Election 2024: Barry Nathanson For South Brunswick Board Of Education

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - Incumbent Barry Nathanson is seeking another term on the South Brunswick Board of Education.

Nathanson has served on the BOE for 23 years and believes his experience can steer the district in the right direction. In a Q&A with Patch, he outlines his plans for the school district.

The election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Name: Barry Nathanson

Age: 66

Education: BS. of Economics & BFA from Franklin Pierce University, New Hampshire

Occupation: Asst. Customer Service Manager, NJ Turnpike Authority

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

I am seeking a seat on the South Brunswick Township Board of Education because I am deeply committed to the education and well-being of our students and the overall health of our community. Having served on the board for 23 years, including roles as Vice President and President, I have witnessed the transformation and challenges within our district. My guiding principle of “Putting Kids First” drives my advocacy for policies that enhance our educational experiences and support our teachers and staff, who play a pivotal role in our children's success. I believe that my extensive experience and established relationships within the community will allow me to effectively address the needs of our schools and ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education.

2. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

What sets me apart from other candidates is my significant experience and proven track record of leadership within the South Brunswick Township Board of Education. With 23 years on the Board, I have developed a deep understanding of our district's strengths and areas for improvement. My roles as Chair of the Operations Committee and active member of the Negotiating Committee have equipped me with the skills to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities effectively. Moreover, my unwavering commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive environment where every student, staff member, and community member feels valued distinguishes my approach. I am not just a candidate; I am a dedicated advocate for our students and families, and I envision a collaborative future where we all work together to build bright futures for our young learners.

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

In my view, the biggest issue facing our school district is the urgent need to prioritize safety, especially in light of the ongoing gun violence and threats that affect schools nationwide. It is imperative that we secure a dedicated allotment of resources to address these safety concerns comprehensively. For the past six years, our district has faced a continued deficit model of budgeting, forcing difficult choices that undermine our ability to protect our students fully. Safety cannot be compromised; it must be our top priority. Following safety, I believe that student programming, class sizes, and extracurricular activities are critical issues that require our attention. We must ensure that our students have access to a well-rounded educational experience that fosters both academic and personal growth. Additionally, mental health support should have its own dedicated funding line, as it is intricately tied to the safety and well-being of our students. While we have a robust chain of command, it’s essential that we effectively address concerns at the school or teacher level. When parents reach out to Board members, we are obligated to inform the Superintendent and guide them to the appropriate channels for prompt support. This year, we aim to enhance follow-up measures from the administration to ensure that all concerns are adequately addressed. Moreover, supporting our struggling students is essential. The success of the district as a whole depends on how well we uplift those who face challenges. By using data effectively, we can direct our initiatives to create strong pathways for college and career readiness for all students. Simultaneously, we must continue to provide high-level programming that keeps our students challenged and engaged, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter Tier 1 colleges and universities. Together, these initiatives will strengthen our district and ensure a thriving educational environment for every student in South Brunswick.

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

I am genuinely pleased with how our school district has navigated the challenges posed by state aid cuts and budgetary constraints. South Brunswick has demonstrated exemplary leadership, primarily due to having one of the best Business Administrators in the state. The district has consistently voiced its disapproval regarding the state’s handling of the School Funding Reform Act (SFRA), advocating for a fairer distribution of resources. While New Jersey continues to make commendable efforts to fund public schools, the reality is that we have seen significant losses in school revenues over the past decade, which affects our ability to meet spending targets. I wholeheartedly support our district's proactive response in fighting for the passage of A4161, which provided $14.2 million directly to South Brunswick. This funding has enabled the district to mitigate many potential staffing cuts, demonstrating a strong commitment to maintaining high-quality educational services. Moreover, I appreciate the strategic approach our district employs in managing its budget. We actively consider multiple factors that impact student outcomes and prioritize targeting specific populations, such as low-income and low-achieving students. The recognition that we need to address labor market conditions for educators and focus on essential capital improvements reflects a commitment to long-term planning. The initiatives taken, such as establishing a dedicated health center for staff, highlight a forward-thinking strategy that simultaneously addresses rising healthcare costs and reallocates funds to essential services. I commend the district's investment in sustainability measures like solar panels, which not only enhance cost-efficiency but also demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility. I am also in strong agreement with the board’s diligent efforts in exploring revenue-generating initiatives. Raising rental fees for facilities and encouraging local businesses to sponsor our programs are smart strategies that help bolster our financial standing. The successful renegotiation of our food service contract, which has led to better quality food at lower costs, exemplifies the district’s ability to enhance services while maintaining financial responsibility. In summary, I fully support the district's comprehensive approach to budgeting and resource allocation, which balances immediate needs with long-term benefits. Together, we are working to ensure that we meet the diverse needs of all our students while sustaining the integrity and future success of our district. I'm proud to be a part of this ongoing effort to create an enriching educational environment for every student in South Brunswick.

