Two slates are vying for election to three open seats on the Robbinsville Township School Board. There is no municipal contest this year.
A total of six candidates are seeking election to the seats, which are for three-year terms. Running on the “Resilience Reliability Relationships” slate are Barbara Gould, Fizza Seehra and Christopher Emigholz.
Incumbents Tanya Lehmann and Arthur Howard are running with Arun Karpur on the “Putting Students First” slate.
The Robbinsville Advance asked each of the candidates to provide biographical information and a statement regarding the reasons they are running for the board. Their answers are presented below in alphabetical order.
* * *
Christopher Emigholz has lived in Robbinsville for 13 years with his wife, Bonnie. The couple have three children in the Robbinsville School District. Their sons Ryan (12th grade) and Alex (10th grade) attend Robbinsville High School, and their daughter, Erin (7th grade) attends Pond Road Middle School.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University with a double-major in political science and history, and Master of Public Policy degree concentrating in education policy from Rutgers’ Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy.
Emigholz began his career in education as an Americorps-VISTA in Baltimore City schools and then as a high school history teacher in Atlanta through Teach For America. He transitioned to N.J. public policy and government affairs, directing the New Jersey Department of Education’s legislative and policy office and serving as the budget director/associate executive director in the New Jersey State Senate.
He is currently the chief government affairs officer for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association—a business advocacy organization overseeing a team of government affairs professionals who advocate for policies that promote economic growth.
Emigholz has been involved in several government organizations in New Jersey and other states, and he has also been involved in volunteer service opportunities, including Robbinsville youth sports. Over the years, he has coached hundreds of children on approximately 40 different baseball, softball, soccer, football and basketball teams. He previously served as a member of the Robbinsville Board of Education for three and a half years, serving on almost every committee during his tenure. He was also a Robbinsville Economic Development Advisory Committee member for three years.
Before moving to our great town of Robbinsville, Emigholz served on the Hightstown Planning/Zoning Board, the Greater Hightstown East Windsor Improvement Project Consolidation Study Committee, and the Hightstown Economic Development Committee.
Candidate statement: I am running for a seat on the Robbinsville Board of Education because I am passionate about service, education and creating better opportunities for our children. Having prior school board experience, I know what makes a good school board member, and I will be able to make a positive difference in the lives of Robbinsville’s children, families, and taxpayers. Education is the most critical area of public policy and the most essential government service as it provides opportunities for our children who will shape our future. I want to be a part of that.
Beyond wanting to be a part of that essential education system, I feel obligated to serve my community because of my unique qualifications. I have taught in, observed, collaborated with, and served school communities throughout the State of New Jersey as well as in the states of Maryland and Georgia.
My deep experience in education policy has shown me what works and what does not. My professional education policy background has given me the opportunity to become exceptionally well-versed in New Jersey’s school funding formula and our State’s ever-escalating property tax problem. My job has also allowed me to build strong relationships with government officials within the state. Robbinsville’s children and taxpayers will benefit from that.
Our school budget and building back the community’s trust are critical issues facing Robbinsville schools, but our school board’s biggest priority is developing more positive and robust relationships. Kindness matters. How you treat people matters. Relationships (one of the three Rs of our school board campaign, along with Resiliency and Reliability) matter!
That is why it is wonderful to see so many bumper stickers all over town commemorating our former superintendent, Dr. Steven Mayer, and the quote attributed to him: “Make someone’s day today.” This quote embodies the importance of kindness and relationships, which I hold dear. Having me on our school board, you will get a team player who prioritizes collaboration and respect with the district staff, other board members, and the community. I will apply my many years of education, government, fiscal, and leadership experience to improve our schools by restoring a culture of collaboration in Robbinsville School District through better relationships.
For Robbinsville to become the ideal school system, we must demonstrate respect, transparency, kindness, and collaboration with our parents and taxpayers, our students to stand against any kind of bullying, other local, school, and state government officials, and our district educators. It makes sense to enhance these relationships by better utilizing the school board’s existing but underutilized Community Relations Committee and intergovernmental liaisons.
I want to emphasize my zero tolerance for bullying within our schools and in our community as well. We must lead with positivity and serve as the example we want our students to follow. It is fantastic that there is such diversity of background and opinion in Robbinsville, and everyone deserves respect to maintain the vibrancy of our community. But no one deserves hate and bullying in school or online.
