South Brunswick School Board Election 2023: Mike Mitchell

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Incumbent Mike Mitchell is seeking another term on the South Brunswick Board of Education. Elected to the Board three years ago, Mitchell feels he still has a lot to give to the district and students.

This year's general elections will be held on Nov. 7. Patch will publish a detailed interview with each candidate in the coming days.

Name: Mike Mitchell

Age: 53

Town of residence: South Brunswick

Position sought: Board of Education member

Family: None

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Management

Occupation: Paraeducator

Previous or current elected appointed office: Member - South Brunswick Board of Education

Campaign website: www.facebook.com/raja.smitha.mike; Instagram: @mike_mitchell_sbrunswickboe; Twitter: @Mitchell4E

Why are you seeking to run for a seat on the South Brunswick Board of Education?

I am running for re-election to the South Brunswick Board of Education because we need more educators serving. I bring over 25 years of educational experience as a special education paraeducator to this board. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served the last three years and would like the opportunity to continue growing into the position. I took an early interest in board functions as I attended the meetings in my own district for over 20 years before I became interested in actually running here in South Brunswick. I truly believe it's important to support our students and staff not only by our words and the work we do on the various board-level committees and at meetings, but also school activities. That is where you can find the greatest fulfillment as a board member.

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

One of the major issues I know is the budget shortfall that we face each year. We have a separate Finance committee that meets regularly and reports to the board offering their recommendations. It is then that members can choose to ask questions during the public meeting, or they may choose to contact the committee chair as well as the administration about any questions and/or solutions prior to a final decision by the board.

SBSD is seeing regular cuts in state aid due to the funding formula. What plans do you have to ensure student services are not cut and there are no job losses for employees?

This is absolutely true that SBSD is seeing cuts in state aid specifically the last four to five years. My plan is simple and that is not to support unnecessary cuts to student services and losses of jobs for our staff. We need all of the above to function at a very high level and I am fully aware of the significance and impact cuts may have on the future success of our district. In closing, nothing I promise will make a difference if the working relationship with my fellow board members is stale and I am happy to report that this is not the case.

How many budget meetings have you attended and have you put forth any solutions?

I have attended all budget meetings that were held this year and in previous years. I'm not sure about solutions as much as I always strongly suggest that we avoid any and all unnecessary cuts to student programs and employee positions. Whatever solution I would come up with would be based on my years of experience in education and certainly have nothing to do with how things are run in the corporate world as they are two distinctly separate entities that do not function the same.

Transportation is a statewide issue. Do you feel transportation issues are being handled well by the district? If not, how do you propose improving it?

Transportation is being handled quite well by our district. For example, the district came up with triple runs to cut down transportation costs and to optimize the use of resources. We periodically analyze the present situation with runs and transporting students on a whole to see where improvement is needed to achieve the best efficiency in this area which could be concerning if not handled properly.

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

The issue of equity in education where all students of the various disciplines are afforded the same opportunity for a thorough and complete education is certainly one the district is aware of and continues to address without fail.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

The most significant thing that sets me apart from the other candidates with the exception of one is that I am an educator who truly stands for the education of all children in South Brunswick with no hidden agenda. I have no further political aspiration beyond the BOE and believe that DUTY and SERVICE first are important mindsets to have when decisions have to be made regarding policy, fiscal responsibility and support of our students in attending concerts, athletic events and other school-related activities.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

Once again, I am finishing up the third year of my first term on the board. I have been fortunate to have served in many capacities, including board vice president, chair of the Finance and Policy committees, member of Shared Services and Negotiations (Administration and Supervisors only); liaison to Crossroads North, Cambridge, Brooks Crossing and Indian Fields elementary schools and most recently the Deans and Dayton Preschools. I have also served as board liaison to the South Brunswick Recreation and Parks Department Advisory Board. As stated earlier, I believe in supporting our students no matter what capacity it is because in South Brunswick, there is something for everyone!!! It's up to us offer what they are looking for which would make this educational experience one to never forget.

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