Brick Township School Board Election 2020: Melissa Lozada

BRICK, NJ — When voters go to the polls Nov. 3, they will be asked to choose two people to serve on the Brick Township Board of Education.

There are five people seeking those two seats, which are volunteer, unpaid three-year 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 Melissa Lozada, who is running solo under the slogan Time For Change.

Previous elective office, if any:

None

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

My sister is on the board for a school in New York.

Education

Bachelor's degree in American studies and education

Occupation

Insurance

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

As a parent of a Brick student I am seeking a seat on the board to help our children receive the best education possible and to be safe while doing so.

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

Right now the issue is the COVID-19 and whether to return to school. I was for the idea initially to help my son socialize but having seen the recent events and how children are not safe from this virus, I have since decided not to send my child to be treated as a test subject for a virus we still know too little about. I do intend on emailing the superintendent to express my concerns and the commissioner of education in New Jersey. If need be I will gather other parents to fight the school opening. As much as I love our kids socializing and building their futures; their health is more important. People can make change even if it’s just a few.

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

All the candidates seem qualified. The difference I bring is my heart which is the strongest thing I have. My son goes to the school and as a mom my heart guides me to make the best decisions possible for him to succeed. My heart is what will drive me to make sure all our children are properly cared for and get everything they need to succeed.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Aside from the COVID-19. I stand for no bullying and no classroom overcrowding. Our poor children are the ones that suffer from financial decisions made. Our students are in oversized classrooms not getting the personal attention they need to learn what they need to know to move up. One teacher for 25 students with no aide is unacceptable. The bullying on the bus is very dangerous to all our kids. A solution to the bus issue is not to get cameras. We need to protect our children and and ensure they get the level education they deserve.

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

I don’t have any specific accomplishments pertaining to the board position I seek.

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

I want my voters to know I’m not a politician. I’m not about working the system to get a vote. I am genuinely concerned with the well being of our children and want our children to succeed and become successful adults.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

One person can make a difference. You’re stronger than you know.