Hillsborough School Board Election 2026: Cindy Nurse

Why are you seeking election for the Board of Education?

I have always enjoyed volunteering, serving on district committees where I work, a board for a club sport, engaging families and organizing activities as a Team Mom, and involving myself as much as possible in my union. I thrive on attaining knowledge and having a voice for causes that impact my family, community, and myself. Serving as a BOE member has allowed me to be part of something bigger than myself. Hearing and gaining understanding of new perspectives has helped me to learn and grow professionally and personally. And with this knowledge and understanding I strive to make a positive impact on the Hillsborough School District and its community.

Transparency in government is important for the community. Do you feel the BOE is transparent, and how would you increase transparency?

One of my platforms last election was open communication. I think transparency has helped to build our communal resilience. Collectively as a whole we are not perfect, but over the last two terms I have seen positive improvement. At the helm we have a superintendent who values collaboration with the BOE, HEA, HPSA and community. We have leadership within the HEA and HPSA who seek out and offer opportunities to work together. We have BOE members that speak out and ask questions at the dais and request presentations at meetings to inform the BOE and public of upcoming changes and plans. And, because of this collaboration, which hopefully continues to build trust amongst all stakeholders, we have been able to work through many of our challenges together. We have been able to support each other in those hard times and acknowledge and appreciate efforts made by each other, even when having different perspectives and opinions. I feel that I had a large part in bringing this positive change forward. From my first term I asked questions at the dais, advocated for collaboration with our diverse stakeholders, and requested more BOE presentations to gather information. I have asked the difficult questions when hiring leadership positions in and seeking out contracted services. And I will continue to do so.

With rising healthcare costs and inflation, how do you propose keeping tax increases to a minimum?

I discuss my philosophy of financial stability and its importance in the last question below. However, I will support the continuation of seeking out grants, look into opportunities such as looking into the district running all before and aftercare programs and discussing sharing revenue with the township when new housing and businesses come to Hillsborough, and possibly consulting with a non-profit consultant to learn about new possibilities.

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

Along with Hillsborough's need for BOE members who will support the district's responsible budget is the continued need to advocate at the state level for fair funding. The continual loss of funding directly affects the success of our district and the people working so tirelessly in it. We should not be made accountable for our state's shortcomings in providing equitable funds to school districts. No student should have to do without or have limited choices in preparing for college and career readiness. No employee should have to work harder or take on more responsibilities. No parent should have to pay for supplemental classes because we do not have the funds to hire enough staff to offer state mandated courses such as financial literacy for everyone during the school year. Unfortunately, this is the reality that our district must overcome. Mr. Volpe is an incredible asset in this fight. I will continue to support his advocacy and support him in his desire to collaborate with other districts in similar positions. I will also continue to advocate for fair funding as an individual taxpayer and as a BOE member.

Another issue that I hope to advocate for is stronger overall student accountability. As a fellow educator I see this as one of the biggest challenges teaching staff face at all grade levels, K-12. Student accountability has taken a plunge over the last decade, both behaviorally and academically. There is an increase of negative student behavior at all levels and a decrease in student honesty in independently completing assignments and assessments in the intermediate, middle, and high school levels without meaningful and appropriate consequences. As a BOE member this is a gray area because much of this decision-making process is administrative prerogative. However, I will advocate for policies that support appropriate student consequences for inappropriate behavior and be an advocate for administrative actions that support teachers and other staff members in implementing consequences to hold students accountable. Students are in school to learn. Each student has the right to a learning environment free from behavioral outbursts that take teachers away from teaching. Each student has the right to learn in a safe environment free from judgement. Each student has the responsibility to work to the best of his/her ability with integrity and honesty. Each student has the responsibility to take ownership of his/her behavior. I hope to see the district focus on these rights and responsibilities

What is your favorite thing about being a part of Hillsborough Schools?

My answer to this question is very similar to years past. Besides the excellent education Hillsborough has provided for my children, it is our community's determination. The amount of controversy and turmoil our district has faced during the past several years has been unimaginable. COVID, scandal, the collapse of the advanced math at the intermediate level unbeknownst to many, our search and hiring of a business administrator, our search and hiring of both an interim and permanent superintendent, and our continued struggle with state funding cuts are the most monumental obstacles that come to mind. I think our biggest strength is our resilience; our ability to come together and move forward throughout a variety of challenges.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

My slogan is Putting Education First. I have chosen this slogan because I believe, with the recent change in board membership, it is more important than ever to protect what I feel is the most important role as a BOE member, advocating for the school district. This includes providing the students with a variety of purposeful and impactful opportunities, providing staff with the resources and support they need to teach effectively, and supporting the district in passing the budget needed to support its continued success, growth, and infrastructure.

I am opposed to individuals seeking a BOE seat to simply "cut taxes" or "stop tax increases." To me, this is the opposite of a board member's duty and will put us in jeopardy of a future financial crisis and more tough decisions. I believe that those who voted yes to raise the CAP made a decision that was best for the Hillsborough schools and students. That vote replenished funds we desperately needed and has allowed us to strive for financial stability in the years to come. It Although I understand the struggles our families are facing with the increase in taxes (as I am one of them) financial stability is very much needed. As we move forward I am in full support of going to the 2% CAP to develop a responsible and balanced budget that is best for students, but will most likely not vote for increasing the CAP.