Undergirding the school and culture we aim to create and maintain is our school funding system, of which I have significant expertise. State aid cuts, flat state aid in an inflationary environment that will lead to possible cuts, and/or general state budget and school budget uncertainty will be unpleasant for years to come, so Robbinsville schools must be prepared. The priority in the face of these possible cuts and budget difficulties must be protecting the services that directly impact our students’ learning, especially our most vulnerable students. Student support services, course options, and extra-curricular activities should all be preserved over other budget items that do not directly impact students. We need to hold high expectations for all our students, and they can reach those by holding students and educators accountable and through sound investments in our students and their curriculum options. This includes a solid literacy base that exceeds the requirements in the new state literacy laws that I supported, more choices for our students, and appropriate career and technical education resources.
The district also needs to become more innovative and entrepreneurial in seeking new revenue streams while looking for efficiencies within every cent of spending. This includes ensuring that we invest in our facilities while maximizing the revenue we generate from them. Our school district’s facility policies have made great strides in recent years, but there is still room for further improvement.
My experience working on the New Jersey state budget for over a decade, both within the State Senate and as a business lobbyist, puts me in a unique position to best manage any cuts, as well as how to make spending as efficient as possible. My experience previously working on school district budgets in Robbinsville and beyond also sets me up well to address these potential challenges. I am a staunch advocate for taxpayers as my career has been focused on fighting for better tax policy and efficiently investing in what matters, like our children.
I always strive to bring a balanced perspective to public policy. Combining that balance with my passion for our public schools being the critical lever to providing ALL children opportunities for growth and success is a win-win for our students and taxpayers. I will be a school board member who strenuously strives for consensus, compromise, and moderation in education policy to benefit all stakeholders, students, and taxpayers. My passion, skills, experience, and pursuit of balance make me an ideal candidate for the Robbinsville school board.
* * *
Barbara Gould has lived in Robbinsville for 21 years and has a strong background in education. Gould is married to Brian Gould, and they have three children. Their daughter Sofia is in second grade, Olivia is in kindergarten, and Joseph is in preschool, all attending schools in the Robbinsville School District.
She holds a Master of Arts in teaching and a post master’s in educational leadership from The College of New Jersey and a Doctorate in Education from Rider University. Her academic focus has been on educational equity and access to resources for students.
Gould has worked in education for more than 20 years. She began as an elementary school teacher in the Robbinsville School District, where she taught for eight years. Since then, she has held leadership roles in the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District, including middle school assistant principal, elementary school principal, district director of counseling, health and wellness. She currently serves as the chief academic officer, and she has presented professional development workshops for local and national organizations such as ASCD, AASA, and NJPSA, focusing on strategic planning and educational systems.
In addition to her professional work, Gould has been involved in various community and church-related activities. She has participated in global mission trips to Brazil and the Dominican Republic, served as a youth group leader, and is currently on the church’s governing board. She has also been an advocate for Robbinsville’s school funding efforts, using social media to share information with the community. Gould volunteers as an assistant coach for Robbinsville’s Little League and the Robbinsville Rampage softball teams.
Professionally, Gould co-leads her district’s Equity Strategic Goal, providing professional development on topics related to educational equity and strategic planning for teachers, administrators and staff.
Candidate statement: I am running for the Board of Education because I believe in public service and want to give back to the community where I began my career as an educator over twenty years ago. As the daughter of an immigrant and single mother, I also believe that education is the most transformative gift we can offer to our community.
With three young children, I care deeply about the future of Robbinsville, and I want to be part of a team that works collaboratively to foster inclusivity and belonging in our schools. Many of us chose this community for its rich cultural diversity which strengthens our school district and enriches our children’s education by exposing them to a wide range of perspectives, traditions, and practices—fostering inclusivity, mutual respect, and deeper connections. These experiences shape our students into global citizens and enhance the community as a whole.
As the chief academic officer in the West Windsor- Plainsboro Schools, my educational leadership experience in areas directly aligned with Board oversight—such as crisis management, staff evaluation, hiring, budgeting, curriculum design and implementation, professional development, policy development, strategic planning, anti-bullying programming and policies, staff management, and negotiations—will allow me to contribute meaningfully as a Board member. I will leverage my strengths to support our district and advocate for our community in this important role.
