1. The biggest topic of discussion in Board of Education meetings has been the transgender policy. What are your thoughts on the conversation and what do you think the board should do moving forward in terms of the policy, or at least addressing the conversation in meetings?

I fully support every student’s right and to be treated with dignity and respect. Students deserve a safe environment where they can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

That said, my concern with the current transgender policy is not about identity, but about how it may unintentionally conflict with staff members’ legal obligations under New Jersey law—specifically, their role as mandated reporters under N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.10. This statute clearly states that any school employee who has “reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse” is legally required to report it immediately to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP).

If a student expresses concerns about their home life, such as fearing rejection, punishment, or emotional or physical harm as a result of their gender identity, school personnel have a legal and ethical obligation to act not to withhold information. Mandated reporting is not optional, nor is it subject to internal school policies. It is a critical safeguard to protect vulnerable students from real harm.

The concern is that by creating a blanket policy that prevents school staff from notifying parents even in complex or concerning situations we may be unintentionally blocking mandated reporting pathways. Staff cannot and should not assume the role of child welfare authorities by deciding when or whether to disclose information about a child’s safety or well-being.

Moving forward, I believe the Board should review the current policy with careful attention to state child welfare laws and the professional responsibilities of educators. We need a policy that protects and respects our transgender students while also ensuring compliance with mandatory reporting laws. We need to respect and protect the fundamental right of parents to be informed and involved in their child’s life and education, unless there is a legally valid reason to exclude them, in which case DCPP must be involved.

Protecting students means upholding the legal safeguards in place to ensure their safety, and ensure their most important support system, the parents are fully informed. These two goals are not mutually exclusive, and our policies should reflect it. Policy 5756 is not the right approach, and not being mandatory, should not be our district policy.

2. Talk about the budget in the district. So many other districts are dealing with huge tax increases to cover costs without eliminating too many programs. What can the district do to keep costs stable, keep taxes stable, and still provide the services the students need?

I believe in being fiscally responsible, and that starts with transparency and common sense. I do not support constantly increasing budgets when there’s little accountability, especially when we’re seeing higher administrative salaries while student services go underfunded.

We need to reevaluate how funds are prioritized, making sure resources go where they’re truly needed: into classrooms.

3. Transparency

Transparency and open communication are essential in any school district, and I believe ours still has work to do. Even when information is technically available, it’s not always presented in a way that the average resident can easily understand or access.

For example, during the referendum process, many families were confused about the true financial impact. While the district did publish estimates, the communication could have been much clearer and more prominent especially considering the real increases many of us are now seeing in our tax bills.

Moving forward, I would advocate for the district to host twice-yearly public Q&A sessions to keep families informed and engaged. These sessions would give the community a chance to ask direct questions and get straightforward answers not just on referendums, but on budgeting, curriculum, safety, and more.

We need transparency that’s proactive, not reactive and that builds trust, not confusion.Transparency isn’t just a goal it’s a responsibility, and it has to be a two-way street.

4. Background

My husband’s family has been part of the Bridgewater community since 1967, and we moved here in 2008. I’m originally from the Hopelawn section of Woodbridge Township, where I was a proud Lady Barron bowler and alumna of Woodbridge High School.

I’m a mother of three wonderful children, two of whom have complex medical needs. As a homeschooling mom and special needs parent, I’ve faced firsthand the challenges families encounter trying to secure the right education and support.

Because of this, I’ve become one of the more visible advocates for education in New Jersey.. I Co-founded grassroots organizations that support learning, including online learning , during the pandemic, giving families more choice and flexibility. I volunteer my time everyday helping families navigate the education system for every student. 

I am passionate about being a strong voice for families championing health-conscious policies, academics and adaptable learning environments where every child can reach their full potential without being put in a one size box.

5. Message to Residents

If elected to the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education, I will be a dedicated and compassionate voice for every family, child, teacher, and staff member in our community. Due to complex medical conditions, home environment became best suited for my children so I am a homeschooling mom currently and former public school parent. I bring a unique perspective and the ability to think outside the box when it comes to meeting the needs of our students, staff and schools. 

While my experience as a mother of children with special needs and complex medical issues deeply informs my commitment, I stand for all students working to ensure every child has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

I believe in transparency, open communication, respect for parents and working with families, educators, and leaders to create policies that reflect the real needs of our community. My focus is on academic excellence, health-conscious decisions, and flexible, individualized learning options that empower every child to reach their full potential.

I have been amazed and inspired by board member Dr Lucy Li, especially in her decision making and reasoning, compassion for students, commitment to serve the community, and being a strong voice of reason, supporting parents so as to best serve students. I am also very impressed with Dr Ketrin Maxwell, a very knowledgeable and compassionate mother and mental health expert. I believe Dr Lucy Li, Dr Ketrin Maxwell and I will bring a complementary contribution to the BOE. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate school district, one where every child, teacher, and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued, and can succeed to their potential. Please join me in supporting Li Maxwell and Nye for BOE and cast your 3 votes for all 3 of us.