Election 2024: Rajesh Soni For South Brunswick Board Of Education

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Candidate Rajesh Soni, is seeking one of three open seats on the South Brunswick Board of Education this November.

In a Q&A with Patch, he discussed ensuring the district’s financial stability and creating policies that prioritize learning, among other issues.

Patch has sent out a questionnaire to all BOE 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: Rajesh Soni

Age: 46

Town of residence: Dayton, South Brunswick

Education: Masters in Information Systems

Occupation: Head of Architecture at a global financial firm

1. Why are you seeking a seat on the BOE?

I am running for the South Brunswick School Board because I’m deeply committed to enhancing the quality of education in our community. As a parent with two children attending South Brunswick schools, I have a firsthand understanding of the challenges families are facing, such as the elimination of courtesy bus services and the rising costs of pay-to-participate programs. These changes, along with the recent 8.9 percent tax increase, have impacted not only our children’s educational experience but also the appeal of our town as a whole. I’ve raised these concerns at board meetings but to no avail. Inspired by Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you want to see,” I’m taking action. My goal is to ensure our schools remain a source of pride by advocating for policies that enhance the quality of education while being fiscally responsible. I’m excited to bring a fresh perspective to the board, representing the needs of our families and working to create a positive future for South Brunswick.

2. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

As a parent with two children in South Brunswick elementary and middle schools, I have a firsthand understanding of the challenges families face. I’m committed to advocating for parents’ concerns and bringing a strong parent voice to the Board. This will ensure the Board stays closely connected to the real-world impacts of its policies on our children and their education. With over 20 years of professional experience managing budgets, leading teams, and overseeing global projects at a major investment bank, I bring both financial and technological expertise to the table—key skills for effectively managing our school district’s resources. My academic background, with master’s degrees in Computer Science and Accountancy, positions me to navigate complex issues with a practical, solutions-driven approach. What sets me apart is that I have no political ties or affiliations with any for-profit or non-profit organizations. My focus is solely on the betterment of our schools and students, free from outside influence. I’m dedicated to being a voice for the community, promoting positive change, and ensuring the Board is open to fresh ideas that address today’s challenges. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant future for our children, our schools, and our community. Let’s make South Brunswick a place where education thrives, and every child has the opportunity to succeed.

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

Our school district is at a pivotal moment, and while there are challenges — such as rising costs, transparency, and accountability — there are also significant opportunities for improvement. One key area where we can make a difference is in how we manage the school budget, particularly in light of reduced state aid. With strategic planning and proactive fiscal measures, we can find more balanced solutions to avoid placing the burden on taxpayers, who recently saw an 8.9 percent tax increase. By being more efficient and thoughtful in our approach, we can protect valuable programs, reinstate services like courtesy buses, and reduce the costs of pay-to-participate programs, ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. Throughout my discussions with parents and community members, one thing is clear - there’s a desire for more open communication and a stronger voice in decision-making. Many feel that their feedback and concerns aren’t being heard or acted upon, creating a disconnect between the Board and the community it serves. I’m committed to changing that by fostering a more collaborative environment where ideas and concerns are not only welcomed but addressed with action. By implementing a clear feedback loop, we can strengthen trust and make decisions that better reflect the needs of our students and families. Together, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for positive change. By focusing on transparency, responsible budgeting, and community engagement, I believe we can create a brighter future for South Brunswick schools and ensure that our district continues to thrive for years to come.

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

With state aid reductions becoming a reality for the foreseeable future, it’s essential that we adapt and plan ahead. As a Board member, I would prioritize a proactive approach, ensuring that we’re prepared for these challenges while maintaining the quality of education for our students. I would focus on optimizing areas that don’t directly impact students, such as reviewing capital projects to ensure they provide a strong return on investment (ROI) and exploring opportunities to automate and streamline back-office operations, driving cost savings. Additionally, we should conduct strategic studies to uncover further opportunities for financial efficiency without compromising student programs or services. I also believe in exploring creative, revenue-generating initiatives. We can tap into potential opportunities, such as sponsorships, renting school facilities like tennis courts for USTA tournaments, and organizing donation drives. These efforts would not only support our budget but also strengthen our ties with the community. My goal is to ensure that we navigate these financial challenges responsibly, while continuing to provide the high-quality education our students deserve. Through thoughtful planning and innovative solutions, we can maintain a strong and vibrant school district despite budgetary constraints.

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

I am incredibly proud of our school district and its consistent ranking among the good schools in the state, even in the face of budgetary challenges. One of the key reasons I moved to this wonderful town five years ago was the quality of our schools, and it is crucial that we continue to prioritize excellence in education. Our dedicated teaching staff plays a vital role in maintaining our high standards and ensuring that our schools provide an exceptional learning environment. Their commitment to our students is truly commendable. Equally important is the strong support from parents and residents of South Brunswick. The encouragement and prioritization of education in our community create a foundation for our children to thrive. Additionally, valuable programs such as accelerated learning, as well as creative offerings in band, music, and sports, cater to the diverse needs of our students. These initiatives not only enhance our students' experiences but also contribute significantly to our positive ratings. As a candidate for the Board of Education, I am committed to continuing this legacy of excellence, fostering collaboration among educators, parents, and the community, and ensuring that our students receive the best education possible.

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

While our school district has achieved success, I believe there are exciting opportunities to further improve our academic program offerings and enhance our rankings. Here are some positive steps we can take:

• Emphasizing interpersonal skills: By focusing on the development of interpersonal skills, we can help students build confidence and equip them for long-term career success. These essential skills will serve them well in all areas of life.

• Support for all students: In addition to our Gifted & Talented programs, we can introduce targeted initiatives to assist students who need extra support in closing learning gaps. This ensures that every child has the resources they need to thrive academically.

• Enhancing support for special needs children: It is vital to prioritize the needs of our special needs students by providing tailored programs and resources that ensure they receive the support necessary for their growth and success. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can celebrate diversity and help every student reach their full potential

• Integrating vocational training: Recognizing that every student has unique talents, integrating vocational training into middle and high school curriculums can provide broader exposure to various fields. This will allow students to explore their interests and develop practical skills for their future careers.

• Enhancing mental health programs: Continuing and enhancing mental health programs to promote greater awareness and early identification of mental health conditions. Emotional well-being is a key factor in children’s academic success and overall development.

• Early SAT prep coaching: By offering SAT-prep coaching in middle school, we can better prepare our students for competitive exams. This proactive approach will help them succeed on their college journey and beyond.

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

I am deeply committed to serving on the South Brunswick School Board because I believe that every child deserves access to a quality education that prepares them for success. My campaign is self-funded, reflecting my dedication to prioritizing our community's needs over outside influences. This independence allows me to focus solely on what matters most: our children and their education. I aim to foster strong partnerships with fellow board members, educators, parents, and the community to create a supportive and collaborative environment. Together, we can tackle the challenges our district faces, such as improving mental health resources, enhancing STEM education, and ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities. Your support is crucial as we build a brighter future for all our children. I am excited about the opportunity to work together for the benefit of our students and to ensure that our schools remain a source of pride and excellence in our community. For more information, visit my website at https://www.soniraj4boe.info/ or contact me at rajeshsoni4boe@gmail.com.

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