South Brunswick Board of Education: Meet the Candidates

South Brunswick, NJ - As we've reported, here are the five people running for the three open seats on the South Brunswick Board of Education. Azra Baig and Harry Delgado are incumbents who currently sit on the Board and will be running to keep their seats. In fact, if he wins, this will be Delgado's eighth three-year term on the board, where he has sat for more than two decades. The school board election will be Tuesday, Nov. 8, the same day as the U.S. presidential election. Here are the candidates:

Laszlo "Laz" Nyitrai

I have decided to run for a seat on the South Brunswick Board of Education this coming November. I have given much thought about doing this for a few years, and feel that now is the time for me to give back to the town that has given the Nyitrai family so much. As the son of the late South Brunswick high school coaching and teaching legend, Laszlo Nyitrai, Sr., I have been around here since I was a small child. I have been employed by South Brunswick Township for nearly 20 years, and for 18 years, I have also called it home.

My wife and I have two elementary-aged children enrolled in the District, ages 10 and 6, at Brooks Crossing. They are both blossoming, in part, because of the curriculum we have here in South Brunswick. I am committed to maintaining the excellence in our educational programs in a cost-effective manner.

Besides their classroom studies, our children are heavily involved in extra-curricular sports and activities. My son plays football, wrestling, and baseball. My daughter is into music, dance, and art. I find these programs as being integral to a child's development, helping them mature into responsible and successful adults. Although not all of these programs are directly tied to our schools, I support these programs in our community.

My dad taught and coached here for 30 years. My mom, Nancy Davis Nyitrai, taught for 33 years in both the Hillsborough and South Brunswick school districts. Having been raised by teachers, my appreciation for teachers and support staff is naturally ingrained in who I am. Also, I have classroom experience. For three semesters, I taught classes at Middlesex County College, following the completion of my Master's Degree from New Jersey City University in 2002.

Like so many others, I was alarmed by the events that unfolded in the district this past spring which resulted the resignation of the Superintendent. I will do my best to ensure the continued restoration of the sterling reputation that our school district has always had. In these challenging times, the highest standards of safety and security for our students and staff is paramount to me. I will work towards improving those ends.

On November 8th, I hope you will cast your vote for me for the South Brunswick Board of Education. Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Laszlo Nyitrai, Jr.

Azra Baig (current Board member, seeking re-election)

My name is Ms. Azra S. Baig and I am running for re-election to the South Brunswick Board of Education.

Born in North Canton, Ohio, I received my Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. Currently, I am employed as a substitute registered nurse in the Princeton and North Brunswick Public School Systems. In the past, I have worked in the Emergency Department at the University Medical Center at Princeton, and as a nurse in the South Brunswick School District. Occasionally I work as a freelance reporter for local news outlets. I have been happily married for 22 years and am the proud mother of two daughters who have had the privilege of attending the blue-ribbon schools here in South Brunswick and participating in many activities that the schools offer such at soccer, basketball, track, and band. My youngest daughter is currently a senior at South Brunswick High School (SBHS) and my oldest daughter attends Rutgers University in Newark pursuing a degree in business.

I have always taken pride in the community and have given back by volunteering as a member of various PTOs, Project Graduation and presently serve as the Vice President of the South Brunswick High School Viking Athletic Club. When I have free time, I enjoy reading, photography and being healthy, which includes working out at Crunch Fitness, and participating in the Run Around Princeton Running Club. Volunteering continues to be an important part of my life and I share my time with the Women’s Commission, the Human Relations Commission, the Municipal Alliance Commission and the Volunteer Nurse Corp. I enjoy enhancing the life of others with service at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen and for the “Share the Warmth” coat drive that I spearheaded last year to help people in need.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the South Brunswick Board of Education for the last 3 years. It gives me satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment to make a difference in children’s lives and to contribute to, and recognize their successes. Being engaged in the community and advocating for quality education is my passion. I have proven myself to be able to work collaboratively with fellow Board members, administrators, teachers, staff, parents and students. Through the knowledge I have accrued and the respect and trust I have gained, I can continue to be an effective leader. Furthermore, I would like to continue to represent, and bring the perspective of a woman, and our diverse community to this board, which I uniquely can do. As an individual and representative who truly cares for each student’s success, I plan to be dedicated to providing the best education possible for all students, and to help prepare them for their future.