5. Despite budgetary challenges, SBSD is consistently ranked among the top school districts in NJ. What do you think the district is doing right?

South Brunswick School District (SBSD) has managed to maintain its high ranking among New Jersey school districts despite budgetary challenges due to a combination of strategic initiatives and a commitment to excellence. Here are some key areas where the district is excelling:

• Student Well-being: The district prioritizes mental health resources and support systems, creating a safe and inclusive environment for students. By investing in mental health initiatives, SBSD ensures that all students have access to the support they need to thrive both academically and socially.
• Academic Excellence: SBSD continuously evaluates and enhances its curriculum standards. This commitment to academic rigor ensures that the curriculum meets the diverse needs of all students while incorporating essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, which are vital for success in today’s world.
• Community Engagement: The district places a strong emphasis on fostering connections with parents and the broader community. By maintaining regular communication and seeking feedback, SBSD builds trust and collaboration, creating a sense of shared investment in students’ education.
• Equity and Inclusion: SBSD actively works to address disparities in educational opportunities, promoting programs that support underrepresented groups. This commitment to equity ensures that every student has access to the resources and opportunities needed for success.
• Technology Integration: Recognizing the importance of a digital future, SBSD ensures that both students and staff have access to the latest technology and training. This prepares students for a rapidly changing world and enhances the overall learning experience.
• Sustainability Initiatives: The district implements eco-friendly practices within the schools and promotes environmental education among students. This not only fosters responsible citizenship but also prepares students to be stewards of the environment.
• Professional Development: SBSD prioritizes ongoing training for teachers and staff, which enhances their skills and fosters professional growth. By investing in their educators, the district ensures that they remain engaged and equipped to provide the highest quality education. 8. Budget Management: Finally, the district excels at effectively allocating resources to meet these priorities while maintaining financial stability. This careful budget management allows SBSD to deliver high-quality educational services without compromising fiscal responsibility.

In summary, South Brunswick School District is doing a remarkable job by focusing on student well-being, academic excellence, community engagement, equity, technology integration, sustainability, professional development, and sound budget management. These strategic priorities not only contribute to their high ranking but also ensure that all students receive a well-rounded, high-quality education, equipping them for success in the future.

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

While South Brunswick School District (SBSD) has many strengths, there are areas that could benefit from improvement, particularly in communication and community engagement. The Board of Education meets every two weeks to discuss vital matters such as the budget, facilities, and curriculum, with updates from committee chairs. These discussions are conducted within the framework of ethics and privacy laws, ensuring transparency and accountability. Additionally, the implementation of a monthly newsletter is a positive step toward enhancing communication. However, despite these initiatives, there remains a noticeable gap in the community's understanding of the board’s responsibilities and decision-making processes. To bridge this gap, I, along with my fellow board members, am committed to focusing on improving our communication strategies. It's worth noting that the superintendent and senior staff are already engaging in these efforts through regular updates and outreach initiatives; however, we believe there is more that can be done collectively.

Here are a few specific areas where enhancements can be made:

• Increased Transparency: While updates are shared, providing more detailed insights about the decision-making processes and the reasoning behind specific choices can help demystify the board's functions for community members.
• Community Forums and Workshops: Hosting regular forums and workshops can actively engage parents, students, and community members. These platforms would allow for open dialogue, providing opportunities for community input and increasing awareness of the board's responsibilities.
• Simplified Messaging: Creating easily digestible content that explains the board's responsibilities, ongoing initiatives, and key decisions can help make information more accessible to all community members.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing formal avenues for feedback from parents and residents can encourage participation and collaboration. Surveys or suggestion boxes could provide valuable insights into community needs and concerns.
• Utilizing Social Media: Expanding the district's presence on social media platforms can help reach a broader audience. Timely updates, highlights of district initiatives, and community recognition can foster a more connected environment.
• By prioritizing these strategies, alongside the existing efforts of the superintendent and senior staff, we can enhance community understanding of the board’s work, foster stronger relationships, and encourage greater involvement. This, in turn, will help ensure that the district continues to meet the needs of all stakeholders and effectively supports student success.

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

I want to take this opportunity to highlight the critical importance of prioritizing safety, student programming, and mental health support in our district. Together, we can make a profound impact on the lives of our students and staff by ensuring they feel secure, supported, and engaged in their learning environments. I firmly believe that the South Brunswick school district can continue to build a brighter future where every student has the opportunity to thrive. My vision is for a community that fosters resilience, creativity, and academic excellence for all. On a personal note, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of South Brunswick for their unwavering support over these past 23 years. Your belief in our shared mission has been invaluable. I am excited to continue our work together in my new term, striving to ensure that every student can reach their full potential.

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