Brick School Board Election 2021: Victoria Pakala

BRICK, NJ — When voters go to the polls Nov. 2, they will be asked to choose three people to serve on the Brick Township Board of Education.

There are five people seeking those two seats, which are three-year unpaid terms on the board.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to give voters information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation.

Here are the answers from Victoria Pakala, who is running under the slogan, "Believe in Brick."

Previous elective office, if any:

Brick Board of Education, since 2015

Does anyone in your family work for the school district or in politics?

No

Education

Rutgers College, B.A., History; Rutgers Graduate School of Education, M.A., Special Education

Occupation

Teacher

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I love this town and have served the school district as a BOE member for six years. I am committed to continue the work the Board of Education has done to bring positive growth for the students, teachers, facilities and programs in Brick schools.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Funding. I will continue to lobby the state and Department of Education to fund student-centered instructional programs, teacher professional development supports and our aging infrastructure. Our budget is tight but our district keeps improving. As a fiscally minded member of the Brick Board of Education I work hard to assess district needs and prioritize funding for student opportunities and district improvements. This includes our arts and athletic programs. Seeking alternative funding sources for programs is a priority and I would support using a grant writer to pursue money that is available to our district. Currently some teachers and administrators do pursue grant funding for projects and that is a great help to the district. Environmental projects including recycling, resource management, solar savings and instituting an energy savings improvement plan bring savings to the district.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board seat?

I have the experience of serving on the board of education for the last six years in a time of leadership transitions, student safety issues, curriculum improvements, aging infrastructure, school funding issues and the pandemic. During this time the BOE conducted a superintendent search and hired a leader, Dr. Farrell, who brings with him experience and an agenda that is student-centered and teacher-led. I know how the district functions and am focused on student growth and district improvements. I am proud to have met the training requirements for Certified Board Member status by the New Jersey School Boards Association.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a board member it is important to always put students first. I work for equity in experience and programs for all. In these unprecedented times emphasizing social-emotional learning experiences promote student growth, grit and success. Board focus should be on striving to provide the most up-to-date curriculum resources. Measuring student success with a growth mindset assures constant student-centered analysis and goal-setting.

I am committed to working on the following district priorities:

To listen and collaborate to assess, plan and budget for the best programs and safe facilities is key. Updating technology programs is critical, as is creating and implementing a district strategic plan.

Our teachers are excellent and it is a priority to support their pedagogy with professional development and good leadership.

It is important to continue to put strong academic programs with physical and social-emotional supports in place for our special education students and staff. Providing students the opportunity to be with their peers in the least restrictive environment in Brick schools is best for our students and saves the district money on outside placement costs.

The district expansion to provide free preschool education for children in Brick gives our students an advantage. It has made a significant impact in the district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?

I returned to school as an adult to pursue my master's degree in special education. The commitment I made and challenges that ensued taught me to focus on growth and pursue my passion for students and education.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have three adult children. I live an active lifestyle, worship at Visitation R.C. Church and enjoy traveling with my husband, Joseph Nezgoda.