Lisa Rodgers

UPDATE: Rodgers ended her run shortly before Election Day. You can read more about that here.

I have been a passionate advocate for public schools since 2010. At a state level, I have been fighting for the rights of public school children by testifying to the NJ Senate Education and Assembly Education Committees and the NJ State Board of Education on issues impacting public education.

At a local level, I have opened my home many times to hold meetings with parents and has become a voice for South Brunswick on public education. I brought to light how the Princeton International Academy Charter School (PIACS), was pushing their way into South Brunswick to start a mandarin immersion charter school and how it would have syphoned millions of dollars from this district.

I received a unanimous vote from the South Brunswick Town Council in support of a resolution requiring voter approval of charter school applications. I also brought to light South Brunswick’s shortfall, $13 million, from the state under SFRA.

I did my research to understand the impact on students and teachers from the new PARCC standardized test. I was asked to join education panels to speak from a parent’s perspective and was asked to present my findings to members of the Crossroads Middle School and SBHS PTOs. Myself and other parents requested the South Brunswick Board of Education (SBBOE) adopt a resolution against PARCC’s usage as a high school graduation requirement and in teacher evaluations. After testifying at an Assembly Education Committee meeting, about the former South Brunswick Superintendent’s decision enforcing a “Sit and Stare” policy (forcing students not taking the test to sit at their desk doing nothing) myself and many parents spoke at the SBBOE meeting where the former Superintendent decided to adjust the policy to a “Sit and Read” policy. By creating awareness and presenting information without bias, it enabled individuals to make their own fact-based decisions and encouraged the SBBOE to support and sign a resolution to stop PARCC.

I played a pivotal role with concerned parents, taxpayers, teachers and district employees in bringing to light issues surrounding the leadership at SBBOE Central Office and to expose certain questionable expenditures, while advocating for greater transparency and communication from the district's leadership and board of education. I also founded "South Brunswick Cares About Schools", a 1,700+ member Facebook group that provides a forum for candid discussions on the educational issues surrounding our children and provides information on the educational issues.

Born and raised in North Brunswick, I am a graduate of NBTHS. After college, I spent 18 years with American Express Corporate Services where I seized the opportunity to broaden my horizons, traveling the world and working my way up the organizational hierarchy. I was the recipient of The American Express Chairmen’s Award for my managerial and fiscal responsibility. I left American Express in 2003 as Vice President Strategic Planning & Management-Global Information Services to raise my family.

I reside in Monmouth Junction, NJ with my husband Bob, who has supported me in my efforts to improve our public school system and our children, Jessica and John. Jessica will be a sophomore at SBHS, and is on the girls’ basketball team and competes with the SBHS Track and Field team as a javelin thrower. John is an 8th grader at Crossroads North, who plays trumpet and is a budding artist. I also consider Brandie, my Golden-Doodle, my third child as well.

I am a member of SBHS and Crossroads North PTOs and the Viking Athletic Club. I was a Girl Scout Cookie Mom for 6 years, a Monmouth Junction PTO Vice President for 5 years. My husband and I coached girls and boys recreation basketball for 7 years, and Little League Baseball. When Hurricane Sandy hit, my friends and I started “South Brunswick Hurricane Relief." Over 150 volunteers came out to deliver 900+ boxes of supplies to the hardest hit areas of NJ and with the help of all the SB PTOs and South Brunswick Education Association, they collected over 4,000 books and $5,000 for The Memorial School in Union Beach. I am a member of Save Our Schools NJ and a communicant of Our Lady of Peace Church, North Brunswick.

Harry Delgado (current Board member, seeking re-election)

For most of my adult life, I have been involved in community service. This commitment to making a difference led me to serve the South Brunswick community for thirty years as a career police officer, achieving the rank of Captain. After Nancy and I became parents, my interest in our public schools grew. Naturally, given my predisposition to service, I sought the outlet of becoming a member of the South Brunswick Board of Education. Twenty-two years later, the commitment remains.

