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BRICK, NJ — Patch is again publishing profiles of local candidates in the 2024 election, set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In Brick Township, the only local election is for the Board of Education. There are three, three-year terms up for election, and there are six candidates seeking those seats.
Incumbent Victoria Pakala is seeking re-election and running with John Henry and Nancy Ellson on the slogan Believe in Brick.
Challenging for the three seats, on the slogan Common Sense 4Education, are George Malgeri, Gregory J. Cohen and Georgia Lane-Hansen. Cohen sought election to the school board in 2023 but was defeated.
The candidates received the same questions. Here is the response from Victoria Pakala.
Family: I am the mother of two sons, a daughter and stepmom to two sons.
Education: BA, History, Rutgers College, 1984. MA, Special Education, Rutgers Graduate School of Education 2008.
Occupation: Special Education teacher, currently retired.
Any previous elected office or appointments in local government?
Brick Board of Education, 2015, 2018, 2021- currently seeking my fourth term. Member, Brick Green Team since 2016.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you’re running for. No.
Why are you running for office?
I have been a member of the BOE for nine years. In that time Brick Schools have made much progress, including but not limited to: new and effective leadership in hiring Dr. Thomas Farrell as our Superintendent of Schools, expanding academic programming such as the STEM Academy in our high schools, outstanding Arts programs, especially with regard to our marching bands, and applying for and receiving the grant to offer free preschool to hundreds of students in Brick. Our faculty and staff continue to receive a high level of support to inspire their students every day! Our administrative leadership is impressive and I want to continue to be a part of all positive things to come for Brick school students!
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the Brick Township School District right now and how would you address it?
The biggest issue facing Brick Schools today is adequate state funding for all of our public school programs, pre-K to 12. We must pressure Trenton to come up with a funding formula that provides students in Brick with a thorough and efficient education! I mean all students! Federal and NJ state laws mandate educational standards and programs that are grossly unfunded. Brick schools lost more than $22.2 million in state funding over seven years under S-2. I have been to Trenton and the State Department of Education to advocate for Brick students. I lobby legislators to express my concern for Brick. I will continue to do so. I encourage our Brick Schools superintendent, Dr. Thomas Farrell, to be a significant voice before the NJ Senate Education committee, the DOE and in our local area.
Name one thing about the Brick Township School District that always makes you smile.
Oh, so many! Having been a teacher myself, I am always amazed at the dedication of our teachers and all staff in Brick Schools. I enjoy every student face I see alit with excitement. Most of all, I would like to share what a privilege it has been to serve on the BOE Curriculum and Instruction Committee. As a member, I have had the opportunity to also be a member of the Governor’s Educator of the Year evaluation committee, helping to chose the Brick Educator of the Year. Reading the candidate profiles that highlight their educational philosophies, teaching styles and accomplishments makes me smile and so proud of the excellent teachers we have put in place to educate and inspire our Brick students! Serving on the BOE keeps me grounded and makes me smile!