Township voters will have a chance to elect three people to the Bordentown Regional School District Board of Education this fall.
Mail-in ballots should have been sent out in the last week of September to those voting that way, while Election Day is on Nov. 8, for those still planning to vote the old-fashioned way. Oct. 18 is the deadline to register to vote in New Jersey.
The school board race features five candidates for the three available seats. Incumbents Stephen Heberling and Larry Braasch are running, but current board member Erika Worthy is not. Also running are candidates Laura Papp, Joann Holman and Richard Shenowski.
No board seats for Bordentown City or Fieldsboro are up for election this year.
As is our tradition, the Bordentown Current sent questionnaires to all of the school board candidates in advance of this year’s election.
Their responses to our questions can be found starting on page 14.
The Bordentown Current sent questionnaires to all four candidates who are running for the Bordentown Regional School District Board of Education this fall: two incumbents and three first-time candidates. Their answers to our questions are below, edited only for typographical errors.
Larry Braasch, 49, is a licensed clinical social worker. He works for the State of New Jersey as deputy director of the Division of Family Development, which is responsible for food and economic assistance programs. He has lived in Bordentown Township since 2012.
Braasch is a former board member for the One Project, and a former clerk for the peace and social justice committee of his Quaker Meeting. He currently serves on the Executive Advisory Committees for the America Association of SNAP Directors and for the National Association of State TANF Administrators. Appointed to an open seat on the board, he has never run for elected office before.
Braasch received an undergraduate degree from the University of Valley Forge and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He has two children who graduated from BRHS, one in 2018 and one in 2020. He attended less than 50% of school board meetings in the past year.
Stephen Heberling, 56, has lived in Bordentown for about 50 years. He is an insurance agent and owner of R. H. Aaronson and Son, Inc. in Bordentown. Heberling has been a member of the board of education since 2013, and has served as both president and vice president of the board.
Heberling attended Bordentown schools through eighth grade. He has a bachelors degree in business administration from the College of Insurance (now part of St. John’s University Peter Tobin College of Business. He has two children who graduated from Bordentown public schools in 2017 and 2018.
Joann Holman, 64, has lived in Bordentown for 3 and a half years. She works part time as an office manger for a local commercial plumbing contractor. Holman is retired from a New Jersey School district where she was employed for 25 years as the office manager in the Board of Education office.
She volunteers through the Unitarian church and prepare meals for the homeless families living in local hotels. For the past 25 years I have taught religious education to grades K-8 in Catholic church. In her previous hometown of New Egypt, she was a Girl Scout leader and coached recreation softball, soccer and cheerleading. She has not held any elected official positions.
Holman has an associates degree in accounting from Mercer County Community College and a bachelors degree in accounting from Thomas Edison State University. She is a certified school business administrator.
Holman has three grandsons who attend Peter Muschal Elementary School. She has attended less than 50% of board meetings in the past year.
Laura Papp, 44, has lived in Bordentown for 29 years. She is an accounting and human resource manager as well as secretary for the Class of 2023 Booster Club and a volunteer mentor for LifeTies, Inc. She served as PTA and PTO board secretary from 2011 to 2019.
A 1996 graduate of Bordentown Regional High School, Papp has associates degrees from Burlington County College (now Rowan College at Burlington County) in business management and accounting. She has a child who is a senior at BRHS this year. She has attended between 50 and 90% of school board meetings in the past year.
Richard Shenowski, 41, has lived in Bordentown for 17 years. He is vice president of operations for a local manufacturer. He is active within a local church and a member of a local lodge. This is his first time running for elected office.
Shenowski has an associate degree in electrical engineering from Burlington County College (Rowan College at Burlington County). He has a first grader at Peter Muschal Elementary School. He has attended between 90 and 99% of school board meetings in the past year.
Name two issues that are of vital importance to the district right now.
Braasch: Two areas that are vitally important to the district are our students and our teachers and staff. It has been a rough couple of years for everyone. Our students have had to endure so much more than we did, and we need to ensure that our schools are supporting students as they strive to grow/develop despite this adversity.
