Lawrence Township residents will have the opportunity to vote for three candidates for two open spots on the Lawrence Township Board of Education. There is no municipal race this year.
Five candidates are up for the vote. Joining incumbents Jo Ann Groeger and Kevin VanHise on the “Achieving Educational Success” slate is newcomer Olga Martinez. Facing off against them on the “Educational Success” slate are incumbent Robert Pluta and first-time candidate Shazia Shah.
The Lawrence Gazette asked each of the candidates to provide biographical information about themselves and a statement of up to 1,000 words regarding why they are running for the board.
Their answers are presented in alphabetical order below.
Jo Ann Groeger has lived in Lawrence Township for almost 50 years. She and her husband, Steven, raised three children who all graduates from Lawrence High School. She has been a member of the school board since 2011.
She graduated from Hopatcong High School and attended The King’s College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She received a Master of Education from Georgian Court College and 60 additional credits in education from Shenandoah University.
Groeger retired in 2010 after working for 32 years as a health and physical education teacher in the Lawrence Township School District, where she worked in every school except Eldridge Park.
Candidate statement: I am running for re-election to the Lawrence Township Board of Education because I want to continue to bring my passion and 32 years of experience as an educator, in Lawrence, to the students, staff and Lawrence community.
During my 13-year tenure as a member of the Lawrence School Board, I have served on several committees, including the Community Relations and Legislative Affairs and Personnel Committees, of which I am presently the chairperson. I have been the Board liaison to a number of community groups, providing me direct interaction with the community and firsthand knowledge of their needs and concerns.
Presently, I am the president of the Mercer County New Jersey School Board, the Governor’s Delegates Assembly, Legislative Task Force and the newly formed Governor’s Task Force on LGBQTIA+, as well as several other boards and committees that enable me to meet with representatives and legislators from across the state to discuss educational topics that we are all faced with.
In the coming months, Lawrence will be seeking community support for a referendum for much needed upgrades to the 75-year-old Lawrence Middle School as well as improvements to the elementary schools as we incorporate pre-K children into the district.
These changes and improvements will bring the district in grade alignment with other districts and Department of Education curriculum. Students and staff should feel that they are valued and appreciated, and it is imperative that we as a board provide a safe and quality environment for them to succeed. I am eager to continue serving the Lawrence School District because I know I have much to contribute.
* * *
Olga Martinez has lived in Lawrence Township for more than 10 years. She and her husband, Javier, have two children who are attending Slackwood Elementary and Lawrence Middle School. She graduated from Princeton High School and Mercer County Community College double majoring in computer Graphics and Advertising Design.
She currently works for Every Child Valued as parent and community outreach coordinator and for Princeton Ivy Club as special events coordinator.
Martinez is also involved in the community in a number of ways, including member of the Leadership Team of Lawrence Neighbors Together; secretary of the Asociación Latinoamericana de Lawrenceville; 2024-25 secretary for LMS/LHS PTO; Slackwood Elementary School PTO member; co-founder of the Mercer County Latin American Club; former board of directors’ member of U.S. Latino Affairs; committee member for Families Community Engaged at Slackwood Elementary.
She has also been involved in LTPS Community Conversations at various schools and also serving as translator for Spanish speaking families; Princeton Amerikick – PTO member, where she has been able to establish opportunities for the PTOs where schools keep 100% profits. Amerikick also does food drives during the year to benefit LTPS food pantries.
Candidate statement: I am running for board of education because I care deeply about the success of all students in our Lawrence Township Public Schools.
My two children have thrived in our schools and I want to make sure all students have the same experience. I have worked with many families in our school district as an advocate for their children and have been so impressed with the commitment of our administration and teachers to their success.
I have been able to communicate with the school district regarding concerns or topic by families and the district listened and made accommodations. For example, bringing in a translation option for communications.
I look forward to being in this role as a Board of Ed member and working for our district’s staff and families.
* * *
Robert Pluta has been a lifelong resident of Lawrence Township, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1992. He has been the owner of Leonardo’s Restaurant for the past 18 years.
