​East Brunswick School Board Election 2023: Laurie Herrick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Resident Laurie Herrick is among six candidates running for a seat on the East Brunswick Board of Education this November.

An active community volunteer who has been involved in many PTAs, Herrick believes in building a culture of strong teacher-student relationships and a supportive school environment so all students can thrive.

This year's general elections will be held on Nov. 7. Patch will publish a detailed interview with each candidate in the coming days.

Name: Laurie Herrick

Age: 44

Town of residence: East Brunswick

Position sought: East Brunswick Board of Education

Family: I have lived in East Brunswick for 13 years with my husband and daughter. My daughter attends Churchill Junior High School.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Master of Public Health- Social & Behavioral Sciences

Occupation: Health and Community Educator

Previous or current elected appointed office: None

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/LaurieforBOE

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

When my daughter started elementary school, it was important to me as a parent to be involved and contribute to the school environment. I began as a member of the PTA executive board at Warnsdorfer and have continued volunteering at the school level since that time. I am also a member of the East Brunswick Special Education Parent Advisory Group. In the past couple of years, I have participated in community engagement by being a member of the Municipal Alliance and the Health Advisory Council. In my professional career, I am a community/health educator, implementing and facilitating programs throughout Middlesex County. I also have experience with grant applications, developing partnerships and budgeting. After volunteering for the school and community in many facets, I felt the next step would be to serve our school district by running for a seat on the Board of Education. I have a strong commitment to serving our community and feel that my personal and professional background contributes to me being a strong candidate.

What according to you is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

One of the biggest issues facing the school district is the decision of whether to renovate the current high school structure or build a new high school. An Ad Hoc Committee had been established to begin to draft ideas and visions to present to the board. At the Aug. 31 Board Meeting, the recommendations were presented to the board and community. The next step is to have a community event which will take place in November to provide the opportunity for community members to tour the current school and provide feedback and input. I believe that we should also offer more opportunities for the public to weigh in. Some community members may not be available that evening, and we should be flexible to ensure we are being inclusive and giving ample opportunities for community engagement. This could include offering more dates for people to visit the high school and having a survey form that people can fill out so that the district can collect all the responses. I believe it is important to hear from families, students and community members regarding their questions and concerns about the cost and duration of the project and the Board should be able to provide pros and cons for each proposal. Educating the public on the need for a restructured or new high school by ensuring they receive the most current information will be crucial for the next planning steps.

The effects of COVID-19 are still seen in the form of student performances. What's your plan to help the most vulnerable students struggling in school right now?

COVID-19 has had significant impacts on students in areas of academic performance and mental health. Students and teachers should be celebrated for their heroic efforts during the pandemic. It was not easy to pivot to remote learning, but students and staff demonstrated their resiliency and ability to rise to the challenge. As a school community, we must look at the gaps in educational achievement throughout the district and have a commitment to provide resources to reduce that gap. Some ways to address this can include providing more customized tutoring programs, extended school year options, and working with community partners. We also want to have a positive school culture that provides strong teacher-student relationships and supportive school environments. I will advocate for trauma-informed care for teachers, students and families in areas of professional development, providing resources and community events.

Residents often speak about overcrowding of schools once new housing opens in the Township. Do you think the BOE is well-placed to tackle the issue?

At this time, the Board of Education is working to provide information to the community regarding the possible outcomes for the high school. At the Aug. 31 board meeting, a presentation was also given on enrollment and capacity. Due to the growth in some elementary schools, redistricting was put forth as a possibility. It is crucial that we ensure an adequate student-to-teacher ratio, utilize building space, and provide students with rooms to have specials, electives, labs, and open areas to collaborate.

What issues do you feel are not being adequately tackled in the district?

When considering the vision for the district, there are two areas that are important to me. One area is building community relations through clear communication. I would like to work to foster an environment that allows for effective communication. Another area of importance is student success, which is improving student outcomes. Success may look different for each student and family, and I would like to help equip students with the skills needed to reach their future goals. I have developed skills in these areas by being a liaison on the East Brunswick Special Education Advisory Group which helps to keep the community informed of SEPAG activities, provide resources to families, and provides input on policies and programs to the administration. I am also a member of the East Brunswick Alliance for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, which works to promote the health and well-being of individuals in town through the reduction of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. We use our funding to provide education and create public awareness for students, families, and community members through school and community programs.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My family and I believe in the importance of community involvement and volunteerism. I have been actively involved in our schools and community since moving to East Brunswick thirteen years ago. With a collaborative approach, I would like to work closely with parents, students, educators and community members to drive positive change, address challenges and foster an environment that supports every student's growth and success.

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