South Brunswick Board Of Education General Election 2025: Abhay Srivastava

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - Abhay Srivastava is seeking a three-year term on the South Brunswick BOE.

In a chat with Patch, Srivastava talks about what makes him a good candidate for the job and how he would implement positive change.

Patch sent out a questionnaire to all candidates seeking a seat on the BOE. Their profiles will be published as received.

Are you running for office in East Brunswick? Contact Sarah Salvadore at sarah.salvadore@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements.

Abhay Srivastava
Age: 52
Town of residence: Monmouth Junction, South Brunswick
Education: Bachelor’s in Engineering; Postgraduate in Business Management & Information Technology
Occupation: Tech Entrepreneur; President & CEO of a Princeton-based IT and AI Solutions firm

Why are you seeking a seat on the BOE?

My wife, Prerna, and I moved from Piscataway to South Brunswick more than two decades ago, drawn by the reputation of this outstanding school district. Both our children flourished here — academically, socially, and through a range of extracurricular opportunities — and I’ve always believed that the strength of our community begins with the strength, balance, and integrity of our schools.

In recent years, however, the Board of Education has gone through a few rough patches — mid-term resignations, censure of an ex-board member, and even public protests during meetings. These distractions have shifted focus away from what truly matters – our students, our educators, and the collaborative spirit that built this district’s reputation.

I’m running because I believe it’s time to restore balance, professionalism, and transparency to the Board so that it can focus once again on educational excellence and the overall development of our students.

As a tech entrepreneur and CEO, I bring experience in data-driven decision-making, fiscal discipline, and strategic planning – qualities that will help the district plan ahead and spend wisely. My goal is to help South Brunswick schools continue to deliver excellence – both in academics and in extracurricular programs – while fostering a respectful, collaborative environment that benefits every student.

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

The most pressing challenge is sustaining excellence amid increasing enrollment and shrinking state aid. We need to protect not only the classroom experience but also the extracurricular programs — music, sports, arts, and clubs – that make our district truly well-rounded.

This means embracing long-term planning, operational efficiency, and creative funding models. Our district must think beyond year-to-year balancing acts and begin to build sustainable revenue sources, partnerships, and community initiatives that secure our future without raising taxes unnecessarily.

Our goal should be to plan smart and spend wisely. We must sustain excellence without placing additional burden on taxpayers.

As new housing comes in and enrollment grows, the school district is grappling with redistricting. Do you have any suggestions on how the district could handle this?

We need to take a proactive, not reactive, approach to enrollment growth. The key is to be forewarned so we can be forearmed — anticipating challenges before they become emergencies.

To do that, the district must strengthen coordination with the Township and the Mayor’s office to gain early visibility into upcoming residential developments. At the same time, we should work collaboratively with the residential developers to collect and analyze anonymized data on family sizes and the ages of children expected to move into these new communities.

With that information, the district can plan ahead strategically. For example, if projections indicate that most incoming families have younger children, we can anticipate higher enrollments in the elementary grades. That insight allows us to develop thoughtful, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions well in advance — rather than being forced into rushed, last-minute measures.

We don’t have to fear enrollment surges; we just need to be informed early and prepared thoughtfully. One potential approach could be restructuring schools into K–4, 5–8, and 9–12 groupings, which would optimize building use and free up additional classrooms where they’re most needed — particularly at the elementary level.

This model could also be applied flexibly in other areas of the district based on growth patterns, giving us a balanced and forward-looking way to handle future enrollment increases.

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

The district has worked hard under difficult financial conditions, but we need to shift from a reactive stance to a long-term, forward-thinking plan. My approach is to diversify revenue and reduce dependency on state funding.

A key part of this vision is establishing a strong South Brunswick Alumni Network — a program that reconnects thousands of graduates, families, and community supporters. Over time, this network could evolve into a philanthropic foundation — much like what many top districts and universities have done — helping South Brunswick fund innovation, scholarships, and enrichment programs.

Alongside this, we should pursue federal and state grants, explore private-public partnerships, and increase operational efficiency without impacting classroom quality or extracurricular opportunities.

Fiscal discipline and creativity can coexist. By planning ahead, we can make every tax dollar count while securing stable, long-term revenue that strengthens our schools — academically, artistically, and athletically.

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

Beyond balancing budgets, we must strengthen our foundation in four key areas that shape every student’s experience:

• Student well-being: We must address both mental and physical health challenges. The constant presence of mobile devices and the rapid rise of AI can affect students’ emotional balance, while increasing screen time and less active lifestyles are affecting physical well-being. Our schools should lead in awareness, prevention, and proactive wellness programs.
• Pathways for every student: Not all students follow the same path. We should expand vocational and technical education opportunities alongside AP, STEM, and arts programs, ensuring that every child can thrive and find their direction.
• Communication and trust: We need clearer two-way communication between the district and the community, so parents feel heard and decisions are transparent.
• Technology and readiness: Continue modernizing classroom tools, expanding STEM, and enhancing career and college readiness programs to prepare students for the future.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I bring an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach that emphasizes planning, accountability, and collaboration. My background in technology and management allows me to approach challenges logically and constructively.

I’m not driven by politics or personal agendas — only by a commitment to strengthen South Brunswick’s schools for the long term. My focus is on measurable results, fiscal responsibility, and maintaining the trust of the community I’ve called home for over 20 years.

I believe true excellence comes from balance — strong academics supported by thriving extracurricular programs that develop the whole child.

I am a problem solver and a go-getter. My expertise is in opening new avenues when older ones close. I combine community commitment with over 20 years of experience in technology, operations, and leadership. I’ve built and led teams for large-scale programs where accountability, fiscal prudence, and transparency were essential – skills directly applicable to a district of our size.

I’m an independent, solutions-focused candidate with no political agenda. My decisions will always be guided by data, by input from parents and educators, and by what’s best for students. I believe in listening carefully, communicating openly, and ensuring that our Board operates with clarity, professionalism, and unity of purpose – always putting students first.

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

My agenda for South Brunswick schools is clear:

• Excellence in education: Delivering high standards in both academics and extracurriculars.
• Focus on student well-being: Supporting mental health in the age of mobile phones and AI, and promoting physical wellness through awareness of nutrition and lifestyle.
• Pathways for every student: Expanding vocational options for those who may not follow a traditional college track.
• Fiscal responsibility: Making every tax dollar count while pursuing state and federal grants and building alternate, long-term philanthropic revenue that reduces dependence on government funding.

I’m proud that our daughter, Amolika, earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from Carnegie Mellon University and now works at a premier consulting organization, while our son, Aarnav, is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Computer Science and Physics. Both were shaped by South Brunswick’s public schools — and I want every family to have that same opportunity for success.

My campaign is guided by three core principles: Excellence in education, accountability in governance, and respect for every stakeholder. I’m advocating for excellence in every dimension of student life — in the classroom, on the field, and on the stage.

Let’s keep South Brunswick academically strong, fiscally responsible, and vibrant in both academics and extracurriculars.

I’m a lifelong learner, avid skier, singer, and hiker — but above all, a proud parent and long-time South Brunswick resident who believes in giving back to the schools that gave our children so much.