South Brunswick School Board Election 2023: Raja Krishna

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – Incumbent Raja Krishna is seeking another term on the South Brunswick Board of Education this November.

Krishna works in Supply Chain Management and has two children who went through the South Brunswick School system. His focus is to ensure the district does not face future budget cuts so it does not effect curriculum and programs.

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: Raja Krishna

Age: 54

Town of residence: South Brunswick

Position sought: Member Board of Education South Brunswick

Family: Two children, both completed their schooling from South Brunswick, wife works for a pharma company. I was working for a supply chain management company. We have been South Brunswick residents since 2005.

Education: I am a Bachelor of Commerce from India.

Occupation: Vice President Operations, Supply Chain Management

Previous or current elected appointed office: Member BOE

Campaign website:

https://www.facebook.com/Raja.Smitha.Mike/?show_switched_toast=0&show_invite_to_follow=0&show_switched_tooltip=0&show_podcast_settings=0&show_community_review_changes=0&show_community_rollback=0&show_follower_visibility_disclosure=0

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

South Brunswick is a great School district and is really doing very well in educating students. But there are many issues that tend to divert and distract attention from our main cause and I am seeking to get reelected along with Mike and Smitha so that we can keep the focus on students, their education, and security.

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

I think the biggest issue facing the district now and in the following years is the budget cuts and this can only be addressed with very careful planning and of course, continuity among the board members who have been relentlessly addressing this issue so that the cuts does not affect curriculum, programs, teachers and staffing.

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 a very important question that is facing us every year. We have to continuously convey our message to the state lawmakers about the difficulty that the district is facing with these budget cuts, while at the same time we, meaning the board and the administration must work hand-in-hand to see no program or student gets deprived of anything that they are supposed to be getting and this can only be done if the focus is not lost and the community gives their 100 percent support in achieving it. I am very confident we can get through this.

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

I have been part of the budget committee and have participated in every budget meeting. Solutions are derived from long discussions and derivations and they are collective in nature. Options are brought to the table and every option is examined and the best in the existing situation is selected and recommended by the committee member for the board's approval.

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?

Yes, transportation is an issue in the district like everywhere else in the state. But in the present condition with the budget cuts, it has been handled in the best possible manner.

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

Besides constant curriculum review and update I think security and safety is a very important issue that cannot be allowed to lose focus on. We have to be always alert, prepared and security beefed up. Children and very important and their safety is our paramount priority. The district at all time needs to be very closely working with the township the police and neighboring towns.

What sets you apart from other candidates?

I have a security background, served in the military for 14 Years, have been in a couple of battles and was also wounded by a bullet. I keep my focus on the students, and do not allow my attention to waiver to anything else. These students are the future of our community and our great nation, at the least we can do is facilitate in getting them a great education so that they become well-rounded citizens.

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

I am here to serve the community, the South Brunswick school district and will do that to the best of my ability.

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