South Brunswick Board Of Education General Election 2025: Deven M. Patel

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Seven candidates are seeking to fill three spots on the South Brunswick Board of Education this November.

Meanwhile, two candidates are running for the one two-year term seat.

Board members Laura Hernandez, and Alisha Khan are running for re-election.

The candidate field includes four challengers: Kunal Athreya, Abhay Srivastava, Maryam Pal, Deven M. Patel, and Akansha “Ami” Vora.

For the two-year-unexpired term seat, which is on the ballot due to the resignation of Lisa Rodgers, two candidates have filed their nominations – Barry Nathanson, who is currently serving in the interim, and Magesh Kamalakannan.

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

Deven M. Patel

Age: 54

Town of residence: South Brunswick

Family: Sonal (Wife), Vinita (Daughter), Vivek (Son), Viresh (Son)

Education: B. S. in Civil Engineering from N.J.I.T

Occupation: Civil engineer at the Department of Transportation

Previous or current elected or appointed office: South Brunswick School Board Member 2011 – 2020

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

I am seeking a seat on the Board of Education because our district is entering one of its most challenging periods in a decade, requiring experienced, stable, and strategically minded leadership. My decision is rooted in my deep, 22-year commitment as a South Brunswick resident and my proven ability to navigate complex budget and growth challenges. I believe my combination of previous nine-year Board service and my professional experience as a Civil Engineer provides the specific skillset needed right now to ensure both fiscal health and educational excellence. I have knowledge, and established communication channels with the legislators or the Department of Education, which helps to resolve issues faster. I am confident that my nine years of experience as a School Board member can help the district tackle issues.

2. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

What sets me apart is the unparalleled blend of practical governance experience and technical professional expertise. I am a Master Board Member (MBM), certified by the NJSBA, and served nine years on the BOE, where I successfully managed budgets through periods of declining state aid. Furthermore, my professional role as a Civil Engineer at the New Jersey Department of Transportation gives me a unique command of infrastructure planning, budget oversight, and navigating complex state-level funding protocols—all of which are critical for addressing our facilities and enrollment growth. Additionally, my service on the Township’s Transportation Advisory Committee and Park and Recreation Committee provided me with valuable experience in collaborating with local government officials within the township.

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

The single biggest issue is the urgent need for Fiscal Responsibility and Strategic Growth Management. We are dealing with declining state aid under the existing funding formula while simultaneously preparing for an estimated influx of over 1,600 new students from residential developments. If we fail to secure every available dollar and plan our facility capacity strategically, we risk both overburdening taxpayers and diluting the quality of education through classroom overcrowding.

4. 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?

The district's current redistricting and school configuration study is a necessary process, and I fully support its premise: finding fiscally responsible solutions to maintain equitable class sizes. My suggestion is to ensure the process remains transparent, data-driven, and focused on stability.

• Data First: Decisions must be based purely on objective demographic and capacity data, not on public pressure or speculation.

• Maximize Existing Assets: The immediate focus should be on maximizing the efficiency of our existing buildings through configuration changes before resorting to costly new construction.

• Prioritize Stability: We must aim for a final plan that offers long-term stability, minimizing the need for future boundary adjustments, and developing policies that strongly prioritize keeping siblings in the same school configuration.

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

The district has commendably reduced non-instructional costs, but the continued loss of state aid remains a significant threat. While the district administration has fought hard, my approach would be to strengthen our financial defenses:

• Aggressive Grant Capture: I would leverage my state-level experience and NJSBA interactions to ensure we are meticulously identifying and applying for every new grant program and funding source available—maximizing every dollar under the new 3% aid decrease cap.

• Proactive Debt Management: We must continue to explore smart financial moves, such as refinancing debt or managing fund balances strategically, to free up operating dollars for the classroom.

• Taxpayer Value: Every expenditure must be balanced against the financial considerations of our taxpayers while protecting essential academic programs.

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

The other critical issue that must be tackled is Student Wellness and Mental Health , alongside maintaining our high standards for academic excellence. We operate in a high-achieving environment, and the pressures on our students are real. I will focus on:

• Strengthening Support Systems: Ensuring the successful implementation of strategic goals for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and actively strengthening programs like the BRIDGE Center and the Peer Leadership Program.

• Balanced Achievement: Advocating for academic rigor while promoting a balanced approach that addresses the mental health and personalized learning needs of every student.

7. What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

My candidacy is defined by my proven record of execution and unwavering commitment to governance. Unlike candidates who may bring fresh ideas, I bring nearly a decade of institutional knowledge, having already served the community in this role. I have navigated the entire budget cycle, participated in the search for a Superintendent, and established relationships at the state level (through my NJSBA Board of Director role) that allow me to advocate effectively for our district's needs. I don't need a learning curve; I am ready to lead from day one with experience, ethics, and expertise.

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

My campaign is built on the pillars of Experience, Collaboration, and Progress. My life in South Brunswick for over two decades, coupled with my community roles on the Education Foundation and the Park & Recreation and Transportation Advisory Committees, has given me a comprehensive view of how the school district impacts the entire township. My background—from managing multi-million dollar budgets professionally to championing Board integrity—is precisely what the district needs to face its current and future challenges. I am running to serve, to stabilize, and to strategically grow our excellent schools.

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