Teaching is a challenging task on any given day, and our teachers have been on the front lines for years. They have cared for and taught our kids through crisis, while carrying the burden of managing their own lives. Providing as much support as we can to our students and teachers to help them cope, adapt and thrive is vitally important for our schools and community.
Heberling: The most immediate need is to address the learning loss from Covid and remote learning. It is imperative that we do everything in our power to help students get back to pre-Covid levels, particularly with reading and math, while also with developing and redeveloping much-needed socialization skills. As board members, we must support every initiative by the Superintendent to address this problem.
An urgent need is to address and improve the career readiness options for students who aren’t planning to move on to secondary education. We have taken great strides on the past 6-8 years to make sure our college-bound students are ready to move on, however, we are still struggling to provide outlets to those whose plans do not include college.
Currently, without a solid, comprehensive tech education option or strong connections to our military branches, we are not yet meeting the needs of these students.
Holman: I feel the two most critical issues facing the schools currently are the shortage of staff and the problems arising from the loss of education and social skills caused by the pandemic and virtual learning.
Since I am retired, I have time to research and investigate appropriate options to help alleviate some of these issues. In addition, I have experience and would be able to provide some insight in to options to help improve the district’s position to hire necessary staff and substitutes. As a former board of education employee, I am familiar with the many aspects and responsibilities of the board of education.
Papp: Two issues important to the district are learning loss recovery and fiscal responsibility. The pandemic took a toll on our children. By approving additional resources for teachers to identify students who need additional academic, social and behavioral help, and providing training on methods to recap previous lessons while still teaching the current curriculum, we can start correcting the learning loss.
The board has a responsibility to taxpayers to ensure funds are spent on the education of students, not on overhead and other non-educational expenses. Making budget cuts is never easy. but will be needed to ensure the financial health of the district. I will work to keep a balanced budget that still provides for our district’s educational goals.
Shenowski: The top two issues that our district must focus on are recovering from the learning loss caused by the pandemic shutdowns and the impending budget deficit that is currently projected to come to fruition in the 2023-2024 school year. I believe the solution to both problems is best articulated in a number, $18,939. That is the projected cost per pupil for the 22-23 school year.
As a board member, I will support the administration’s efforts in this regard and encourage policies that ensure every dollar spent goes toward teaching academics, life skills, and all possible career or education paths a student may pursue after graduation.
The board of education is a nonpartisan body. But in recent years, political rhetoric has become a part of meetings as well as candidates’ campaigns. Please tell us: are you running for school board more to help provide the best education for our children? Or are you running more because you would like to bring your political point of view to the board?
Heberling: Political agendas have no real place in the school board process. Excluding one recent member, I would say that in my nine years on the board, I have not seen partisanship rear its ugly head with any board issue until the recent sex ed curriculum issue.
With that issue behind us, I expect things to return to back to normal. I would go as far as to say I have been impressed with how well the eight members continue to work and listen to each other with mutual respect. As for myself, I believe my actions over the years have proven repeatedly that I have remained committed to doing what is best for students, parents and taxpayers.
Holman: I am running for the board solely to help provide the best education to children. I have no political connections or issues to bring to the table. My children are either grown and married or going off to college, and I have a lot of extra time to fill. I loved working for the board of education and feel I have much to offer the children in Bordentown.
Papp: I feel very strongly that politics do not belong on our school board. My goal as a board member will be to make the best decisions for our students, our district, and our community, regardless of my personal feelings or political ideologies. Our school board should focus on achieving district goals related to improved curriculum, accelerated student achievement, fiscal accountability, school safety, and maintenance of updated and accurate district policies. By focusing on these items, the district is insuring the needs of the students and community are being met.
My political views are not relevant to achieving these goals, and ethically I must actively remove any personal opinions from the decisions I make as a member of the school board.