One of our district’s top priorities is to develop a comprehensive, multi-year strategic plan that includes a thorough financial plan to proactively mitigate the potential impact of state aid cuts and inflationary costs while maintaining and restoring quality educational programming and services.
This plan should encompass strategies for building resilience through transparent budgeting, including regular community updates, budget prioritization exercises, thorough program audits, and frequent internal line-by-line budget reviews to ensure efficient resource allocation and utilization. It should also focus on optimizing staffing, exploring shared service opportunities with other districts, and seeking strategies to generate additional revenue for the district.
In addition, the district must enhance alternative funding sources, such as grants, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts to secure additional support from the state to help ease the burden on taxpayers. Transparent communication and community engagement in advocating for fair state funding through lobbying efforts or public campaigns will further support the district’s needs.
Robbinsville will likely face flat or reduced aid based on patterns from the past few years. When state aid is cut or flat as inflationary costs rise, districts must make difficult decisions. My priority is to preserve academic opportunities, support services, and extracurricular offerings to ensure students continue receiving high-quality educational experiences. Programming for our students with diverse needs must be protected, and services that support students’ social, emotional, and mental health must be prioritized.
A cost-efficiency audit must be conducted before any spending cuts are made to identify areas where costs can be reduced without compromising core programs, extracurricular activities, and services that directly impact student learning or support services, social-emotional learning, or mental health. Any expenditure reductions should be in categories that do not directly affect students. Students should be at the center of all budgetary decision-making processes.
Further, I am also passionate about restoring and improving our educational programs for learners. I believe the new literacy bills, signed into law on August 13th, align perfectly with our slate’s goals. Improving universal screening practices, supporting districts with greater access to resources, increasing teacher professional development, and monitoring implementation of foundational literacy instruction is fundamental to addressing educational equity and improving student achievement for all readers.
If elected, my goals would be to work with BOE, district administration and educators to support the new literacy requirements by updating universal screening policies and practices, allocating resources to implement curricula, and approving and funding comprehensive professional development for teachers.
As a BOE member, I would review and approve the literacy curricula with the new literacy standards and bills as a lens and utilize district data to measure student growth closely. It is essential to communicate changes and goals to the community through curricular presentations that demonstrate how district funds are supporting students and educators while also engaging with families and advocating for continued resources and funding at the state level to ensure the district has the staffing and resources necessary to support student literacy development.
Another critical priority is fostering a safe and inclusive school environment. As a Robbinsville community and as a Board of Education candidacy team, we must stand firmly against bullying in all forms, recognizing that cultivating a positive school culture is a key component of student success. By promoting respect, inclusion, and empathy, we create environments where students, staff members, and families feel valued and supported.
When conflicts or misunderstandings arise, whether in person or online, I believe it’s best to approach these situations with empathy, listening carefully and assuming positive intentions to come to a resolution.
Rather than engaging in public disputes, I prefer to address issues directly with those involved in a collaborative manner. This approach has proven to be an effective way to resolve even the toughest challenges as it creates a more effective way of communication. I know firsthand that the most impactful lessons often come from the relationships students build with teachers, mentors, coaches, and peers—especially when they feel supported, valued, safe, and belonging.
I have had extraordinary mentors in my life. The most transformative was forged with Dr. Steve Mayer. Not only did he guide me professionally, he taught me that relationships are built on a foundation of trust and belief in the goodness of people. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to consider multiple perspectives of an issue, emphasize, make difficult decisions, and communicate the rationale behind those decisions.
Board members face challenging choices, and keeping students at the center of those decisions is critical in ensuring every student thrives. My dedication to putting students first has always been central to my roles as an educator, mother, youth leader, and coach. It will remain my guiding principle as a board member.
* * *
Arthur Howard has been a resident of Robbinsville since March 2011, living with his wife, Marie Howard. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and three master’s degrees from Monmouth University in teaching, educational administration, and psychological counseling.
Additionally, Howard has earned several certifications from the New Jersey Department of Education, including School Safety Specialist, Anti-Bullying Specialist, and Affirmative Action Officer.
Currently, Howard serves as the assistant superintendent for academics and operations in the Holmdel Township Public School system, a position he has held since 2004. With More than 20 years of experience in education, Howard began his career in 1994 as a seventh-grade social studies teacher and has progressed through various roles, including content area supervisor, assistant principal, principal and acting superintendent.
