Bridgewater-Raritan School Board Election 2026: Rebecca Hassouna

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan Regional's general election on Nov. 3 has six candidates running for two open seats on the Board of Education.

Rebecca Hassouna is running for one of the two, three-year seats. Other candidates include Inderpreet Banga, Eugene Tawiah, James Lutz, Edward Cohen and Barry R. Walker.

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

Rebecca Hassouna

Age: 55

Town of residence: Bridgewater

Position sought: BRRSD Board of Education

Family: 2 BRRSD graduates (Juliana & Mia), husband Kim

Education: BS from Penn State University

Occupation: Small business owner - Catering Solutions.

Previous or current elected appointed office: Current BRRSD Board Member and Vice President.

Campaign website: facebook.com/Rebecca4BOE

Why are you seeking re-election for the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education?

I’m seeking re-election because I care deeply about our schools and want to continue the work I began three years ago. I originally ran to bring an independent, thoughtful voice to the board, without a political agenda. Serving as a board member, and now as vice president, has only strengthened that commitment.

During my term, the district has moved forward with a referendum that makes full-day kindergarten possible and improves our school buildings. I’m proud to have supported that work and to have helped oversee budgets while protecting the programs that matter to students. I’ve also learned how important it is to listen when families raise concerns, especially about issues such as transportation.

There is more work to do. I want to keep asking careful questions, protecting our programs, and making decisions based on what is best for Bridgewater-Raritan students. That is what “Students Over Politics” means to me.

Transparency in government is important for the community. Do you feel the BOE is transparent, and how would you increase transparency?

I believe the Board works to be transparent, but transparency is more than making information available. Families and residents should be able to understand what is being considered, why a decision was made, and how it may affect them. When communication falls short, we need to acknowledge it and do better. When residents tell us they missed something important, I want to understand where they looked for information and whether we can make it easier to find next time.

The Board and district should keep explaining major proposals in clear language, through more than one channel, and well before decisions take effect. I would also encourage residents to follow Board meetings, read district updates, and ask questions early. A well-informed community takes effort on both sides.

Some student and personnel matters must remain confidential. Within those limits, I will continue asking questions in public, explaining my votes, and listening when the community tells us it needs more information.

With rising healthcare costs and inflation, how do you propose keeping tax increases to a minimum?

Rising health insurance costs and inflation put pressure on both the district budget and household budgets. I take both seriously. I cannot promise particular tax increase before we know the districts costs and state funding, but I can promise to examine the budget carefully and ask what each proposed expense will do for students.

During my term we have looked closely at staffing as positions become vacant rather than automatically filling every opening. I want to continue that review, plan ahead for large expenses, and look for savings that do not take valuable opportunities away from students.

Keeping tax increases as low as possible requires choices, not slogans. I will keep pressing for a budget that supports strong schools while respecting what families and other taxpayers can afford.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the BOE?

The Board’s most immediate responsibility is to oversee how recent changes are working, especially transportation and school start times. We need to hear from families and staff, review the results, and hold the administration accountable for addressing problems.

At the same time, we must keep our attention on student learning. That means asking whether academic programs are meeting students’ needs and supporting teachers. All of this has to happen within a responsible budget.

I also believe we need to bring more order and respect to Board meetings. People should be able to disagree, ask difficult questions, and speak passionately while still allowing the Board to conduct its business and residents to be heard. I will keep working toward meetings that are productive, fair, and focused on our students.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of Bridgewater-Raritan Schools?

My favorite part is seeing our students shine. Graduation is especially meaningful to me. Watching students approach the stage knowing how much work, encouragement, and support brought them to that moment, is a powerful reminder of why we serve on the Board.

I feel the same pride when I visit a school, see a performance, listen to a teacher explain a new program, or watch students share something they have built or learned. Bridgewater–Raritan gives students so many ways to discover what they love, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that shows up for them.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

One experience I’m proud of is proposing a resolution to improve how state assessments are scheduled alongside Advanced Placement instruction. Our Board approved it unanimously, 8–0. I hope it continues through the process and is ultimately adopted by the New Jersey School Boards Association’s Delegates Assembly. It is an example of how a local board can raise a practical concern that affects students beyond our district.

Outside of Board service, the past three years have brought me some unexpected joys: raising chickens, making pottery, and learning to bake (and be humbled by) sourdough bread. These creative outlets have been a wonderful way to recharge and keep my newly empty nest busy. If you see me around town, I’m always happy to talk about our schools — or chickens.