Meet The Candidate: Alisha Khan For South Brunswick Board Of Education

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — At 21, Alisha Khan is this year's youngest candidate to throw her hat in the ring for a seat on the South Brunswick Board of Education.

A student at Rutgers University, Khan wants to be the voice of students and hopes to bring a fresh new outlook to the BOE.

Below is Khan's candidate profile.

(All candidates were given the same questions. Answers are candidates' own.)

Editor's Note: Patch sent out the questionnaire to each candidate's email address 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: Alisha Khan

Age: 21

Town of residence: South Brunswick

Position sought: School Board of Education

Family: Mother Henna, father Sam and sister Maschel

Education: Currently attending Rutgers University. Studying Cognitive Science and Psychology. Graduation Spring 2023. Will continue studies as a civil engineer.

Occupation: VP of consulting firm

Previous or current elected appointed office: Planning Board

Campaign website: Alishakhannj.com

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

I am running for this position because I want to be the voice of students and contribute my unique perspective as a recent graduate myself. My main initiative is to put students first. Specifically, I want to address the mental health problems that students go through on a daily basis. I want to promote the inclusion of every culture and I want to make sure all voices are heard.

South Brunswick saw its funding cut by more than $1.7 million in 2022-23. What do you plan do to ensure no services are affected?

I think the school board's plan to enact a Budget Committee featuring various members is the most efficient way for everyone to properly look at the budget and see how money can be allocated in the most efficient way possible. In my current position, I am also responsible for the finances. I will use that experience in making sure that the programs for the students remain intact in order to ensure that the students do not feel the repercussions of these budget cuts.

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

In my personal, view children should learn about gender identity at an earlier age like the middle school years. However, although I am unable to speak on actual parenting, I am addressing this issue from a compassionate standpoint as I believe that the ultimate discussion for sex education curriculum standards should be decided by the parent. Therefore, parents should be attentive to class discussions and policies and decide rather to opt out for their children's upbringing.

What according to you is the biggest issue facing the school district currently?

Additional budget cuts and shortage of bus drivers.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

With my VP experience running a corporation, I perform project management, accounting and I have a direct impact on the budget. As manager of our employees, I am in charge of making the business the most efficient it can be. I plan on using this professional experience in order to help in whatever ways I can whether that be providing my input on the budget. As a former student of the South Brunswick School District, I know the aspects of the district that can be improved upon and what its strengths are. I will bring a fresh new outlook to the BOE.

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

I managed and operated free Covid-19 testing sites throughout Middlesex County and I am currently on the South Brunswick Planning Board. It’s important for me to give back to the community that raised me by working to ensure that our students get an education for a promising future.

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