Bridgewater-Raritan School Board Election 2023: Barry R. Walker

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan Regional Board of Education general election on Nov. 7 has seven candidates running for three open seats representing Bridgewater and one open seat representing Raritan.

Incumbent Barry R. Walker is running for one of the three, three-year full-term seats representing Bridgewater.

Opposing candidates include Rebecca Hassouna, Jarrett Hahn, and Hector Menendez. Harini Rajagopalan withdrew her name and will not be running this year anymore.

There is also one, three-year unexpired seat representing Raritan open. Candidates include Umesh Agrawal, incumbent Michael M. Pepe, and Jeffrey McNally.

Additionally, there is a referendum question on the ballot. Voters previously approved the first part of the District's referendum in March to make significant renovations to district-wide schools and to have full-day kindergarten.

The second question appearing on the ballot in November will ask the two communities to approve the total operating costs of the full-day kindergarten for $2.46 million.

Are you running for office in Bridgewater? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Bridgewater Patch.

Barry R. Walker

Age: 55

Town of residence: Bridgewater, NJ

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: Wife Lorraine and Daughter Sarah

Education: BS Physics Carnegie Mellon University

Occupation: Fulltime Father and Consultant

Previous or current elected appointed office: Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education

Campaign website: www.walkerforboe.com

Why are you seeking re-election on the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education?

I am seeking re-election because I am an experienced and proven leader who keeps what is best for the students at the forefront of my decision-making. I lead with honesty and integrity. Leadership is about action. I take action in my leadership style and it has been effective in keeping the district focusing on student learning.

The second portion of the referendum will go up for a vote in November. Are you in
favor of this? Why or why not?

First, I would like to say I am proud of Bridgewater and Raritan for passing the first part of the referendum on March 14th. It shows the community’s commitment to keeping education as a priority. I support the referendum and will be voting yes on November 7th . This is an amazing opportunity for our present and future students, for enhancing the educational environment, and for being able to offer full day kindergarten like the other 98% of the districts in New Jersey. The increased student achievement from Full Day Kindergarten will enable all of our students to now have the opportunity to achieve at the highest level. The referendum is fiscally responsible because it enables the district to receive state aid up to 40% of the cost of qualifying projects. It is a win for lower taxes and keeps the district infrastructure evolving.

Transportation is a statewide issue. Do you feel transportation issues are being handled well by the Board? Why or why not? If not, how do you propose improving it?

Student Transportation is a nationwide issue because of the shortage of bus drivers and the increasing danger of distracted driving. I feel the district is taking a strategic approach to addressing the issue. In the spring, a transportation study was presented which examined the districts busing and how to leverage school times for efficient operations. After examining the recommendations of the report, the district is now working with a consultant to optimize bus routes and upgrading our technology to support the most effective and safe operations. I support these efforts to keep improving our systems.

Security at schools remains a high priority. Are you happy with the district's security plan for students and staff? If not, what would be your alternative?

School security is a high priority and the board of education and the administration take safety very seriously. The district is addressing security utilizing best practices in both physical and operations. The processes and procedures have been developed to ensure everyone feels safe in an environment which is conductive to education. We are all part of the security of the district and if we see something we should say something.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the district?

The district must continue to focus on student achievement, hiring and retaining the best staff possible and making the best decisions with the tax revenue. The pandemic has introduced some learning challenges that are being addressed which will continue until they subside. Staffing is crucial to student learning and finding and keeping the best qualified professional is of the highest priority. We must be fiscally responsible with our tax revenue because inflation has impacted what can be done and we must be effective and efficient with our budget.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

My experience, drive to get better as board member and a constant focus on what is best for the students set me apart. In my nine years serving on the board of education, I have tried to learn as much as I can through reading, listening, asking questions and participating in training provided by the New Jersey School Boards Association. I have tried to share what I have learned and be a mature voice of reason within the group.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I am a committed candidate who always makes decisions based on what is best for the students. My experience and knowledge enabled me to work with the administration and board members to be a trusted leader for the community.