Debora Brody: Scotch Plains School Board Candidate

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — The Scotch Plains School Board has six candidates vying for three seats in the upcoming election on Nov. 2.

Debora Brody, an incumbent, is one of the candidates running.

The other candidates include:

• David Levine
• Timothy J. Mehl, Jr. - running under the slogan "For Our Kids"
• Karen Kulikowski - incumbent
• Tonya Y. Williams - incumbent
• Debora Brody - incumbent
• Michael R. Gromek - running under the slogan "Achievement, Community, Tradition"

All of the candidates are running for the three, three-year seats on the board.

Are you running for office in Scotch Plains? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch.

Debora Brody

Name: Debora Brody

Age: 58

Town of residence: Scotch Plains

Position sought: SPF Board Member

Family: 4 children ages 25 to 32, I have been married almost 30 years

Education: BA in Accounting, MS Accounting, MS Management Systems Analysis, passed CPA Exam

Occupation: Controller for an Investment Firm, Owner and President of ‘Just For You’ Consulting Services, a Quickbooks Consulting Firm

Previous or current elected appointed office: Current Scotch Plains Board of Education member

Why are you seeking to run for school board? I love this town and the school district. I have been involved in the PTA since my children started attending. I have held leadership positions at all levels in the PTA including district-wide President. Our school district has made great strides in diversity training, arts in education and technology. I want to help continue the trajectory of the district to continue these initiatives.

What is your stance on masks in schools? There currently is a mandate from the state that masks are required. I understand the reasoning is to keep all students and staff safe. I hope we get to a point where they will be unnecessary.

Should schools offer a virtual option? I think its best for the students to have in-person school. It is very difficult for a teacher to connect to a student when they are not in person, although the staff worked really hard to do so.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district? I am chair of the community relations committee. We are striving to create a plan where all staff, students, parents, and community feel informed and valued. We have more work to do.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? My experience would be first and foremost. I am thoughtful and fair in my decision-making skills. When having to make a hard choice ALL affected parties are always considered over and above my personal beliefs.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? The role of a Board member is to oversee the running of the district, not micromanage it. I am here for unselfish reasons. I want the best for all concerned. I don't have any personal agenda other than to help continually improving the education of all the students and a professional sound experience for the staff.