Bridgewater-Raritan School Board Election 2024: William Atkins

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

William Atkins is running for one of the three, three-year seats with incumbent Jennifer Loughran. Opposing candidates include incumbent Ashish 'AJ' Joshi and newcomers Jeremy Li and Philip Jones.

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.

William Atkins

• Age: 19
• Town of residence: Bridgewater
• Position sought: Board of Education (1 of 3 open seats)
• Family: My parents chose Bridgewater for its academic excellence, and I am beyond grateful to have lived in Bridgewater my whole life. I come from a family of educators who taught me the value of forward-thinking and community engagement. I’m deeply invested in our Bridgewater community and I hope to raise a family of my own here.
• Education: I am a proud Bridgewater graduate and am currently studying at Seton Hall as an honors student in the accelerated law program.
• Occupation: Student
• Previous elected/appointed office: I serve on the Bridgewater Planning Board, where I recently reviewed the $13.68M expansion to the Middle School as part of the full-day kindergarten referendum. I was also appointed by state lawmakers to the New Jersey Legislative Youth Council for my successful efforts to pass a statewide bill promoting youth civic engagement.
• Campaign website: www.Atkins4BR.org

Why are you seeking election for the Board of Education?

While at BRHS, I took the lead in organizing a team that introduced and passed the statewide ‘Involve Our Youth Act,’ creating new opportunities for students to be civically engaged. Navigating education committees and the wider legislature provided valuable insights into working with people of diverse opinions to achieve results. My efforts during this process were recognized by state lawmakers, leading to my selection to serve on the NJ Legislative Youth Council. I continue to advocate for policies that benefit young people and their communities, especially as head of a newfound non-profit dedicated to promoting youth issues and good citizenship. Our Bridgewater schools gave me incredible opportunities for success, and I’m committed to ensuring future generations of students have even more chances for success. The Board of Education is a youth-centered institution, and it deserves a young and energetic voice with firsthand experience in its schools. I want to give back to the community that made me the person I am today.

This past summer the Board made enhancements to its security at schools in the district. How do you feel about the changes and do you feel enough was done?

I am relieved that the district is taking steps to bolster school security. The new vestibules and improved security systems add an important layer of protection for our community. The teachers and students I’ve spoken with seem to appreciate these changes as well. However, safety is an issue that must be continuously reviewed and evaluated. As a board member, I will be a vocal advocate for school safety and student wellbeing.

With the referendum passed, work is beginning to upgrade facilities in preparation for full-day kindergarten. How do you feel about the progress being made?

I’m excited about the upgrades being made across the district this year. On the Bridgewater Planning Board, I’ve had the honor of reviewing the middle school expansion plans, as well as the redevelopment of the BRHS Basilone Field, athletic complex, and senior parking lot. Keeping these projects on time and within budget should be of utmost priority, and I have been pleased by the progress being made.

What would you like to see improved in the school district? / What other issues would you like to tackle if elected to the Board of Ed?

My campaign is focused on the key areas of school safety, student opportunity, smart spending, and transparency.

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Bridgewater students is my top priority. Since Columbine, at least 378,000 students have experienced gun violence in their schools. I would like to see the district continue to invest in robust security measures to protect our youth from physical danger.

Additionally, school safety isn’t just about stopping external threats. The mental health crisis is of growing concern, with 22 percent of high school students having seriously considered suicide and 42 percent feeling persistently sad or lonely in the past year. While these statistics alarm me, they highlight the critical need for comprehensive support systems within Bridgewater schools. The district must prioritize mental health resources, access to counseling, and supportive learning environments for all students.

As for student life, I’m committed to preserving and expanding upon educational opportunities for our youth, as well as ensuring that Bridgewater remains a beacon of excellence. I would like to see the district integrate more opportunities for college readiness, professional development, alternative career paths, and civic engagement into the BR curriculum. BRRSD must continue to build on its impressive educational and extracurricular opportunities, and ensure that all students have an equal opportunity for future success.

On that note, the district must fully fund our students for the highest quality education we can afford. However, a $183 million budget requires wise spending and high scrutiny. I will always advocate for the smartest financial decisions, and clear, transparent budget reporting for the wider community. After all, 68 percent of your local taxes contribute to the school budget, and you deserve to know that your money is being responsibly allocated. The district must maximize resources for student benefit while ensuring nothing goes to waste.

I also want to build on community trust in our education system. Transparency is the bedrock of a strong community. I would like to see more open and effective communication with parents and community stakeholders. The district must ensure transparency in decision-making processes, fund allocation, and school policies. I will always support greater communication and understanding between the district and the community it serves.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

First of all, I’d like to thank all candidates who have put themselves out there, hoping to serve our community. However, I am especially honored to run alongside BOE Vice President, Jennifer Loughran. She is an experienced community leader who has served our community with heart and purpose. I am honored to earn the support of someone who cares so much about our community. The Board is lucky to have her.

As for myself, it’s no secret that I’m the young guy in the race. I bring an energetic and informed perspective to the Board, especially as the only candidate with firsthand experience in BR schools both pre and post-Covid. I am well versed in the evolving state of our education system and its pressing needs. Further, I have a proven track record of collaboration and advocacy, having passed statewide legislation supporting our youth and organizing many charity and civic projects. My two priorities have always been our youth and our community.

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

Please visit Atkins4BR.org/volunteer if you are interested in making a difference in our community, or reach out to Atkins4BR@gmail.com with any questions or comments.

Just as I advocated for our youth in the state legislature, I will work with all members to ensure pragmatic, common sense solutions and always do what is best for students, teachers, and the community. Our schools encouraged me to become a leader in youth advocacy and civic engagement. As a proud BR alum I want to expand on the great opportunities I was afforded, and help give our students the highest quality education. I sincerely appreciate you considering my candidacy, and for believing in Bridgewater. We are BR!