SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Three threeyear terms are up for the South Brunswick Board of Education.
Current board members Barry Nathanson, Stephen F. Parker and Peter St. Vincent will be challenged by Sonia C. Bhutra and Anilkumar C. Patel in the election on Nov. 3.
Sonia C. Bhutra
Age: 19
Resident for 15 years
Student at The College of New Jersey
Volunteer efforts: Tutor at the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library; member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity; former tutor at South Brunswick Public Library in the Homework Buddies Program; former tutor at South Brunswick High School for the Homework Help Center; former art assistant at Brooks Crossing Elementary School
Positions held in town: Friends of the South Brunswick Public Library, former member of Youth Advisory Board of the South Brunswick Library
Reason for entering the election: “I believe that the school system is the foundation of our community. I recently graduated from South Brunswick High School and feel strongly about giving back to the community that has given me so much, and believe that serving on the Board of Education is a great way to do so. As a student myself, I bring a unique perspective that will help the board better serve our schools and students.”
Goals if elected: “If elected, my biggest goal would be to take steps to ensure that all students are given the tools to succeed in college and in the workforce. I would like to take measurable actions to increase college readiness, as well as increase acceptance of South Brunswick graduates into top colleges. I will also encourage local businesses to partner with South Brunswick schools and offer opportunities to students.”
Barry Nathanson (incumbent)
Age: 57
Resident for 20 years
Family life: Evan, 25, and Blaire, 22, both graduated from South Brunswick High School
Profession: government
Volunteer efforts: South Brunswick Police Athletic League board member and coach, 1996-2011; South Brunswick Athletic Association coach, 1996-2011
Positions held in town: Board of Education member since 2002; served as chair of Faculties and member of Shared Services and Negotiations committees; Zoning Board member 1998-2006; Planning Board member since 2006; Education Foundation of South Brunswick board member
Accomplishments while serving on school board: “As a Board of Education member, and while chairing facilities, we have created a state-of-the-art athletic complex, rehabilitated nearly every school, built new wings on several and are currently working towards a wellness center at South Brunswick High School.
“Keeping the budget sane while retaining great teachers and programs is also a great accomplishment.”
Goals if re-elected: “I attended the convocation where we set our goals for the year to come and want to continue to help the administration advance their goals around self-regulation for children, wellness for all, and improved dyslexia screening and remediation.”
Stephen F. Parker (incumbent)
Age: 63
Resident for 23 years
Family life: two sons, ages 34 and 31, both graduated from South Brunswick High School.
Profession: Mathematical modeling of atmospheric transport and dispersion, scientific software design and development; holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University and a BSE in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati
Volunteer efforts: Active member of the Kingston Presbyterian Church for 40 years, having served as elder, deacon, clerk of session, Sunday School teacher and currently financial secretary; participated in mission trips to Maine and Haiti; served on recent pastor nominating committee to select new pastor after retirement of previous pastor; served as assistant Scoutmaster while sons were in Boy Scouts.
Accomplishments on school board: served nine years, the last few as board president; prior to election to the school board, served as community member on several board task forces; accomplished selection of a new superintendent and maintaining programs while keeping budget increases down.
Why re-entering the election: “South Brunswick is a great community. That only happens when people share responsibilities and participate in leadership roles. I believe education is important to the future of our children, our community and our country. I come from a family of educators and volunteers. I was taught the value and importance of an education and of giving back to the community.”
Goals if elected: Provide the best education to our children that this community can afford; continue to provide programs while constantly looking for ways to keep costs down.
Anilkumar C. Patel
Age: 54
Resident for 16 years
Family life: Married for 31 years. Son, 26, and daughter, 22, both went through the South Brunswick school system
Educational background: Degree in mechanical engineering from India; Information Technology diploma from City University, New York
Profession: Currently working for Ericsson for more than 27 year as a senior telecommunications engineer. Started working out of college for Bell Labs, Bellcore and Telcordia, which was acquired by Ericsson two years ago.
Volunteer efforts: Has served as president, chairman and executive committee member in many organizations; member and founder of many faith-based organizations; patron of South Asian Community Outreach; South Brunswick Community Development; Recreation Committee in Union Township; last year was appointed to Human Relations Commission in South Brunswick.
Reason for entering the election: “[My] objectives to run for Board of Education are A. academic excellence — opportunities for every child; [to] retain outstanding educators; smart use of technology; maintaining extracurricular activities; music, sports and community education programs; safe and secure learning environment; emphasize collaboration [as] parents and teachers must be an integral part of the decision-making process; and B. [to] balance needs of children and taxpayers [and] continue to look for ways to reduce taxpayers’ burden without impacting quality education.
Goals if elected: “I strongly believe as a newcomer I can bring new and fresh innovative ideas to the board. I am very pleased to see that our district’s students have done well academically. However, there are still lots of ways it can be improved. I am confident that with my qualifications and technical experience I can provide many more innovative ideas to achieve the district goals.
“It is necessary to have communication and partnering with government officials and parents. As education policy is going through tremendous changes with Common Core Curriculum, PARCC Testing and changes in graduation requirements, we will work with government officials and policymakers to make them understand the ground reality and suggest appropriate changes that needed to make it a win-win situation for both children and the quality of education.”
Peter St. Vincent (incumbent)
Age: 55
Resident for 21 years
Family life: all three children went through the South Brunswick school system and continued on to college
Profession: vice president of ABTL Construction
Volunteer efforts: president of the South Brunswick High School Football Huddle Club for nine years; member of St. Cecilia Knight of Columbus
Accomplishments during first term on school board: “There are a few things that I would consider myself proud of. … First would be the superintendent search we conducted following the retirement of our previous superintendent, Dr. Gary McCartney. We as a board worked extremely hard to find the right candidate for our district. Our leadership is paramount, and I believe through our many levels of interviews that we found the “best of the best” when we found Dr. Jerry Jellig. As a district we continue to move forward and ahead of the curve on many fronts, and will continue to do so in the coming years.
“As someone very interested in athletics, the arts and our music programs, I am enormously proud of our facilities, none more than the high school’s three turf fields which were installed and opened last fall. This state-of-the-art facility allows our student athletes and band members to maintain the competitive edge as we continuously strive to be our best.
“I am particularly proud of our current board members and our executive team. At any moment in time any individual can find fault with any of us, but overall, this board is dedicated to, driven by, and focused on, what’s best for our children. And that’s the primary reason for any of us being here.
Reason for entering the election: “I am excited for another opportunity to serve this community and our children for the next three years.”
Contact Jennifer Amato at jamato@gmnews.com.