Howard and Marie are the parents of six children. While their five sons are now adults with families of their own, their youngest daughter, Arianna, is in the third grade at Sharon Elementary School.
In September 2023, Howard was appointed to the Robbinsville School Board for a term of 15 months, concluding on Dec. 31. He actively contributes to the Community Relations Committee, the Education, Development and Policy Committee, and the ad hoc Security Committee. As a board member, Howard is committed to upholding high standards of excellence in education through collaboration and continuous improvement.
Beyond his role on the school board, Howard is involved in his local church, Change Church in Ewing Township, where he serves as a moderator for a men’s group and volunteers weekly in the church’s ministry.
He also serves as a board member for Women & Girls Education International, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals of all genders, combating violence, and fostering community development.
Candidate statement: As a father of a daughter enrolled in local schools and possessing over 25 years of experience in public education, I am honored to announce my candidacy for reelection to the Robbinsville School Board. My decision to seek reelection is driven by my extensive professional background in education, as well as my personal commitment to the advancement of educational standards.
Throughout my career, I have held a variety of positions in education, including teacher, principal, and Acting Superintendent. And having devoted my entire professional life to public schools, I bring a substantial wealth of knowledge and expertise that I am eager to apply to positively impact our district and the schools attended by my child.
I firmly contend that my diverse experiences have equipped me with the insights necessary to advocate for substantive improvements while effectively collaborating with my fellow educators, parents, and community stakeholders. Together, we can ensure that Robbinsville schools provide an optimal learning environment for all students.
My background has afforded me a nuanced understanding of the complexities and dynamics inherent in the educational landscape, underscoring the vital role that effective policies and support systems play in promoting student achievement.
As both an educator and a parent, I possess a distinctive perspective that I am eager to continue sharing with our school board. This dual perspective enables me to advocate for initiatives that prioritize not only academic excellence but also the holistic well-being of each student.
One of my primary focuses in this campaign is the expansion of mental health services within our schools. Today’s students face unprecedented levels of stress and mental health challenges, which can significantly impact their academic performance and overall well-being. I am committed to advocating for a robust mental health support system in our schools, which includes increasing access to qualified counselors, integrating mental health education into the curriculum, and providing early intervention services.
Schools must provide comprehensive mental health support to assist students in navigating difficulties effectively. By expanding these resources, we can help students manage stress, build resilience, and improve their overall mental health. The goal is to create an environment where students feel supported and empowered to overcome challenges, leading to better academic outcomes and personal growth. As a father, I am particularly sensitive to the pressures that students face, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our schools provide the necessary support to help them thrive.
Another critical issue I am passionate about addressing is bullying. The impact of bullying on students’ mental health and academic performance cannot be overstated. It is essential that we take a proactive approach to combat this issue. Robbinsville is indeed fortunate to have a dedicated and talented body of teachers and counselors in its employ.
My vision is not to dismiss or take for granted the outstanding work that these educators, counselors, and administrators are undertaking; rather, I aim to support and collaborate with them to provide a voice for who feel their circumstances may seem hopeless, implement more comprehensive anti-bullying policies where feasible and to foster an overall positive and inclusive school culture that not only establishes clear guidelines but also offers training for both staff and students to effectively recognize and address bullying behaviors.
Creating a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels respected is essential for their development and educational experience. By prioritizing these aspects, we can ensure that our schools serve not only as centers of learning but also as supportive environments that enhance each student’s potential and well-being.
* * *
Arun Karpur has been a resident of Robbinsville since 2010, living in various neighborhoods including Foxmoor, Town Center and now Cubberly Meadows. He is a physician, epidemiologist, and public policy expert, with a career focused on healthcare, special education and workforce development for people with disabilities.
Karpur is married to Radhika Adiga, and they are approaching their 20th wedding anniversary. Their daughter is currently attending Pond Road Middle School in the Robbinsville School District.
Karpur completed medical school in India before transitioning to public health and public policy studies in the U.S. Since 2018, he has served as director of evaluation and research at the Peterson Center on Healthcare. Prior to this role, Karpur was a faculty member at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and the Florida Mental Health Institute at the University of South Florida.
His scholarly work has primarily addressed special education policies for youth with disabilities, healthcare access for individuals with complex conditions, and workforce development policies. His research also includes evidence-based practices in behavioral health, particularly for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and serious mental illnesses.
