By MICHAEL NUNES
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK – The search to find a replacement for an open seat on the East Brunswick Board of Education, once held by current Mayor Kevin McEvoy, is between a president of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and a self-described policy-wonk.
The East Brunswick Board of Education interviewed Adam Neary and Barbara Reiss, respectively, during the March 31 meeting as possible replacements for the open seat.
Reiss, who has been a resident of the township for 12 years and has a master’s degree in childhood education, told current members of the board she has a passion for educating children.
“It’s my hope and desire to volunteer for our schools to make things better. That’s really my main reason for doing this: my passion for helping kids,” she said, stating that she has two children currently at the district schools and is also the president of the PTA.
“A core of my being is being involved in the education of kids and making things better for the children of East Brunswick,” Reiss continued.
According to Reiss, she has served on several committees for the board, such as the Community Involvement Committee.
When asked what she would like to see the Board of Education focus on in the future, she stated her desire to see more computer coding classes introduced.
“There are going to be one million computing jobs in the year 2024 and right now in Silicon Valley they can’t fill all the jobs. … Eventually those coding jobs will come here and I want East Brunswick students to fill them,” she said.
Neary, who says he has a passion for public policy, is the executive producer and vice president of Playhouse 22, the community theater in the township, as well as a part of the East Brunswick Charitable Foundation and president of the Kingswood Station Community Association.
“I’ve been a homeowner in this town for almost 14 years, and as such, I have a vested interest in having my property be as valuable as possible. Having a good school district in a good town makes sure that your property values are the best,” said Neary, an East Brunswick native who attended the district schools.
“I may not have children but I have a lot of friends and family members who do have children in the system and it’s important for me make sure they have the same education experience as myself.”
Neary, who is the chief of staff for Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D-Middlesex), was quizzed by board members on his political affiliation and if that would complicate his position on the board, which members say is non-partisan.
“That is my day job. That is how I pay the mortgage and put the food on the table. As soon as I leave that office I will be representative of this board,” said Neary, who ran for Township Council in 2014 as a member of the Democratic Party.
The board is planning to make a decision during its next board meeting on April 11.
The candidate who is selected will run for election in November.
The board has been short a member since McEvoy resigned in order to be appointed mayor in February, replacing former mayor David Stahl who resigned to become a municipal judge in Woodbridge Township.
Contact Michael Nunes at [email protected].