By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
EAST WINDSOR — Lisa Abel, a New Brunswick Middle School mathematics teacher, became the newest school board member of the East Windsor Regional School District on Monday.
”I’ve always wanted to become a board member, to help make a difference for the students,” she said in a written statement to the Windsor-Hights Herald on May 4. “But I never knew how to go about it. I did some research, and with the support of my husband, did what was necessary to get my name on the ballot.”
Ms. Abel, who moved to East Windsor in the fall of 1998, was elected on April 27. She ran against former Board President Alice Weisman, garnering 773 total votes. She defeated Ms. Weisman just shy of 200 votes.
Ms. Abel was sworn in at the board’s annual reorganization meeting Monday.
The long-time teacher sees state exams coupled with the area’s changing demographics as current obstacles facing the district.
”I see the ever-changing demographics and the stagnant state funding two hurdles facing EWRSD,” she said. “As the demographics of the district change, the state tests do not — state tests that determine whether a school is a ‘passing’ or ‘failing’ school. But these are challenges being felt across the entire state.”
Ms. Abel praised the community for its support of the district.
”The EWRSD has the support of the community. Parents are very involved in student activities and programs. Once you have strong parental involvement, you have what you need to be very successful,” she said.
She said she is looking forward to helping the school board “move forward” so that ESRSD can become one of the top districts in the state.
”I am looking forward to helping this board move forward and make the EWRSD one of the top (group of) schools in the state.”
Ms. Abel has taught math at every level between sixth to 12th grades.
”I also teach an accelerated math program at Rutgers Preparatory School in the summer,” she said.

