Meet The Candidate: Pepper Evans For Lawrence Township BOE

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Seven candidates have thrown their hats in the ring in hopes of filling three open seats on the Lawrence Township Board of Education.

Patricia “Pepper” Evans is seeking her fourth term on the board. According to Evans, teacher shortage is the biggest issue facing the district currently. And after nine years on the Board, Evans is confident to find a solution to the issues faced by the school district.

Below is Evans’ candidate profile.

(All candidates were given the same questions)

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses provided by the County clerk's office. All responses received will be published between now and Nov. 8 general election. Local candidates who did not receive the questionnaire from Patch can contact sarah.salvadore@patch.com.

Name: Patricia “Pepper” Evans

Age: 66

Town of residence: Lawrenceville

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: Two young adult daughters

Occupation: Self-employed as an Independent Living Consultant

Previous or current elected appointed office: Seeking my 4th 3-year term on the BoE

Campaign website: Evanskingandsantos.com

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

I hope to keep the focus of the district on academic excellence, and student wellness and foster a sense of belonging for all students.

COVID-19 resulted in learning loss for many students. What will you do to ensure students bounce back?

The Board can continue to identify, hire and retain top-notch educators and then get out of their way and let them do their jobs.

What is your view on the sex education curriculum that Gov. Murphy put forth earlier this year?

I think uninformed people are blowing it out of proportion. Let’s leave the educating to the educators, and stop telling them what books they can have in their classrooms.

What according to you is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

I’m concerned about the teacher shortage. But that’s everywhere. I worry about the exorbitant cost of educating students with special needs, made worse by the high cost of transportation. We can be proactive and develop future educators and continue to put our faith in our business manager who is second to none.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I’m candid, and after nine years of service, I’m knowledgeable and highly trained.

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

People have gotten to know me over the years. I’m a straight-shooter who wants the very best for each student, even as it varies from child to child. My running mates, both incumbents, Dr. Michelle King and Amanda Santos bring perspectives that are different from mine and serve to make our slate the best choice for all students and can hit the ground running.

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