He is actively involved in several community organizations. He serves on the board of the SKN Foundation, a non-profit focused on improving services for South Asian families with special needs. He also advises Autism Speaks and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation on healthcare access strategies and is a founding member of a public policy research institution in India.
Karpur is part of the advisory committee for Aadhyatmik, a Robbinsville-based organization promoting Indian cultural heritage and community engagement. He has led several initiatives on autism and mental health awareness within the community.
Candidate statement: I am running for the Board of Education in the Robbinsville Public Schools along with a highly esteemed and qualified slate — Tanya Lehmann and Arthur Howard (both current BOE members) and seek your support for the upcoming elections on Nov. 5.
As an educator, I know how schools profoundly shape children’s character, and how experiences in school have life-long impact on student growth and development. We moved to Robbinsville for its school system, and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to provide high quality education. Building on our excellent STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curricula, I am passionate about advocating for making these opportunities to be made available broadly for all students in our district, irrespective of their background or ability. Imagine a district where every child, not just higher performing ones, has the chance to become an explorer, inventor, and leader in a world driven by technology and innovation.
My commitment to high quality education goes hand in hand with advocating for increased use of culturally aware social-emotional learning to ensure we develop resilient and kind citizens of tomorrow. I am proud that many of our teachers leverage social-emotional learning while teaching various subjects and I commit to supporting their approach.
There is no place for bullying and vile behaviors in schools. Having studied the negative impact of bullying on life-long learning, especially for children with special needs and autism spectrum disorders, I will collaborate with other BOE members, teachers and administrators to further strengthen our programs to address bullying.
Having formal procedures to review complaints and determine appropriate actions does not absolve us from ensuring a positive school climate that advances mutual respect and kindness among children and adults alike. Hurtful behaviors at younger ages don’t toughen the victim but subjects perpetrators to becoming weak citizens that are unprepared in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving world.
We need to address bullying and unhealthy climate through a combination of strong leadership from the BOE, increasing availability of behavioral health supports, and empowered school leadership.
Being a fellow parent with a child in our excellent school district, I will strive to be your voice – an independent voice — on the board impacting decisions with long-term consequences in our children’s education. This means I will prioritize transparency over procedural bureaucracy.
The role of a BOE member is to guide the schools in policymaking and be a sounding board to school administration on key decisions. I will strive for ways to engage parents and guardians in decision-making and policies through proactive communication, community touchpoints, and work sincerely in reflecting our collective values.
At the same time, to reduce any external influence in the inner workings of the BOE, I will encourage review of disclosure processes and work with BOE colleagues to uphold compliance with ethics assuring privacy and confidentiality.
Despite recent referendums, the headwinds of budget cuts loom large. The new funding formula and undulated economic growth is an issue of grave concern for all. We have all seen the consequences of this when schools had to make difficult decisions in letting go of school staff impacting morale among teachers.
Considering financial uncertainties, as well as the aging infrastructure of our schools, I will encourage our administrators to seek community input on a long-term plan to stabilize our budget. Each referendum bears scars of political division and increasing economic burden with long-lasting impact on the culture and affordability of home ownership in Robbinsville.
Diligent budget planning with clear sight of retaining our highly qualified teachers and core programming is quintessential to the success of our schools. I will vigorously advocate for proactive planning of various funding scenarios, in collaboration with school administrators, and teaching staff. Finally, any school program additions or updates should be carefully viewed to ensure it adds to children’s learning and has long-term viability.
I will advocate for a culture of responsible budgeting and financial management along with entrepreneurial thinking to responsibly monetize school facilities, seek grant funding, and engage philanthropy. Working with neighboring schools to share curricula and related resources and partnering with higher education to obtain federal funding should all be on the table while considering opportunities.
Finally, it is also important to partner with local businesses to seek opportunities that enhance educational opportunities. For example, engaging in service-learning programs could benefit students from volunteering and reflecting on their experiences while adding value to the local community. Such programs are low-cost with substantial returns on learning and character building.
* * *
Tanya Lehmann, a mother of three Robbinsville High School graduates, has been a member of the Robbinsville Board of Education since her appointment in 2021.
She currently works as an English Language Arts teacher in Monmouth County and has more than 20 years of experience in education. Since beginning her teaching career in 1993, Lehmann has also taught English enrichment and SAT/ACT preparation at The Peddie School during the summer.
