South Brunswick Board Of Education General Election 2025: Kunal Athreya

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – A graduate of South Brunswick High School, Kunal Athreya credits the district for shaping who he is. He is running for a seat on the South Brunswick Board of Education as he wants to give back to the community.

In a Q&A with Patch Athreya talks about his plans for the school district.

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.

Kunal Athreya

Age: 30

Town of residence: Monmouth Junction, South Brunswick

Family: Theertha Balaguru (Father), Savitha Balaguru (Mother), Sanjanaa Athreya (Sister), Education: M.S. in Labor Law and Employment Relations, B.S in Labor Law and Employment Relations

Occupation: Management Consultant

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

Why are you seeking a seat on the BOE?

I’m running for the South Brunswick Board of Education because this community helped shape who I am, and now it is time for me to pass this forward. As a proud South Brunswick High School alumnus (Class of 2013), I want to give back by ensuring today’s students have access to the same opportunities that helped me succeed in life, if not better. I believe in strengthening the bridge between our schools, families, and community so that every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

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

The biggest issue facing our district is maintaining academic excellence and extracurricular opportunities amid financial constraints. With rising costs and cuts in state aid, we must find innovative ways to sustain our programs and support our teachers and students, without overburdening taxpayers. Balancing quality education and fiscal responsibility will be critical moving forward.

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?

Redistricting should be guided by transparency, fairness, and data. I’d advocate for a process that includes community engagement, demographic studies, and open communication with families. It’s essential that any redistricting plan not only manages capacity but also preserves neighborhood cohesion and equitable access to educational resources.

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

While our district has worked hard under difficult circumstances, there’s always room to improve communication and strategic planning. I would take a proactive approach — exploring partnerships, seeking grants, and leveraging state and federal resources to fill funding gaps. We need a long-term vision that prioritizes efficiency and sustainability while keeping the focus on students and staff.

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

We need to continue supporting student mental health, strengthen career and technical education pathways, and ensure our schools remain inclusive and safe for everyone. Encourage more students to take an interest in pursuing STEM subjects. Additionally, investing in technology and innovation will be key to preparing students for the workforce of the future.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I’m an alumnus who understands the challenges that children face in the school system. My combination of business experience, educational background in Labor Relations and Employment Law, and real-world leadership experience equips me to bridge perspectives between students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

I bring a unique perspective that blends being a former student of this district, a working professional, and a mentor for young people in our community. My background in management consulting allows me to approach challenges with data-driven strategy, fiscal discipline, and practical solutions. I’ve also held leadership roles both professionally and in athletics — serving as a team treasurer and senior player for my rugby club — where I’ve learned how to unite people and lead by example.

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

My family is proud to call South Brunswick home for the past 20 years. This district has given me lifelong mentors, friends, and lessons that shaped my journey. My goal is to make sure the next generation of students has the same opportunity to grow, explore, and succeed.