Steven Singer: Bridgewater-Raritan BOE Candidate Profile

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — There is an uncontested race for the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional Board of Education election this upcoming November election with three candidates vying for the three open seats.

Steven Singer is one of three candidates running for the three, three-year seats in the election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The other two candidates include: Jill Gladstone and Lynne Hurley.

Here is a look at who Singer is and why he is running. Candidates were asked to answer the same questions and each candidate profile will be posted on Patch's site as it gets closer to the election.

Steven Singer

Describe yourself:

My wife and I planted our roots in Bridgewater near Adamsville School 16 years ago. We were attracted to the area, in large part, due to the impressive reputation of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District. We now have two children: one in Hillside and one in the Middle School.

I am an attorney and presently Managing Corporate Counsel at Foster Wheeler, Inc. in Hampton. I received my law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City in the spring of 2002. I also have a Masters in Business Administration from the Graduate School of Management, Rutgers University and graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Economics in 1998.

Why are you running for school board?

I feel I have a duty to serve the community in whatever way I can. I have regularly attended Board of Education meetings since 2012, worked diligently as treasurer for the Adamsville PTO for the last four years, served on the steering committee charged with developing the district’s strategic plan, and volunteered for action teams within the school district to further that strategic plan. I believe that the education of our children requires collaboration between parents, teachers, staff, administration and the Board of Education. I relish the opportunity to serve the children, parents and taxpayers of Bridgewater as their representative on the BRRSD Board of Education.

Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?

As a large district with more than 8,500 students, 1,200 staff, and thousands of parents, it is crucial to foster an environment of open communication and decision-making based on sound reasoning and comprehensive data. I feel that my ability to respectfully consider varying viewpoints to come to the best solution for all involved is vital as a member of the board of education. Recently, as I listened to the Board of Education debate limits on the amount of homework given to our students, I was gratified to hear perspectives and ideas that I had not previously considered through public comment and the discussion of Board members. I think my ability to consider new information and alternative positions in formulating an opinion will benefit the Board of Education immensely.

What are some issues you would like to address if elected?

Financial sustainability is one of my top concerns. The district has taken a turn in the right direction with the addition of permanent allocations for technology, facilities and curriculum to the budget. As costs continue to mount, the board must engage in this kind of long-range planning in order to ensure the continued success of the school district.

I think the Board of Education is at its best when it embraces open communication and transparency. As a member of the Board of Education, I would strive to have the basis for all decisions made by the Board clearly communicated.

— (If you are a candidate and would like to participate in the election profile, email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com)Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.