid program which increases the tax levy. What did you think of this decision?

While the state allowed Hillsborough to raise up to $20 million, we weren’t required to take the full amount.

I believe schools are worth investing in. However, being fiscally responsible means balancing the needs of our students with the realities facing our taxpayers.

This increase means the average Hillsborough home, valued at $594,089, now faces a tax bill of $8,645. That’s a serious impact, especially on working families, residents on a fixed income, and seniors, many of whom fear being taxed out of their homes.

At the same time, protecting teaching positions must be treated as essential spending. Teachers play a huge role in student success, and growing class sizes ultimately hurt students the most.

My stance is that this increase didn’t need to be all or nothing. I would have supported a middle ground — raising enough to maintain what we have now, without burdening residents with the full $20 million. Our schools cannot afford to lose more teachers, but our town also cannot afford an increase this heavy.

Do you have any comments or suggestions on how the district could handle its budget?

In times of economic hardship, it’s important to prioritize essentials over nonessentials.

With families already struggling under the $20 million tax increase, I disagree with the decision to spend $1.657 million on high school sports. To be clear, I am not advocating for cuts to athletic programs — I simply believe this money would have been better spent on classroom resources that directly support all students.

It’s also worth noting that the state did not require this $1.657 million to be used for athletics. If this spending had gone through a referendum, that would have been another story. But since it wasn’t, I believe the funds should have been directed toward essential resources that every student relies on.

I fully recognize the importance of athletics and extracurriculars. I know firsthand how programs like sports, clubs, and honor societies can inspire students’ passions and future careers. However, the foundation of student learning—academic success—must be supported before anything else.

The district is preparing to move forward with redistricting of students due to rising student enrollment. What do you think about this?

Overcrowding is a serious issue: our schools can only hold so many students, and some areas of Hillsborough are seeing faster population growth than others. Redistricting is not ideal, since it means some students will have to relocate, but I understand why the district views it as a tool to balance class sizes and make better use of available space.

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

Overcrowding in our schools prevents Hillsborough students from receiving the quality of education they deserve. Growing class sizes mean students receive less individual attention, while teachers may struggle to manage their classrooms effectively. Worse, it can lead to an increased rate of bullying and fights—especially in crammed, congested hallways.

The clear solution here is to hire additional staff, opening up more classrooms to reduce class sizes overall, and increase student supervision. While cost restraints make this difficult to implement, ensuring adequate staffing must be the priority within our existing budget. This also includes supporting special needs services. If elected, I will work with special needs teachers to ensure they have the appropriate resources and tools for their students to succeed.

In addition, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) cases must be treated with the seriousness they demand. This requires prioritizing concerns raised by teachers and staff about student behavior. Doing so will foster a safer and more supportive environment in Hillsborough Schools, allowing students to thrive both academically and mentally.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I’ve been consistently attending BOE meetings for over a year, showing up to stay informed and engaged. Beyond that, I make it a priority to be present, by having conversations with parents, teachers, students, and concerned residents. Meeting directly with people has given me a fresh perspective on the challenges our schools face, and the issues our community cares about.

For me, showing up matters. It’s easy to preach fiscal responsibility or talk about putting students first, but what sets me apart is my dedication to connecting with the community and truly listening to your concerns.

As a graduate of Hillsborough High School, I know what it takes to succeed as a student. I understand the modern challenges of education, including adjusting to new tools like AI.

My professional experiences also strengthen my perspective: I have 5 years of experience as a teaching assistant, and this past summer, I worked with the Planning and Zoning Department at the Hillsborough Municipal Building, where I gained valuable insight into how development impacts our community and schools.

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

I am running for the Board of Education to rebuild trust between the Board and Hillsborough residents—and that starts with communication. Every email and message I received last year was answered, and that will not change moving forward in this campaign.

I’ve spoken with many people across our community — teachers, students, parents, Hillsborough’s seniors, and other concerned residents. No matter who I speak with, one thing is consistent: people feel unheard.

I want to assure you: your voice matters, and I am always ready to listen. I may not be able to resolve every challenge this school district faces on my own, but I will always be willing to learn others’ perspectives and have a conversation — this I promise.

Please email me anytime at hameedforboe@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. It is my responsibility as a candidate to be honest and open with the public. If elected, I will carry this same transparency with me to the Board of Ed.