The incumbents on both the North Brunswick and South Brunswick Boards of Education were re-elected on Nov. 3 to serve another term.
With five candidates running for three seats in South Brunswick, the winners were Barry Nathanson with 2,548 votes, Peter St. Vincent with 2,380 votes and Stephen Parker with 2,239 votes.
Anil Patel was not too far behind the incumbents with 1,786 votes, and college student Sonia Bhutra received 1,190 in her first bid to gain a seat on the school board.
“I want to say thanks to all my friends and those who voted for me. I’m so glad to be returning with my running mates Pete and Steve. And for those who didn’t, I’m going to get your vote next time,” Nathanson said.
“I want to thank the South Brunswick community for electing me to serve on the Board of Education,” Parker said. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve in this manner. Our children are the most vulnerable members of the community, and a good education is their key to the future. I see the re-election of the sitting board members of Mr. Nathanson, Mr. St. Vincent and myself as a confirmation of the current goals and direction of the board.”
St. Vincent said he is thankful for his win as well, though he was disappointed by the low voter turnout.
“Knowing we are all extremely busy, I wish to extend thanks and gratitude to the many of you that made it to the polls and voted. Understanding that this was not a ‘major election’ and for most not overly important, I truly appreciate your efforts to vote by absentee ballot or at the polls,” he said. “That said, I will offer that I am somewhat perplexed with that thought process as my belief is that we, the local school board, impact the community more so and directly on several fronts, and would thus stimulate a greater turnout at the polls for these minor elections. Maybe next time?”
Regardless, he said he feels the overall outcome of the election “affirms that we are doing things right at the BOE.”
“I look forward to ongoing service as a South Brunswick school board member for the next three years in hopes of continuing to build on the great progress I feel we’ve made within our schools and the overall district,” he said.
“First of all, congratulations to all the winners,” Patel said. “To all my supporters: with your help and determination we put on a tremendous effort. I am not only thankful for those who supported and voted for me, but appreciate those who believe in my vision and ability. This was a blessing and an honor as it was a very good learning experience running for public office. With that said, I will continue to embrace your support and wish nothing but the best for my community. God bless you and God bless America.”
Bhutra could not be reached by press time.
In North Brunswick, Gloria Gonzalez led the three winners with 1,823 votes, or 29.82 percent; Tony Brooks secured 1,758 votes, or 28.76 percent; and Ingrid Dillon received 1,335 votes, or 21.84 percent. Challenger Gangadhara “Rao” Vakkalagadda was not too far behind in the polls, receiving 1,166 votes, or 19.07 percent.
“I was overwhelmed by the support of North Brunswick voters, who made me the top vote recipient among those running for the three open three-year terms on our school board,” Gonzalez said.
“Given this was a non-presidential [election] year, I expected the turnout would be low, so it was critical to get the word out: door to door through township neighborhoods, direct mail, phone calls and reminder messaging on Tuesday morning – and it really made a difference. I am so grateful for the confidence our township’s voters have shown in my candidacy, allowing me to continue my contributions as a member of the North Brunswick school board.”
Gonzalez said the re-election of the sitting board members is a strong message regarding their commitment to the work ahead.
“These results suggest voters share our vision for North Brunswick schools: to provide exceptional education for all children and reduce the achievement gap. We will do that by providing the best learning environment possible, aided by the construction of two new schools that will help North Brunswick reduce class sizes and provide expanded curriculums to accommodate the increasing demands of our growing population for years to come,” she said.
She thanked her family and friends for supporting her candidacy over the past few months.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be able to continue serving North Brunswick’s children and their families for the next three years as an elected member of the Board of Education,” Gonzalez said.
In addition, Donna Mikolajewski was re-appointed to fill a one-year unexpired term.