In addition to being a father and a local business owner, he has also served as the past chairman of the Growth and Redevelopment Committee. He is a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus (St. Ann’s Council 7000), and the vice president of the Polish Arts Club of Trenton. He also is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Trenton and was appointed to the Selective Service Local Board. He has been a School Board member since 2022.
Candidate statement: As a resident of Lawrence and a graduate of the local school system, I have an enthusiastic and vested interest in the success of our town’s educational system. The past three years have been an exciting and challenging tenure. The Board of Education brought our students out of the COVID pandemic, hired a new superintendent, dealt with the new challenges AI has brought to our educational methods, and are currently undergoing a possible referendum this coming March.
I have been overwhelmingly pleased with the selection of our new Superintendent, Robyn Klim, and I respect the thoughtful decisions she has made regarding personnel shifts and new hirings. I look forward to working closely with the Board of Education regarding the upcoming referendum. While I understand the need for new facilities, especially with the expansion of the Pre-K program, I do also want to be mindful of the tax implications on our already heavily (property) taxed community.
I believe the Board of Education should rely on a traditional curricula that has supported our American ideals for generations. A curricula that is not subject to the latest fads or political swings. These curricula should always be in the process of modernization and expansion to foster a greater spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, but never gutted to destroy faith in our essential American institutions.
Lastly, let’s remember that parents are the ultimate authorities for their children’s emotional, psychological, and spiritual well being. While fostering a spirit of tolerance and inclusion, we must also respect parental rights with collaboration and transparency.
I, along with my running mate, Dr. Shazia Shah D.O., wish to be your community servant. I will work tirelessly to represent all Lawrence townspeople. I do ask for your vote this November.
* * *
Shazia Shah has been a resident of Lawrence Township since 2008 and has four children who have all attended the Lawrence Township School District.
She completed pre-medical education, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and then completed medical school—all in New York.
Shah is a board-certified internal medicine physician. Her specialty involves managing adult patients in an outpatient office setting and managing sick patients admitted to the hospital. She also teaches medical students and internal medicine interns and residents at Rutgers University and Drexel University. She holds the faculty appointment as an assistant professor of internal medicine and functions as the associate program director of internal medicine residency.
Her previous work history involved tutoring nursing students, tutoring high school students and working as a part-time receptionist while she was an undergraduate pre-medical student.
Shah is actively involved with the community in multiple groups and participates in local events. During prior Lawrence Township cultural and diversity day programs, she helped provided ethnic food, temporary henna tattoos and artistic Arabic calligraphy free to everyone.
Candidate statement: I am passionate about education and have a lifelong love of teaching and learning. The fondest memories of my educational journey are those that involve teachers that contributed to shaping me as a person. I cherish their guidance and acknowledge the role of our great educators and educational system. I also love the sparkle in a student’s eyes and pure joy when they finally understand a concept they have been struggling with.
As a practicing physician in N.J. for over 20 years, I am deeply involved in continued teaching in the field of graduate medical education. In addition to teaching, I am still a learner and participate in continuous medical education to remain sharp and updated.
I have had the honor of being awarded the “Preceptor (Physician) of the Year” for 2024, as selected by the medical interns and residents. I currently serve as the chairperson of the Clinical Competency Committee and am an active member of many organizational committees. I have been named as one of N.J.’s Top Doctors for 2024 and have been previously awarded one of “America’s Top Physicians.”
Aside from my professional career, the greatest joy and blessings are from those that call me “mom.” I am the proud mother of four children who have recently completed high school, and some have already completed University education.
Since I have a significant belief in the educational system and genuinely think that it can transform and improve lives, I am a strong advocate for students. As a parent, I truly understand the concerns that parents have.
My goal is to help parents and students achieve the most out of the school system to yield long lasting, positive, and impactful results. This is why I am running on the platform, “Parents for Education First.”
As a program director and medical director, I have been involved in matters regarding policy, curriculum, personnel, scheduling and finances. I am also skillful at mentoring, coaching and conflict resolution. I value teamwork, respectful dialogue, and diverse viewpoints. In addition, I place tremendous emphasis on student wellness and resilience and recognize the challenges our youths face in these difficult times.
