Board candidates in Scotch Plains-Fanwood outline criteria for a possible referendum and stress equity

Nine candidates for an open seat on the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education introduced themselves and answered questions about whether the district should seek a referendum, how to pursue greater equity for students, and which board committees they would serve on.

The interviews, opened by the board with roll call and a recognition of the district PTA, followed a standardized format: three-minute candidate introductions and two-minute answers to three public questions. Board members recessed to deliberate in executive session and said they will return to vote on an appointment.

Candidates said a referendum should be considered only after rigorous, independent enrollment and facility studies and a review of short- and long-term financial impacts. Multiple candidates said the board should exhaust alternatives first — repurposing underused space, adjusting schedules or grade distributions, pursuing state and federal grants, strengthening grant writing, and pursuing partnerships with municipal recreation departments, libraries and local developers’ pilot funds — and communicate transparently with residents before asking voters to approve new bonding.

"Any decision regarding a referendum should begin with a careful evaluation of both short-term and long-term enrollment projections, facility capacity, financial impact, and the educational experience of students," said Eric Felen during his introduction and remarks on planning.

Several candidates recommended a mixed approach: pair targeted bonding with available state grants, pursue energy-efficiency measures to lower operating costs, and invest in technology or classroom upgrades selectively. One candidate urged using local professionals and students to help write grants and offset costs.

On equity, candidates urged actions ranging from inclusive placements for students with special needs to culturally relevant curriculum and stronger staff diversity. Jenna Martinez cited a conversation with a state special-education official and said New Jersey’s inclusion policies warrant attention; other candidates called for ongoing analysis of disaggregated outcome data (attendance, discipline, academic results) and expanding early intervention, peer tutoring and teacher training.

"Equity is not about treating every student identically. It's about ensuring that each student has access to what they specifically need to thrive," said Christina St. Heler.

When asked which committees they would serve on, candidates most often named wellness and equity, student activities and athletics, community relations, policy and finance — many said they would serve where the board had the greatest need.

The board thanked candidates, moved to an executive session for deliberation, and said it expects to return within about 45 minutes to vote on the appointment.

What happened next: the board recessed to executive session to deliberate and plan a public vote on the appointment; no formal action on policy or referendum questions was taken during this meeting.