Aparna Virmani: Warren Township School Board Candidate

WARREN, NJ — The Warren Township School Board has six candidates vying for three seats in the upcoming election on Nov. 2.

Aparna Virmani is one of the candidates running. The other candidates include:

• Daniel Croson, Jr. - (is running together with Desai and Virmani)
• Mehul Desai - (is running together with Croson and Virmani)
• Eric Winch
• Tambudzayi Miranda Chibwe
• Ryan J. Valentino
• William Mayerchak

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

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

Aparna Virmani

Name: Aparna Virmani

Age: 52

Town of residence: Warren

Position sought: Warren Board of Education

Family: Husband, Sridhar, son & daughter, Suchir (22) & Devika (20); ALT, WMS, WHRHS Alumni

Education: BA Computer Science, Rutgers College, and Information System & Network Certifications

Occupation: Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance Professional

Previous or current elected appointed office:

• Member of the Warren Recreation Advisory Committee
• Commissioner, Somerset County Status of Women 2018 & 2019
• WHRHS PTO President (2017-2018)/VP (2014-2016)

Why are you seeking to run for school board? With two children going through the school system, I’ve had firsthand experience of some of the challenges. I believe that the Board and District must consist of a strong leadership team that is accessible, accountable, and responsible to the community it serves. The board must support school leaders, teachers, and staff who always place student experience first before all other priorities. I bring to the table my ability to carefully listen to all stakeholders in order to arrive at creative yet practical solutions and further strengthen the relationship.

What is your stance on masks in schools? I support in-person learning in a safe environment for our students and teachers. Masks should not be mandated, but encouraged. This gives an opportunity to those individuals who may have physical inability to wear masks for an extended period of time to attend school in-person.

Should schools offer a virtual option? No. Numerous studies show that extended periods of virtual learning has very little benefit in terms of academic and social growth of children and experience has shown that nothing replaces the educational value of in-person instruction.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district?

• Emotional/Mental/Social Action: form a team of students, community members, and district staff to create road maps to support the goal and make recommendations for specific programs and targets for each. Calculate and share metrics on the deployed programs.
• Parent-Liaison Committee: a committee for board members to collaborate with parents in an effort to promote student success.
• Capital Improvement Fund: grow the fund to invest in upgrades of school technology, infrastructure, and facility projects without increasing taxes

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? I am a longtime resident of Warren and, as a parent of two children who have gone through our township schools - from ALT to the middle school to WHRHS - I share what you value for our children. Just a few years ago, my kids sat in the same desks as your kids. For the past 20 years, I have been an engaged member of the community, volunteered at all school levels, served on the WHRHS PTO, helped organize a series of community presentations on mental health awareness, and served on the WHRHS Action Team for Social/Emotional Wellness and the WHRHS Parent Communications Advisory Council.

As an experienced professional, a volunteer in various capacities, and with a wide breadth of knowledge and positive energy for our schools, I would be an asset to the Board of Education and ready to do the job on day one.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? For our students’ sake, we need to model a community that works together to educate healthy, happy, and well-prepared kids for a bright future. Board members serve the public and I will make sure the BOE is transparent to the fullest when in office.