My background and skillset are an asset for the Lawrence Township community of students, parents and educators that I would serve as a member of the school board. Finally, as a property owner in the township, I would work to ensure that the school district maintains a stellar reputation in order to enhance property values for all.
* * *
Kevin Van Hise is a 45-year resident of Lawrence Township and was first elected to the school board in 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law, Camden.
He currently works as an attorney with Mason, Griffin & Pierson. Prior to that, he was a judicial law clerk to state Superior Court Judge Paul Innes and state Superior Court Judge Charles Delehey. Before his clerkship, he was a litigation claims adjuster at N.J. Manufacturers Insurance Company.
Van Hise and his wife, Kimberly, have two children, Tyler and Paige, who are Lawrence High School graduates. Both attended Ben Franklin Elementary School, Lawrence Intermediate School and Lawrence Middle School.
Candidate statement: I am seeking re-election to the Lawrence Township Board of Education. Since 2011, I have had the privilege of serving on the Board and hope to continue for another term as the district embarks on transformational changes that will set us, and our Lawrence students, up for success for decades to come.
Other than eight years when I lived just across the municipal boundary in Hopewell Township, I have been a lifelong Lawrence resident. I am a proud product of our Lawrence schools, having attended Ben Franklin Elementary, Lawrence Intermediate, the then-Junior High School (now LMS), and am a graduate of Lawrence High School. My wife, Kimberly, and I met at, and have been together since our time at LHS. Our children both attended Lawrence public schools, with Tyler graduating LHS in 2022 and Paige this past June.
With such a strong connection to the district, in 2011, I was motivated to seek a seat on the Board. Since joining, I have served in several key leadership roles, including board president from 2014 through 2021, vice president in 2013 and 2022, and have served as chair of the Board’s Finance & Facilities Committee, Personnel Committee, Negotiations Committee and was co-chair of the Sports & Activities Committee.
I have been part of the search efforts that resulted in the appointments of our last three superintendents. Combined with my background and employment as a local government attorney, these roles have given me extensive experience in identifying, understanding and helping to address the various issues facing our district.
Additionally, I bring a unique perspective, having been a student in District, a parent of students in district, a lifelong township resident, and am the longest serving current board member.
Because Lawrence, and in particular the district, have been such a key part of my life, I feel an obligation to continue serving the community and helping support our schools.
Last year we hired Dr. Robyn Klim as the district’s new superintendent. In her inaugural year, the district has embarked on a new strategic plan, strengthened our academic programming and student supports, made key personnel changes, expanded our pre-K program, and laid the foundation for a referendum that will make transformational changes to the district.
All of these efforts have one purpose—providing the best and most thorough educational experience for the children of Lawrence. It is incumbent upon us to teach, train and provide the foundational tools so that our children have the skills to succeed in whatever future endeavors they pursue.
To the extent that I have the knowledge, skills and experience to contribute and assist our superintendent, board and district in these endeavors, and to help establish that educational foundation for our students, I’m happy to serve.
It is my goal in the upcoming term to assist the district navigate the complexities of a school expansion project and associated district realignment. My legal background in local government law and land use has been beneficial in helping the district plan for these changes.
Simultaneously, I look to continue supporting our district’s efforts to improve not only student achievement, but the educational experiences of all of our students.
We continue to make significant strides in hiring and supporting the best and most diverse staff possible. Those efforts are resulting in enhanced interpersonal connections, with more engaged students and better academic results.
Importantly, we continue to do all of this in the most fiscally prudent and financially responsible manner possible. That my background has enabled me to be a contributing member of the District, I am happy to remain a resource for our staff and community as we address our current student needs and comprehensively plan for our future.
I appreciate the trust and support the Lawrence community has shown me for the last 13 years that I have served on the board. I look forward to continuing in that role and contributing to support this great community, our residents, our students, our staff and our Board. #ThisIsUs!
