Lacey School Board Election 2025: Brandon Hurley

LACEY, NJ — Election Day is Nov. 4, and voters will have their say on New Jersey's next governor. But in Lacey, residents will also vote on local, school board and county elections.

Ahead of the 2025 election, Patch will be publishing profiles on local candidates. Here's what Brandon Hurley had to say.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 4 general election. These responses will be published edited only for style. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact veronica.flesher@patch.com.

Government Experience:

• United States Coast Guard Counter Narcotics/Drug Interdiction Team
• Maritime Law Enforcement
• Federal Law Enforcement Officer (current)
• Critical Incident Responder
• Mental health awareness and National Crisis-Response Interagency Liasson

Kala.

I’m running because I believe every child in Lacey deserves access to a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment. As a parent of a child with special needs, I’ve witnessed the gaps, delays, and frustrations many families face. As someone who trains others to make responsible, high-stakes decisions, I know how important leadership, communication, and accountability are. I’m stepping forward to be a bridge between parents, teachers, and the community so we can strengthen trust. We are at a turning point, and I feel we have to get back to putting students first, supporting our teachers, and respecting Lacey residents.

What sets you apart from other candidates?
I bring a combination of professional discipline, instructional and curriculum development experience, with real-world crisis management that very few candidates can offer. I’m not driven by politics or agendas. I’m driven by data, transparency, and results. I’m approachable, active in the community, and willing to listen. When there’s a problem, I don’t blame or deflect. I look for solutions, gather input, and move forward responsibly. I’m here for every student, especially our most vulnerable.

What is the most pressing issue facing the Lacey Township School District?
We are currently facing four major challenges:
• Growing class sizes
• Teacher retention and support
• Increased pressure on special-education services
• Rebuilding trust and communication within the community
When classrooms get overcrowded, student support becomes strained, and teachers burn out. As our special-education needs grow, we must protect services from delays and avoid overwhelming staff. Without transparent communication with parents and the residents of Lacey, trust breaks down, making it harder to solve problems together. Addressing these issues requires collaboration, long-term planning, and clear, consistent communication.

If elected, what will your top priority be?
My top priority will be student achievement through teacher support and manageable class sizes. Students succeed when great teachers have the time and resources to do their job well. Especially in our special education department, that means better classroom ratios, smarter staffing, improved communication with parents, and protecting special-education services. I will focus on data-driven planning and long-term budgeting instead of relying on last-minute solutions that create instability. With the growing uncertainty nationally regarding the Department of Education, and more recently the complete dismantling of the Special Education department, we must ensure at the local level that these supports are solid and in place when and if Trenton and Washington drop the ball.

What is your favorite thing about living in Lacey?

Lacey feels like a true community. In my neighborhood and those surrounding, people look out for each other, volunteer at events, support local sports, and rally when families are in need. It’s a town where you know your neighbors, where teachers remember your children’s names, and where our schools are the heart of the community. That sense of pride is what makes serving here worth fighting for. I want to give back to the town that accepted my family with open arms.