Manchester School Board Election 2021: Nicole Sahlin

MANCHESTER, NJ — When voters go to the polls Nov. 2, they will be asked to choose people to serve on the Manchester Township Board of Education.

There are four people seeking those two seats, which are three-year unpaid terms on the board.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to give voters information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation.

Here are the answers from Nicole Sahlin, who is running under the slogan "Achieving Excellence Together."

Previous elective office, if any:

None

Does anyone in your family work for the school district or in politics?

No

Education

Master’s in education

Occupation

Teacher, ABA Therapist

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I have always been extremely passionate about education and making sure each child receives the education they deserve. Learning should never be one size fits all. We must teach the way the students learn best. Having a son on the spectrum has made me even more aware of the differentiation that must be done in the classroom. I am seeking a seat because I want to be the voice to represent all the families who don’t have one and need one.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue facing the school district is the budget and also the increased need to serve special education students. What I intend to do is help to create ways to help all students succeed in the classroom.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board seat?

The critical differences between me and the other candidates seeking a seat on the board is: I am not only a parent to a special needs son, but also a certified teacher and also a behavior technician for children who have autism. I understand issues on a parent platform but also as a teacher. I am aware of different challenging behaviors that arise in a classroom and want to be proactive in finding solutions and helping to form policies for change and improvement in the district.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Due to Covid-19, the number of children who fell behind and lost skills is skyrocketing. We must offer resources for these children to catch back up. After school extra help, before care tutoring. We need to give these children an opportunity to succeed.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?

I have completed three master's degrees in education and also my course work towards obtaining my BCBA certification.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am dedicated and passionate and firmly believe that each child deserves to be taught in a way that helps them learn —“If they can’t learn the way we teach, teach the way they learn.” I want to give every parent who has a child that is struggling hope that Manchester Schools will make it their priority to connect children to the tools they need to succeed.