Candidate Profile: Maryam Pal For South Brunswick BOE

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick voters will head to the polls on Nov. 3 to fill three seats on the Board of Education.

Maryam Pal, an HR professional and parent of three children in South Brunswick schools, is one of four candidates in the race. She has not previously held elected or appointed office.

Patch sent each candidate the same set of questions on issues facing the district, including the 2026-27 budget, shrinking state aid, enrollment growth tied to new housing, special education and mental health services, and student cellphone and AI use.

Here are Pal’s responses:

• Name: Maryam Pal
• Age: Did not provide
• Family: Married, parent of three children currently attending South Brunswick schools
• Education: BA
• Occupation: HR Professional

• Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

1. Why are you seeking a seat on the South Brunswick Board of Education, and what personal or professional experience prepares you for it?

As a resident and parent of three children in the South Brunswick School District, I believe my personal and professional experiences provide valuable insight that would help me serve effectively as a member of the Board of Education. I have mentored individuals throughout my career and developed strong skills in listening, collaboration, and advocacy. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to supporting children and families. I would welcome the opportunity to represent our community by sharing the concerns, perspectives, and experiences that impact students across the district.

2. “The single most pressing issue facing South Brunswick schools is ______, and this is what I intend to do about it.”

I do not believe there is a single issue that stands above all others. Instead, I believe the district would benefit from a comprehensive review of several ongoing challenges. These include increasing class sizes, reductions in funding, and the need to maintain and expand programs that support the evolving needs of today’s students. By taking a holistic approach, I would work to identify practical, long-term solutions that strengthen our schools, support students and educators, and ensure sustainable improvement across the district.

3. South Brunswick was subject to another state aid cut as announced earlier this year. Beyond lobbying Trenton, what would you do locally to protect classrooms if aid keeps falling?

Lobbying is important, and building strong alliances in Trenton and beyond is critical. Continued reductions in state aid have a direct impact on our students and the quality of education we can provide. South Brunswick is a district with tremendous potential and deserves strong advocacy at every level. As a Board of Education member, I would focus on educating, informing, and engaging our local community so residents fully understand the risks and consequences of declining funding. I believe it is far better to be proactive than reactive. It is beneficial to work with families, educators, community organizations, and local leaders, we can build awareness. I would support all efforts to advocate for fair funding and would welcome every opportunity to give a voice to the needs of our community.

4. The $180.35 million budget for 2026-27 closed a $3.3 million gap with a 1.76 percent tax increase, staff reductions through attrition, operating cuts and $2 million in revised health-care projections, and banked $1.34 million in unused levy capacity for later years. Do you support that approach? With salaries and benefits at nearly 80 percent of spending, what would you do differently next year?

I support the effort to balance the budget while limiting the tax increase and preserving flexibility for future years. Before determining whether I support this specific approach, I would want to understand how the reductions impact classrooms, student services, and staff, as well as whether the revised health-care projections are sustainable over the long term. I would also seek to understand the Board’s budget review process, the role of its committees, and the recommendations provided by the district’s financial team. Staffing decisions require careful consideration because they can affect class sizes, student support services, and employee workloads. My approach would be to ask thoughtful questions, follow established procedures, review all available information, and make informed decisions that balance the needs of students with the community’s ability to pay.

5. New housing is expected to add more than 1,600 students, much of it near Brooks Crossing, while some elementary grades are already at capacity. How should the board balance redistricting, neighborhood schools and keeping families together through boundary changes?

We need to carefully evaluate each school’s enrollment, capacity, and projected growth. As new students enter the district, it is essential to make strategic placement decisions that balance capacity needs while preserving the quality of education, maintaining manageable class sizes, and ensuring staff have the resources and support necessary to succeed during this period of growth and change.

6. Developers' affordable-housing obligations are set by the township, not the school board. How would you work with the township to plan school capacity before new units open?

The Board would be aware of the potential impact on our schools from any influx of students resulting from new housing developments. The goal is to be proactive by obtaining accurate and timely information that allows the district to effectively plan for and support incoming students. Regardless of whether students come from affordable housing or other developments, every child deserves access to the high-quality education and standards established by the district. Careful planning, informed decision-making, and timely communication can help ensure a smooth transition for students, families, and staff. While no plan is without challenges, it is important to address issues as they arise and remain focused on meeting the needs of all students.

7. South Brunswick's student body includes many first-generation and multilingual families. How would you make sure board decisions and communications reach all parents, not just those who attend meetings?

The South Brunswick district does a strong job communicating with families across the district. Through weekly school updates, district communications, community events, and recorded BOE meetings, parents have access to information through a variety of channels. I believe these efforts help ensure that board decisions and important updates reach a broad audience, including families from diverse backgrounds and those who may not be able to attend meetings in person. I would continue to support and encourage the use of multiple communication methods to keep all parents informed and engaged.

8. How should the district handle growing special education and mental health needs while state aid keeps shrinking?

I would first want to review the programs and services currently in place, understand any additional recommendations that have been made, and evaluate the financial impact of implementing new resources. Having a clear understanding of both student needs and available funding is essential to making informed decisions and ensuring that any investments are meaningful, effective, and sustainable. Supporting students with special education and mental health needs must remain a priority. A student’s mental and emotional well-being plays a critical role in academic success, personal growth, and overall development. I would support a proactive approach that focuses on early intervention, access to appropriate resources, and programs that provide meaningful support to students and families.

9. What is your position on the district's cellphone and technology policies, including student use of AI tools?

Teaching and learning look very different today, and it is important to equip both staff and students with effective tools that enhance learning and support academic success. I support reasonable limitations on cellphone use and access during the school day. Reducing distractions and limiting access to devices that interfere with classroom instruction can help strengthen teacher-student interaction, improve engagement, and create a more focused learning environment.

10. What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates in this race, and what else would you like voters to know?

I am the parent of three children currently attending South Brunswick schools—one in 8th grade, one in 4th grade, and one in pre-K. As an active parent, I have firsthand experience with the district’s curriculum, programs, and the challenges facing students and families today. I see and experience many of the same concerns being discussed throughout our community, which gives me a practical understanding of the issues impacting our schools. I am committed to bringing forward the collective concerns of families while always keeping the well-being, growth, and success of all students at the center of every decision.

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