East Brunswick Board Of Education Election 2023: Adam Altman

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Candidate Adam Altman has been an East Brunswick resident for the past 15 years.

He moved to the township for the good schools and wants to give back through community service.

In a Q&A with Patch, he talks about implementing targeted support systems tailored to meet the specific needs of students struggling at school. If elected, he plans to bring his unique understanding of financial intricacies and responsible management to the BOE.

This year’s election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Early voting has already begun. Check out our voting guide here for details.

Name: Adam Altman

Age: 45

Town of residence: East Brunswick

Position sought: East Brunswick Board of Education

Family: I am a 15-year resident of East Brunswick, my wife is a former Bear softball catcher and 1996 graduate of East Brunswick. I have two children thriving at Churchill and East Brunswick High School and a child with medical concerns, and special needs with anxiety/depression who is at a small boarding school out of state.

Education: Bachelors in Science Management from Tulane University

Occupation: Vice President Financial Consultant

Previous or current elected appointed office: None

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550190562828

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

I have always had a passion to help the community at large. I feel now is the time to step forward and ensure the Board of Education has a vision for the future, not just the past. I chose to live in East Brunswick where my wife grew up for its reputation for having great schools and a great place to raise your children. I am running to help make East Brunswick the place families want to live in and to build on our reputation not just talk about our reputation. A 15-year resident of East Brunswick, my wife a graduate of East Brunswick High School, I am committed to advocating for students and teachers and ensuring a high-quality learning experience. As a parent of a child with special needs with anxiety/depression outside of the district and two children thriving in the district, I have a good understanding of our student’s day-to-day challenges and the challenges our teachers have when helping students.

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

Transparency and community involvement are indeed crucial for a well-functioning school district. In my view, one of the most significant challenges facing our school district is the need for enhanced communication and transparency between the board, leadership, parents, and the wider community. To tackle this issue, my approach would focus on improving the flow of information by implementing more accessible communication channels. I believe in regularly scheduled town hall meetings, open forums, and digital platforms to keep everyone informed and engaged. Additionally, creating advisory committees involving parents, teachers, and community members will enable a collaborative approach to decision-making. These committees would serve as a platform for diverse perspectives, ensuring that decisions are made with a more comprehensive understanding of the community's needs. Ultimately, fostering an environment of openness and inclusivity is key to addressing this issue and building a stronger, more unified school district.

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?

The lingering impact of COVID-19 on student performances is a significant concern, especially for vulnerable students facing difficulties in their academic journey. Unfortunately, my oldest son was not able to adapt due to medical, and mental health challenges and learning disabilities. I had the hard decision to send my son to a boarding school more appropriate for him. While my other two children struggled during COVID-19 they were able to adapt by using resources available and remain socially engaged in the district through sports and thriving today at Churchill and East Brunswick High School. Consequently, I have a good understanding of the challenges our children faced during COVID-19. To address this, my plan revolves around implementing targeted support systems tailored to meet the specific needs of these students. One approach involves investing in additional resources, such as tutoring programs or academic support centers, aimed at providing personalized assistance to struggling students. These programs can offer one-on-one guidance, mentorship, and academic help, catering to individual learning needs. Furthermore, collaborating with educators, non-district resources within the community and specialists to identify at-risk students and develop personalized educational plans is vital. This might involve assessing their strengths and challenges, employing adaptive teaching methods, and fostering a supportive environment for their academic growth. Additionally, advocating for increased mental health support and resources within schools is crucial. The pandemic has also taken a toll on the emotional well-being of students, which can significantly impact their academic performance. By prioritizing mental health services, we can better equip students to navigate academic challenges and create a more conducive learning environment. Overall, a multi-faceted approach that combines personalized academic support, tailored educational plans, and enhanced mental health resources is essential in assisting the most vulnerable students struggling in the aftermath of the pandemic.

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?

The concerns about overcrowding in schools, especially with the influx of new housing developments, are indeed a pressing issue that demands proactive measures from the Board of Education. Redistricting has been a topic under discussion, and the temporary use of trailers is evidence of the challenges faced. In my view, the Board of Education should possess a vision that's both forward-thinking and proactive. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive strategy that includes proactive planning to accommodate growing student populations due to housing developments. Collaborating with town planners, conducting thorough impact assessments of new housing projects, and predicting their potential effects on school capacity can guide the board in making informed decisions. Taking a proactive stance involves anticipating and planning for future growth to prevent situations where students are placed in temporary facilities like trailers. Engaging with the community, educators, and professionals to develop long-term solutions, such as exploring expansion options for existing schools, building new facilities, or adjusting school boundaries, is key. The goal is to ensure that the Board of Education is ahead of the curve, equipped with strategies and plans to manage school capacities effectively without resorting to reactive measures like temporary solutions. Visionary planning and proactive initiatives will be my focus to address overcrowding concerns within the school district.

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

I believe there are a few critical areas where the district can enhance its efforts:

• Community and Parent Involvement: The district can benefit from a more inclusive approach that values and encourages input from both the community and parents. Creating consistent avenues for their involvement, whether through regular town hall meetings, open forums, or advisory committees, can foster a stronger partnership between the district and the community.
• Equitable Involvement: Ensuring that decisions involving students or the district are not made selectively, but are consistently open to both student and parental engagement. Allowing parents to participate in decisions concerning their children's education and the broader district policies can contribute to a more inclusive and holistic approach.
• Transparency: Establishing clearer communication channels and enhancing the transparency of the district's decision-making processes. Openly sharing information about decisions, policies, and initiatives will help regain trust and build a stronger, more united community.
• Vision for Progress: Having a clear, forward-thinking vision to elevate the district's reputation to its esteemed standards. A focus on strategic planning that aligns with the community's expectations and the district's historical achievements can pave the way for positive change. I believe that prioritizing these areas will significantly contribute to reinvigorating the district and steering it back toward the distinguished reputation it has been known for.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My distinguishing factors as a candidate lie in a combination of my financial expertise and personal experiences. With a background as a financial planner managing substantial assets, including those for non-profit organizations, I bring a unique understanding of financial intricacies and responsible management, which can be highly beneficial, especially with the potential new high school project. Moreover, my personal experiences as a parent to children with diverse needs, including a child with special needs and others excelling in academics and sports, provide a multifaceted perspective. This firsthand understanding of varying educational requirements and experiences allows me to approach policymaking with a comprehensive outlook. This blend of financial acumen, coupled with a personal understanding of diverse student needs, positions me to make well-informed, empathetic, and prudent decisions for the district's betterment. I believe this unique combination distinguishes my approach and makes me well-suited to address the complex challenges the district faces, especially in relation to significant financial decisions and the diverse needs of students.

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

I have always had a passion to help the community. As an Eagle Scout and former student President of the A.B., Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. As a volunteer for over a decade, as a coach and team manager of both Fast Break basketball and East Brunswick Soccer Travel teams, I feel school systems are a critical part of building a community not just the physical but the soul of the community. Through my experience as a volunteer, I have had the privilege of learning about parents’ concerns and seeing how our children navigate the world I am a 15-year resident of East Brunswick, my wife a former Bear softball catcher and 1996 graduate of East Brunswick.

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