South Brunswick Board Of Education General Election 2025: Akansha ‘Ami’ Vora

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Akansha "Ami" Vora is running for a three-year term on the South Brunswick Board of Education. A community member for over 20 years, Vora wants to give back to the district, as it has "given so much" to her family.

In a Q&A with Patch, Vora talks about the challenges facing the school district and her solutions.

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.

Akansha "Ami" Vora

Age: 48

Town of residence: South Brunswick

Family: Husband. 2 kids in South Brunswick High School

Education: M.S. Industrial Pharmacy (University of Toledo), MBA (Rutgers University)

Occupation: Professional in a Fortune 100 healthcare company

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

Why are you seeking a seat on the BOE?

I have been part of the South Brunswick community for over 20 years, and my children—now proud Vikings at South Brunswick High School—have grown up in this district. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our teachers, the pride of our families, and the strength of our community. Those experiences have inspired me to run for the Board of Education—to give back to a district that has given so much to my family and to help shape a thriving future for every South Brunswick student. South Brunswick is at a pivotal moment. After years of enrollment decline, the district is now anticipating growth—from 7,936 students in 2023–24 to more than 9,300 in the coming years, a level not seen in over 25 years. At the same time, we face significant financial pressures and growing community concerns about rising costs and resource management, including:

• $10.4 million cumulative reduction in state aid since 2018–19 (tapinto.net) ● Potential for cuts to $5 million in federal funds.
• Rising infrastructure costs, such as a $4 million roof replacement to maintain safe, functional facilities (Patch)
• A 7% tax increase approved to raise $9.2 million annually to offset financial pressures and sustain core operations (Patch)
• Risk of losing up to 70 teaching positions due to budget constraints (tapinto.net) This moment calls for thoughtful, data-driven, and transparent planning—not reactive decision-making. As a healthcare professional leader with experience in Fortune 100 companies, I bring deep expertise in managing complex programs, optimizing large budgets, and driving accountability across diverse teams. My goal is to ensure South Brunswick remains academically strong, financially stable, and community-driven—not just for today’s students, but for generations to come. I want to apply those skills to help our district:
• Make strategic, sustainable decisions about enrollment growth and funding.
• Balance fiscal responsibility with educational excellence.
• Keep families engaged and informed through open, two-way communication.

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

As a parent who’s been part of this district for over 20 years, I’ve seen how much South Brunswick has grown and how dedicated our teachers and families are. The biggest challenge we face right now is managing that growth while maintaining the same level of excellence and personal attention that makes our schools special. Enrollment is projected to rise to over 9,300 students in the next few years — the highest in decades. That’s a great sign that families want to be here, but it also means we must plan carefully to balance class sizes, staffing, and resources. At the same time, we’re managing real financial pressures—from reduced state aid to rising costs—and we need to be thoughtful about how we prioritize our spending to protect what matters most: our teachers, programs, and students. Finally, strengthening communication and rebuilding trust between the Board, families, and staff is key. When we listen to one another and plan ahead together, we can ensure South Brunswick continues to be a district where every student can thrive.

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?

I want to start by recognizing the thoughtful work the current administration has already done to prepare for potential enrollment growth and evaluate redistricting options. South Brunswick has managed larger student populations in the past — over 9,000 students — and the projected growth to about 9,300 students will occur gradually over several years. Given this, I believe the district can take a balanced, measured approach. Redistricting should be a last resort, considered only after other solutions have been fully explored. We can start by optimizing existing space, adjusting classroom utilization, and reviewing program assignments to accommodate growth without unnecessary disruption or cost. At the same time, it’s important to maintain equity and stability—protecting sibling placements, program continuity, and consistent access to resources. Above all, this process should be transparent and inclusive. Engaging families through open communication, town halls, and clear visual data will help build trust and confidence in the district’s planning. This approach allows us to manage growth responsibly while keeping the focus where it belongs—on supporting students and maintaining the strong sense of community that makes South Brunswick special.

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

I recognize that managing repeated state aid cuts has been incredibly challenging for our district, and I commend the administration and staff for making difficult decisions to protect classrooms as much as possible. Still, the financial pressures are real—and they require us to think differently about how we sustain excellence without overburdening families or staff. My approach would focus on strategic and transparent financial stewardship:

• Maximize external funding through grants, partnerships, and shared services.
• Align spending with clear priorities—ensuring every dollar supports teaching, learning, and student well-being.
• Strengthen transparency so taxpayers can see where funds go and how they directly benefit students.
• Explore creative collaborations with local organizations and businesses to enhance learning opportunities without adding cost. Ultimately, investing wisely today ensures our students’ success tomorrow. With clear priorities and community partnership, we can protect what matters most—great teachers, strong programs, and opportunities for every student to thrive. 6. What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the school district? Beyond academics, I believe it’s essential to support our students’ holistic development—their mental, emotional, social, and academic growth. As a parent, I see how challenging the world can be for our kids, and I want our schools to be a place where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to grow into their best self. Key areas I would focus on include:
• Mental health and social support: Expanding access to counselors and programs that help students navigate stress, social pressures, and the challenges of social media, including bullying.
• Future-ready learning: Enhancing opportunities in STEM, technology, and AI so our students are prepared to thrive in tomorrow’s world.
• Equity and inclusion: Ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and supported, no matter their background or abilities.
• Safe and welcoming schools: Maintaining facilities that are modern, safe, and foster a sense of community and belonging. By focusing on these priorities, we can help every student grow, feel supported, and thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

What sets me apart is the balance I bring—as a parent who understands the day-to-day realities of our schools and as a professional who can think strategically about the district’s long-term future. I see things through both lenses: the parent who wants the best for every child sitting in our classrooms today, and the planner who knows that thoughtful decisions now shape what opportunities exist tomorrow. Professionally, I bring experience in strategic planning, budget management, and building collaboration across teams—skills that help navigate complex challenges like enrollment growth and financial pressures. But equally important, I approach decisions with empathy and inclusion. I believe lasting change comes from listening first, finding common ground, and moving forward together. My goal isn’t just to manage issues—it’s to strengthen trust and partnership between the Board, our educators, and our community. I have great respect for those who have served before, and I hope to continue that service by fostering open dialogue, consistency, and shared accountability. At heart, I’m a parent who believes deeply in South Brunswick’s potential—and I want to ensure every student feels supported, every voice feels heard, and every decision we make builds toward a stronger future for all.

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

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” — John F. Kennedy I am running because I want to make sure every student has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As a parent of children who have grown up in this district, I’ve seen both the incredible programs our schools offer and the challenges our students face—whether it’s navigating social pressures, keeping up with technology, or finding support when they need it most. My campaign focuses on transparency, equity, and forward-looking initiatives—from supporting mental health and social-emotional learning to preparing students for technology- and AI-driven careers. I am committed to supporting our teachers, fostering inclusive and welcoming classrooms, and engaging the community to ensure all children can succeed. I believe every student in our district can be a part of that promise, and I am dedicated to building a school system where every child feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive—just as I hope for my own children.