South Brunswick Board Of Education General Election 2025: Alisha Khan

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – The youngest member on the South Brunswick Board of Education, Alisha Khan, is running for reelection.

A recent graduate from the school district, Khan said she has a “firsthand perspective on what students need to succeed.”

In a Q&A with Patch, Khan talks about her experience on the BOE, and how she sees a more “student-centered vision for the future.”

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.

Alisha Khan

Age: 24

Town of residence: South Brunswick

Family: Mother Henna Khan, younger sister Mashel Khan, and my late father, Sam Khan, who will forever be missed and continues to inspire me to this day.

Education: B.S. in Cognitive Science and Psychology

Occupation: Vice President at a construction consulting firm

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Current South Brunswick Board of Education Member (2023-2025); Current Policy Chair of South Brunswick Board of Education

Why are you seeking a seat on the BOE?

I am seeking re-election because I believe what South Brunswick and this Board need most right now is stability, experience, and representation of all the voices in this town. I’m a lifelong South Brunswick resident, having attended Brooks Crossing and graduating from South Brunswick High School in 2019. I know this district not just as a board member, but as a recent former student who experienced firsthand what makes our schools strong. I can still name almost every teacher I had in this district, which says a lot about the lasting impact they’ve had on me and on so many others. As our district faces major transitions, from redistricting and budget challenges to welcoming a new superintendent, I believe it’s critical to have experienced leadership that understands our community and can work through these complex issues with stability and care. When I first ran for the Board of Education, it was because I wanted to give back to the district that raised me. Now, I want to continue that work by helping guide our schools through this next chapter with a steady hand and a student-centered vision for the future.

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

The biggest issue facing our district is the ongoing budget crisis. The state’s S2 funding formula has cut millions from our schools year after year, and with over 1,600 new students expected from approved housing developments, we face serious financial pressure if these cuts continue. Thanks to the work of our previous superintendent and current business administrator, the district has so far maintained its programs and facilities without major disruption. Now, as we navigate this challenging moment, we need board members who understand the complexities of budgeting, policy, and operations. Experienced leadership will be key as we work with our new superintendent to develop creative, sustainable solutions that keep our district strong, stable, and fully equipped to serve both current and future students.

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?

Currently, the district has a community SB Stakeholders Committee, of which I am a member, designed to gather input on how increased enrollment will affect funding, resources, and educational systems. Additionally, there is a smaller core committee, also chaired by members of the administration, that is specifically focused on redistricting and tasked with researching and exploring the best possible options for managing growth. The planning process has been in place for about a year, with numerous presentations at board meetings to ensure transparency and community engagement. We’ve also conducted a demographic study, sent surveys to families, and studied enrollment trends to help guide these decisions. The district expects to have a redistricting plan in place by January, and I believe we are doing everything within our power to handle this responsibly. It’s important that we continue to make this process open, fair, and community-centered. For more information, please visit the SBSD Enrollment & Budget Study website.

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

I believe the district has done everything in its power to manage the state aid cuts and budget challenges with the limited options available. Year after year, the state continues to cut millions from our budget through an unsustainable funding formula. The district has responded through three key strategies: increasing revenue, reducing costs, and optimizing our budget. The Finance Committee, of which I’m an active member, has worked diligently to pursue grant opportunities, review vendor contracts, and analyze every budget line to avoid cuts to academics, extracurriculars, safety, and student mental health services. Beyond that, we’ve been paving the way for advocacy. Our Board has testified before the Senate and Assembly, met with state legislators, and mobilized parents and students to lobby in Trenton about the harmful impacts of the S2 funding formula. Moving forward, the most important step is working closely with the new superintendent to develop creative solutions, advocate for meaningful changes to the S2 formula, and plan strategically for the district’s future.

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

One of the most pressing issues we need to continue addressing is the achievement gap. While South Brunswick is consistently ranked among the top 100 districts in New Jersey, every student, regardless of background or learning path, deserves the support and opportunities to succeed. This means giving teachers the resources they need to meet students where they are, maintaining programs that support academic and emotional growth, and ensuring equitable access to advanced coursework, career and technical education, and extracurricular opportunities. I also believe the district should explore expanding Career and Technical Education programs to provide even more pathways for students, but these initiatives cannot happen without first addressing our budget challenges and securing sustainable funding. Working closely with the new superintendent to tackle both of these aspects, closing the achievement gap and planning for future program growth, is key to ensuring a strong, equitable future for all students.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

What I feel sets me apart from other candidates is my combination of experience and perspective. Having gone through the school district myself, I understand today’s student experience in a way few others can. Since COVID, our students are encountering a new set of challenges, from learning recovery and social-emotional needs to the rise of technology in classrooms. As the youngest candidate for the School Board of South Brunswick, I bring an important perspective to the collective policy-making process. We have important policy discussions ahead, about cell phone use and AI in classrooms, and as Policy Chair, I’ve been deeply involved in those conversations. As both a recent college and SBHS graduate, I’ve experienced firsthand how technology impacts learning, and I want to bring that perspective to the table when making decisions that shape our classrooms. My goal is always to represent the student voice when the Board makes policy decisions, ensuring we remain a district that truly puts students first.

As a recent South Brunswick graduate, I bring a firsthand perspective on what students need to succeed, and I am running to ensure their voices guide decisions and that our policies truly support learning, growth, and well-being. Over the past three years on the Board, I have gained experience in school budgeting, operations, and policy, serving as Policy Chair and as an active member of the Education, Finance, and South Brunswick Stakeholders Committees. Through these roles, I’ve consistently advocated for students and helped shape policies that directly impact their education. Beyond the Board, I am deeply involved in our community, serving on the South Brunswick Commission on Women, previously on the Township Planning Board, and professionally as Vice President of a consulting and management company working on public school projects. These experiences have strengthened my ability to listen, collaborate, and lead, ensuring that every decision I support reflects the needs of our students and families. I combine the perspective of a recent student with the experience of a dedicated Board member, giving me the ability to make thoughtful, informed decisions that put students first.

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

From my first day at Brooks Crossing Elementary to walking across the graduation stage at South Brunswick High School, this community has shaped who I am, my values, my friendships, and my passion for giving back. I am proud to be deeply rooted in this town, having grown up here, attended our schools, and now serving our families as a member of the Board of Education. Beyond my work on the Board, I have been actively involved in promoting cultural inclusion and community engagement, serving on the South Brunswick Commission on Women and previously on the Planning Board. I also served as treasurer for South Asian Community Outreach (SACO), helping organize events like the annual Pakistan Day Parade, whose goal is to bring our diverse community together. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to making our schools welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for all students and families. Serving South Brunswick families as a member of the Board of Education has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I hope to continue using my experience, perspective, and passion to advocate for putting students first.

To learn more about me, please visit AlishaKhanNJ.com or follow me on Facebook at FB.com/AlishaKhanNJ

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com