Lehmann holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University and a master’s degree in English literacy education from Rutgers University.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Lehmann is actively involved in the Robbinsville community. She has volunteered with the Robbinsville Little League, as well as Robbinsville High School’s baseball and field hockey teams, and has participated in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Lehmann also served as co-president of the Robbinsville MOMS Club, contributing her time and leadership to support local families.
Candidate statement: I am running for reelection to the Robbinsville Board of Education because as a teacher and mother, I truly care about our students and will support them so that they can thrive. At the same time, it is important that our Board of Education respects all Robbinsville taxpayers and strikes a balance between prioritizing students and passing budgets that the community can afford.
For these reasons, I am strongly against supporting any new bond referendums until there is a long-term and detailed plan on how we as a District plan to move forward in a financially responsible manner. There are many ways and strategies to pass balanced budgets without maximizing tax raises and debt on our residents and we need to be prudent in considering the impact our budgets and referendums are having on families and residents.
As an incumbent, I offer a unique and valuable perspective. I have spent the last four years serving as board president, vice president, Township Council liaison, and participating in various committees, including the Personnel Committee and have chaired the Education Policy committee and the Community Relations Committee.
I hold a master’s degree in English Literacy Education from Rutgers University and a Dual Teaching Degree from Bloomsburg University. I am currently pursuing my school administrator and supervisor certification.
I am a mom of three Robbinsville graduates and a current classroom teacher with more than 20 years of experience teaching young children through college-bound teens including those with special needs and kids who are advanced learners. This broad experience has provided me with a vivid understanding of the challenges and opportunities kids encounter. I recognize how educational policies directly impact their lives and as a current Board of Education member I apply that awareness to fervently advocate for their needs in a fair and balanced manner to create opportunities for all students to flourish in their academic environment.
I am proud of Robbinsville and have worked to be part of its growth even before my role as a Board of Education member. I actively participated in grassroots efforts to support Robbinsville in a variety of capacities including volunteering for Robbinsville Little League and RHS Baseball, and acting as President of the Robbinsville Moms Club, a well-respected, international non-profit organization dedicated to supporting working and stay-at-home mothers. These experiences helped expand my vision as I work to create opportunities for all Robbinsville students.
Managing the district’s high-quality education while facing significant state funding cuts is a major challenge. My position on budgeting is to prioritize what truly impacts students. The single most important factor in a child’s achievement is the quality of his or her teachers. Therefore, the District’s budget must continue to prioritize attracting and supporting the best educators in the state.
That said, taxpayers have paid their fair share and it’s unfair to them to expect more. We need to pump the brakes on additional expenditures at a time when we are facing projected deficits and be prudent in our budgeting.
Essential resources such as instructional materials and technology as well as Special Education and mental health services are critical investments that must withstand any state aid or budget cuts while non-instructional areas such as administrative costs, facilities, and maintenance expenditures should be explored to minimize the direct impact to our student body.
I am ready to tackle these and other challenges alongside fellow board member Art Howard and dedicated community member Arun Karpur because I believe in their selfless commitment to our community and to putting students first. We intend to focus on policies that will provide the best education and ensure that financial decisions respect the entire community, including our neighbors without kids in the schools.
* * *
Fizza Seehra has lived in Robbinsville for 13 years. She graduated from Lawrence High School and earned her undergraduate degree from Babson College, followed by an MBA from La Salle University.
Seehra has spent two decades working at Johnson & Johnson. She is currently a senior manager in the Worldwide Government Affairs and Policy group, where she leads efforts to assess the impact of state legislation and collaborates with a team to educate policymakers on its effects.
Her previous roles at the company have included responsibilities in financial budgets, strategic analysis, project management, compliance and negotiating access to medications for families.
Seehra is married to Amman Seehra, and they have two children. Both attend Robbinsville schools: Abhay is in 8th grade at Pond Road Middle School, and Maya is in 4th grade at Sharon Elementary School.
Seehra is also involved in community organizations. In 2014, she helped establish the ONE Project, a non-profit organization focused on addressing social needs through education and volunteerism. The ONE Project has organized the annual N.J. Hunger Project, enlisting 9,000 volunteers to package over 800,000 meals for low-income families. The organization also runs the ONE Project Scholars Program, which offers leadership development opportunities for high school students through community service.
