Bernards Township School Board Election 2024: Pankhoori Agarwal Gupta

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township's general election on Nov. 5 has five candidates running for three open seats for the Board of Education.

Pankhoori Agarwal Gupta is running for one of the three, three-year seats. Opposing candidates include Robin McKeon, Brett Omelianuk, Michael Talbot, and Yijia Liu.

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Pankhoori Agarwal Gupta

• Age: N/A
• Town of residence: Bernards Township
• Position sought: Board of Education Member
• Family: Husband: Alankar, a daughter in 6th grade and a son in 4th grade
• Education: Bachelors in Business (UK), Masters in Finance (Chicago)
• Occupation: Chief of Finance & Operations for a non-profit environmental water preservation institute
• Previous elected/appointed office: Parent Teacher Organization Co-President of Mt. Prospect School
• Campaign website: Facebook.com/GUPTA4BOE

Why are you seeking election for the Board of Education?

I believe my approach of a balance of academics, athletics and art may enable every child to be the best they can be. All children have potential in different dimensions including those with special needs. We can find means to unlock their inner talent and ability through a diversified broad-based education. This summarizes my platform of EDUCATION+WELLNESS.

This past spring the Board wrestled with a large deficit in revenue during the budget process. How do you plan to address this in the coming years’ budgets?

As the ONLY candidate with a significant financial background and experience in different sectors including for-profit and not-for-profit, I am eminently qualified to evaluate, analyze data and provide thoughtful alternatives and recommendations.

In these inflationary times, we must find ways to live within our means and be smart about regular maintenance, creating a long-term capital improvements strategic plan so we do not end up with large bills in the outer years. We pay high property taxes allocated to the school district of about 66 percent and so we need to ensure the monies are well spent. Our schools are centers of learning for our children and teachers need to have a conducive environment to adequately perform their duties.

Our town is known for leaders in finance, telecommunications, healthcare, construction, and development; what about an advisory board ensuring we get objective expert guidance tapping local talent?

The district recently switched to triple-tiered bussing to address transportation issues. How do you feel about this change?

It has been challenging for families where both parents work and I have heard the same from many others. Overall, it appears the current established Board members and Administration did not conduct dry runs to model how the program would actually run. Perhaps, they should have piloted in one school first before launching a complete district roll out.

I have also heard the children enrolled in after school clubs have been affected and so a late bus may help those families.

A recent facilities condition assessment in May found that the district may need in excess of $35 million for repairs and upkeep of school buildings. How do you feel about the current state of the school buildings?

The Superintendent and Administration needs to develop or refine its strategic long-term capital planning process. If buildings and equipment are maintained on a schedule, there should be no surprises. As a Finance leader, I would ask for a detailed public review of this Plan to avert major expenses and repairs. I truly believe in no surprises and full transparency in terms of Financials and reporting.

What other issues would you like to tackle if elected to the Board of Ed?

We must create an inspiring and nurturing environment limiting distractions like social media to enable every child to be the best they can be. We need to create experiential learning for children so they are taught important social interaction life skills and resilience that will help them in college and beyond. This will be a positive step to address the deteriorating Wellness issue.

I’m also very concerned that we are losing great teachers to other districts because of salary and environment. In particular, the World Language department has lost many excellent teachers, and we need for our children to learn about global language and culture to adequately prepare them for an evolving world.

Most importantly, I want to enroll real world advisors for our graduating class. Our town is home to many Ivy league alums and senior executives from multiple industries. We need to utilize them as resources for our students and help restore top rankings for Bernards School district.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I’m the only candidate with a financial degree and real-world experience in managing the financials of both major corporations and non-profits. I am also an artist who understands that every child is different, and it is the process of education that enables them to be the best they can be. I believe we can help children unlock their creative spark and express themselves in novel ways. Art can become a major discipline in our district that helps those children who may not be inclined towards sports develop confidence and shine in another medium.

Let us elevate EDUCATION with WELLNESS in our beautiful town.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I respectfully ask for your vote and commit to working hard for parents enabling every child to be the best they can be.

I also support Mr Yijia Lui’s campaign as his values and objectives compliment mine.