My wife, Nancy and I, together with our two daughters, Ashley and Bella, have lived in South Brunswick for over 30 years. Both of our daughters went through the South Brunswick school system. They were inspired by the wonderful teachers and school staff that worked with them during their schooling, and after both graduating from Rutgers University, they pursued vocations in community service. Ashley became an elementary school teacher in a high-needs, urban school district, and Bella obtained a Masters in Social Work and worked as a school social worker before pursuing a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

I understand the importance of education, not only from seeing incredible things achieved in our own district over the past decade, but also because I, too, am a product of rigorous education, and a fellow educator. I have a Master of Arts Degree (MA) in Human Resource Management and a post graduate Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S) in Education Leadership Management Policy, Administration and Supervision. I graduated with honors and I am a member of Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honor Society). I have taught undergraduate courses at various community colleges and both undergraduate and graduate courses in Leadership and Management at the University level. I am a member of the New Jersey Association of Criminal Justice Educators.

I served the South Brunswick Board of Education as Vice President for three years and President for three years. I also served as New Jersey State Schools Board Association Vice President for County Activities for three years and President for two years. I served at the national level as National Schools Board Association's Regional Director of the National Hispanic Caucus and served twice on its President’s Interview Committee.

I am seeking a new term most specifically because our school system has never needed strong oversight and guidance more than now. We have endured a difficult stretch that has been painful for us all. Governing in the best of times is easy compared to times such as these. I am a trained problem-solver and a New Jersey certified Master Board Member. I pledge to utilize these unique skills to restore our School District to a level commensurate with community expectations.

Anil Patel

Hello, my name is Anilkumar C. Patel, a proud resident of South Brunswick Township, New Jersey for the last 16 years. With great honor and excitement, I would like to announce my determined run for a position on the Board of Education. I come from a town in Gujarat, India where I met and married my wonderful wife of the past 33 years. In America is where we had our two children, ages 27 and 23. We settled in South Brunswick because of the ample opportunity that the highly renowned school system of South Brunswick was known for and could provide the best education for my children. Both of my children went through the school system and moved onto higher education, and have paved their respective careers of which the South Brunswick School system helped lay. With that said, it's my duty and responsibility to continue these and many success stories for our leaders of the future.

As a lead project manager for Ericsson for more than 25 years, in my career I have advanced to a Senior Telecommunications Engineer position, gaining skills in leading both senior executives with years of experience, all the way to young professionals looking to make their mark. My lifelong contributions have included serving on many social organizations, in which I have held various leadership positions; President, Chairman, and Executive Committee Member, to name a few. I am a member and founder of many faith-based organizations, an honorary patron of the South Asian Community Outreach and a member of the Community Development and Recreation Committee of Union Township. Currently I am member of Human Relations Commission of South Brunswick Township.

The next chapter of my volunteer career brings me the opportunity to work hand in hand with members of the board and our community to reach a new level of success for our children. I plan on accomplishing this without bringing radical change and restructuring the foundation of South Brunswick. I strongly believe my academic achievements, social involvement and strong will to succeed will bring this township, its school system, and more importantly, its citizens to a greater level. Running for the Board of Education will help in accomplishing goals of where I would like to see a difference, more importantly in academic excellence where there are equal opportunities for every child. A strong embrace in retaining outstanding educators while having smarter use of technology and maintaining extracurricular activities. Along with that, it is crucial we respect and pursue our children's interest in music, sports, and community education and voluntary programs. The above and so much more needs to be handled in a safe and secure learning environment with the help of parents, family members and teachers all holding an integral part of the decision-making process. Enhancing these changes and installing new procedures is very important however balancing the needs of our children and taxpayers is as vital. We need to continue to look for ways to reduce taxpayer’s burden without impacting quality education.

One of just many areas of focus in which I feel strongly is the lack of a balanced communicative relationship between the government officials and the parents. The education policy in our country and state transitions yearly and they come with tremendous changes within the common core curriculum, PARCC testing and in graduation requirements. We need to work with government officials and policy makers to help them understand the reality of our everyday taxpayers and suggest appropriate processes that make a win-win situation for our children, their quality of education, along with our officials.

It pleases me to see that our district’s students have done well academically and have set the bar higher and higher year after year. However, there are always ways that bar can be improved and pushed to another limit. I am more than confident that with my qualifications, technical experience and hunger to succeed, I can provide many more innovative ideas to achieve the district's goals along with creating a positive balance between our taxpayers and our children.

Thank You and God Bless America!

Anil Patel