At Johnson & Johnson, Seehra was chosen as a Health Equity leader, tasked with advancing healthcare initiatives to address disparities. She co-developed a mentoring program to support African American employees and serves as a career coach for students at Trenton Central High School as part of the Bridge to Employment Program in partnership with The College of New Jersey.
Candidate statement: I am seeking a position on the Board of Education because I am dedicated to serving my community, which has always been a priority in my adult life. When my children were younger, I felt it was crucial to demonstrate the significance of making a local impact, which led me to co-create the ONE Project.
As my children have grown and become part of the school district, I am drawn to serving the community in a different way — by becoming a member of the board of education. I aim to contribute my extensive experience in finance, budgeting, and analytics to the BOE, ensuring that taxpayers’ funds are used wisely. In both my personal and professional life, I have effectively collaborated with various teams to achieve common goals.
Currently, I work in the Government Affairs group at Johnson & Johnson and understand the importance of educating legislators and policymakers to benefit constituents. I will apply this experience to collaborate with government officials to maximize state benefits for our school district’s budget.
There are a plethora of issues the district needs to focus on to ensure it provides a high-quality education while considering the community’s needs. Transparent decision-making and effective communication are pivotal issues in this school board race. Advocating for opportunities for community members, staff, and students to share their suggestions and provide feedback on the school learning environment is crucial to the BOE’s success.
Gaining input from the student body, their families, and staff is vital to ensure there is a comprehensive approach to decision-making. Each board meeting should focus on presenting educational topics, including curriculum, testing, and mental health support. Our community relies on the board to make decisions that support student growth and academic achievement. These decisions must be transparent.
As a BOE slate, we understand that making tough decisions with taxpayers’ dollars is challenging in this economy. I support deeper and more frequent discussions among board members to keep the public informed of the decision-making process and its outcomes.
Advancing student programming is key to student success. A set of literacy bills was signed into law on Aug. 13 to help advance our goal of prioritizing student programming and teacher training in all decisions.
These bills will improve universal screening, provide greater access to learning resources, focus on enhancing teacher professional development and training, and oversee the implementation of foundational literacy instruction while ensuring educational equity.
I would ensure the district leverages these sets of bills to benefit students on their unique learning journeys by providing the various resources needed to support students as applicable, from testing for early intervention to supporting teachers as they continue enhancing their skill sets through training.
A well-run district also includes a well-run budget. With state aid remaining stagnant or potentially decreasing, we must ensure that academic opportunities for all learners are positively affected. Firstly, we must preserve and prioritize budget items that impact student programming and learning.
This may require reassessing and auditing how our budget is currently allocated to identify opportunities for change.
If inflation continues to rise, we need to plan for additional changes to the budget to accommodate these increasing costs. Ultimately, tough decisions will need to be made regarding how we currently allocate taxpayer dollars. I remain committed to not compromising our students’ education during these decisions.
I firmly believe that bullying in any form should never be tolerated, especially not in our schools. As a candidate for the BOE, I will advocate for mental health forums where our students and parents can learn about the anti-bullying resources available to residents of our district.
As a slate, we are committed to anti-bullying efforts and fostering a safe, inclusive school environment where every member of our school community is welcomed, respected, and valued. Additionally, the diverse cultural background in Robbinsville is a great asset to our town and should be celebrated.
It’s been over 13 years since my husband Amman and I moved to Robbinsville. I feel fortunate to have raised our children in a town that values family, community, and cultural diversity. My parents and I moved to the U.S. from India after the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Our family home was burned to the ground, and we realized we were no longer safe in our own country. I saw first-hand the resilience it took for my parents to start over somewhere new with so much uncertainty.
Through their resilience, I learned the immeasurable impact education, hard work, and commitment to helping your family and those around you can have on future generations. I have made it a personal mission to give back through my non-profit work. I have demonstrated success through effective collaboration and a balanced approach to decision-making throughout my career.
The success of any board is contingent on the members’ having an aligned vision of the future and a commitment to achieve that vision collectively. I believe fostering reliability among a board hinges upon establishing trust through communication, transparent decision-making, and actions that consistently place students at the core of our decision-making process.
As a member of the Robbinsville Board of Education, I will stay committed to keeping our students at the center of all decisions and leading with empathy and accountability.