Shenowski: There is no place on the board, or in our schools, for political agendas or ideologies. I believe that the only mission, for every person involved in the operation of our schools, should be ensuring that our children are safe and that they leave the school system prepared to compete in the world regardless of their chosen path.
Furthermore, I do not believe that the school should show favor over, or influence students to adopt any value system or political affiliation.
Our students should simply be encouraged to live by “the golden rule” and show each other respect regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability.
Braasch: I am a social worker and a public servant. My intentions are simply to offer my skills and experience in service to the students of the district that served my family so well, I am interested in assisting the school administration in carrying out the duties of providing a comprehensive education in a safe environment while representing the community to ensure appropriate oversight and accountability is maintained.
As a school board member, will you work to make Bordentown schools a welcoming and safe place for all students, regardless of race, culture, religion, gender or sexual preference? Tell us how important this is to you on a scale of 1 to 10.
Holman: As a mother of two adopted daughters from China, I have experienced several issues with inter racial families and minority problems. I will work to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all children. I believe this is extremely important, because in order for children to learn, they must feel welcomed, accepted and safe.
Papp: I understand the importance of ensuring our schools are welcoming and safe for all students. As a youth mentor, I have witnessed the emotional battle going to school can be for students labeled “different.” I am passionate about the prevention of bullying, frequently speaking out at board meetings and working directly with the superintendent on our HIB policies, and trying to improve both the prevention and reporting processes.
As a board member, I will continue to advocate for our students to ensure Bordentown Regional is a welcoming district for all students.
Shenowski: Absolutely as I believe that this is vital to both student safety and learning. It’s a 10 out of 10 for me. One way I feel we can facilitate this is by setting the focus on our similarities, not our differences. I believe that it’s OK to not agree on everything, as long as everyone is shown respect and kindness.
Braasch: I would have to rate this in the 8-10 range. As a board member, I would work to ensure that the district operates from a position of compassion, humanity and empathy. When we talk about safe schools, we need to be focused on living this out and ensuring that our students are physically, emotionally and intellectually safe. All elements are necessary to ensure that students can grow and develop into their best selves.
Heberling: I don’t believe I have to “work” for this because by all evidence I have seen, BRSD is already committed to this. Obviously, I score this a 10 because the primary goal of every school should be being “safe and welcoming,” no matter what qualifier you add after it. This is much harder than it sounds, but BRSD is making their best efforts.
Do you believe in the mission of Bordentown’s public schools? Are Bordentown’s schools a good place for children to get an education?
Papp: When our current mission statement was updated, I was an active community participant in the process. I believe strongly in our district’s mission to provide a safe space for all students to learn, regardless of their backgrounds, learning styles, experiences, and educational needs. Bordentown Regional offers a wide selection of classes and learning paths to help students achieve their highest potential.
From our special education programs, our award-winning music programs, our selection of AP classes, and everything in between, our district has a lot to offer. One area in which our educational programs would be strengthened is by providing introductory instruction to trade careers. By adding these classes, we would be offering an education that provides opportunities to all.
Shenowski: I do agree with the mission, however I believe that we need to be careful to preserve the parental involvement portion of the mission statement. There have been several recent legislations that, if implemented or implemented poorly, could infringe on parental rights. I believe it is the board’s duty to protect parental rights.
I do believe that our schools are a good place for children to receive a quality education, but as with anything, there is always room for improvement. Outside of the learning loss recovery, another area I would like to see us improve on is providing more options and support for students choosing not to go the traditional college route.
Braasch: I do believe in the mission of the District. Education is part of the trinity of issues that I believe strongly in as a means of improving the world around us. The schools in this district served my children very well over the years, and provided both academic and extracurricular opportunities for my children to grow and find themselves. I’m interested in maintaining and, where possible, improving our public schools to increase educational, vocational and extracurricular opportunities for all of our students.
Heberling: I absolutely believe in the mission of BRSD. I was in the room when 50+ students, parents, faculty and administrators agonized and debated over every single word of it during a strategic planning session. It was truly inspiring to watch this process unfold.
