South Brunswick Board Of Education Election 2024: Sujata Raj

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Five candidates are vying for three seats on the South Brunswick Board of Education. The general election is on Nov. 5.

In a Q&A with Patch, candidate Sujata Raj talks about her platform.

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: Sujata Raj
• Town of residence: Monmouth Junction, South Brunswick
• Education: MBA, MQF, MD
• Occupation: Project Manager at an Investment Bank, NYC

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

I would like to get involved in the community and now that my children are older, I would like to use my experience and time to help in any way I can.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am not sure what would set me apart. But I can talk about what I bring to the post on the Board. I have had three children who went through the school system. My husband and I raised them and I am the first gen immigrant. So, I know some of the challenges that the parents and children face. As a Project Manager and previously as a doctor, I am dedicated to my work. I love working as a team and believe that people give their best when offered an opportunity. In the end, we are looking for well-rounded, happy children who have the ability to compete in the job market and parents who are satisfied that they see results from the taxes they pay.

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

With the state cuts in budget for SB schools and the rising cost of living, it is a challenge for the BOE to stretch the funds which they have at their disposal. This is probably the biggest challenge facing the school district. Another would be to guard against school ratings dropping - though school ratings maybe arbitrary, it is a fact that some of the school districts around South Brunswick are ranked higher. We do not want to put too much pressure on the children from a purely academic view but constantly try to review processes by which children can be helped to become ready for the job market whether it is through vocational training or college readiness programs.

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

I believe they are doing their best. They have many years of experience in handling school budgets, and I am sure they have looked thoroughly into the options and possibilities. If I was elected, I would work closely with the Board over the first year to understand clearly how the budget has been apportioned and then put forward informed suggestions to improve the use of the budget where possible.

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

This success is a result of many fortunate confluences. Firstly, the district has excellent teaching and admin staff who are dedicated to the children. Secondly, the population of SB put their children’s education very high on their list of priorities. Third, the BOE is continuously providing support. Where we could make improvements would be with children from low-income families and single parent families. Providing greater support to these children where necessary, would be appropriate. This is not to say that all children from low-income families are not doing as well as their peers. But, for those who need extra coaching or guidance, not only would it help these children but it would raise the standard of the school district as a whole.

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

Putting aside straight academic and extracurricular performance, there is a third aspect to schooling – the emotional well-being of children. Children grow both physically and emotionally while they are going through school. Many of them face peer pressure, pressure at home, and even bullying. Preserving avenues where children can reach out if they need help, is a key factor in ensuring that they can study and become well-adjusted and do not fall to the side.

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