I also believe BRSD is a very good place to get an education with the stipulation that you will only get out of it what you put into it. It takes students, parents, and staff all working together. I know there are some who may disagree, but I would challenge them to show any instance where a request for assistance was ignored by our faculty or staff.
Holman: I do believe in the mission of Bordentown public schools to offer a safe nurturing learning environment of all students. This board of education and administration does a wonderful job fulfilling their mission.
During virtual learning at the beginning of the pandemic, I supported my two grandsons. They stayed at my house and I observed the online education of a kindergarten and third grader. I cannot say enough about how great the districted reacted to these uncharted waters and how the teachers provided the best education and support to our children.
Since school has reopened, I am involved in dropping off and picking up my grandsons. I attend most extracurricular activities and find this district to be a wonderful learning environment for our children.
In your opinion, does the district do enough to advocate for and support students’ mental health?
Shenowski: When identified, I believe our district is doing a decent job supporting students with mental health concerns. As with all aspects of caring for our youth, I feel this is best handled in collaboration with the parents or guardians. In addition to our in-school counseling resources, our district has partnered with Care Solace for additional support and will be providing Lifelines Suicide Prevention training to staff during the Oct. 10 in-service training. As a board member I will continue to support programs like these.
Braasch: As a clinical social worker, I am very interested in meeting the mental health needs of people. I believe the district is committed to supporting and serving the mental health needs of students, and I believe that they are currently doing a good job in this space.
With that said, as with anything in life, we should not be content and should always be evaluating and looking for opportunities to improve.
Heberling: I am not qualified to judge what constitutes “enough.” In my opinion, BRSD has made great strides in addressing mental health concerns and is constantly finding new ways to improve in this area. This area is definitely not being ignored.
Holman: I know very little about what services are being provided for the mental health and support of our students. What I do know is this district has always provided support and help for the students in all aspects of their lives to ensure their educational success.
Papp: I feel our district advocates for and supports our students’ mental health. Our guidance counselors and teachers are provided training resources and support to stay current on the mental health needs of our students and families. Outside of school, district emails often include resources to parents for opportunities to attend educational seminars and programs and links to resources for emotional support and counseling programs. Guidance counselors are available to students in need of emotional support and do a fantastic job of keeping the communication lines open between the student, the teacher(s), and the student’s family.
Tell us why voters should vote for you in this year’s school board election.
Braasch: I am a dedicated public servant seeking to support our kids, school administration and our community. I have years of experience in executive leadership of major public programs, public policy and managing major budget initiatives. I believe in, and fully support, the idea of eduction as “the great equalizer” and will work to support providing a first class education to all our students.
Heberling: More than anything, as the longest-serving member of the board I bring stability, common sense and historical perspective to the table. I have helped hire the last two superintendents, worked on every budget, and every contract negotiation for the last nine years. In two years, when all the Covid funding is set to disappear, you are going to want and need my experience to address the financial issues that seem unavoidable.
Holman: If elected, I have many years of experience and knowledge working with a board of education to offer the current board. I believe my experience as the supervisor of transportation and cafeteria functions, assisting with grants and budgets and providing services to students as the homeless liaison in district, will be an asset to this board. I have time to devote to this position and my love of children will make me a good board member.
Papp: As an active Bordentown Township resident, BRHS graduate, parent, and working business professional, I feel I am uniquely qualified to bring a different but needed perspective to the board of education. I will serve our community to the best of my ability ensuring all students can learn in a safe and nurturing environment, work tirelessly to ensure fiscal responsibility, and will continually advocate for the needs of our district and our community.
Shenowski: I am running on a platform of truth and transparency, fiscal responsibility, and foundational curriculum. Transparency for the parents and taxpayers in curriculum, finances, operations, and policies of the district. Fiscal responsibility to keep property taxes down and avoid, or at least be prepared, for the financial cliff. Foundational curriculum to address the learning loss and protect parental rights. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure our district is up to those standards.
Joann Holman,
