Four candidates are running for election to the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education this year, but only one race is contested.
Three candidates are competing for two open Plainsboro seats on the school board—Pooja Bansal (an incumbent), Hanif Payak and Ajanta Shah. Board member Rachel Juliana, whose term ends on Dec. 31, opted not to run for re-election.
In West Windsor, incumbent Elizabeth Cheniara is running uncontested for one open seat on the board.
Because WW-P is a regional school district, elected representation is split on the board between the two towns—four from Plainsboro and five from West Windsor. Terms are for three years.
The WWP News asked each of the candidates to provide biographical information about themselves and a statement regarding why they are running for reelection to the board.
Their answers are presented in alphabetical order below and are separated by town. Each of the statements represents the candidate’s personal view and do not represent those of the West Windsor-Plainsboro School Board.
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Pooja Bansal has lived in Plainsboro since 2015 with her husband, Amit, who grew up Plainsboro and attended the WW-P schools. Their three children (ages 10, 8 and 5) attend WW-P schools.
Bansal received a bachelor’s degree in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures from Barnard College, and then received her Juris Doctorate from New York Law School.
She has been practicing law for 17 years and is licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey. She is currently a commercial contracts attorney with a focus on the technology, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
Prior to moving to Plainsboro, Bansal worked in public service for the City of New York as an assistant district attorney in the Bronx County District Attorney’s office in the Domestic Violence Bureau and Felony Trial Division.
She went on to serve as counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and later joined the New York City Employees’ Retirement System as an assistant general counsel. She has volunteered for various roles with Dutch Neck Presbyterian Cooperative Nursery School and has been a parent volunteer for the local PTA groups.
Candidate statement: As a committed advocate for education and community well-being, I bring a diverse and rich background in service and leadership. As a current Board member on the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education, I have a proven record of impactful decision-making since joining the Board of Education in January 2022.
I’ve actively served on the Curriculum Committee, where I’ve reviewed and approved various educational and professional development programs and curriculum for the district. I also played an important role on the school district’s negotiation committee for the WWPEA Teacher’s Collective Negotiations contract, ensuring fair terms for all involved.
With extensive experience as a commercial contracts attorney, along with my roles as a former prosecutor and counsel for the Brooklyn Borough President, I bring to Board of Education a unique set of skills in legal expertise, strategic guidance, negotiations, as well as a strong commitment to civic duty and community welfare. As a proud parent of three children in the school district’s Dual Language Immersion program, I offer a unique perspective and deep understanding of the district’s programming.
For my second term on the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education, my priorities would focus on sustaining and continuing to advocate for curriculum and professional development programming that supports both high-achieving students and those who need additional assistance, aiming to close achievement gaps and promote success for all students.
I would also prioritize the mental health of students by expanding programming to include more wellness programs at the elementary school level to promote a positive school environment. Supporting wellness programs at the elementary school level fosters a positive and inclusive school culture that will help address bullying concerns amongst our youngest learners. These priorities would guide my efforts to ensure that the district continues to thrive and meet the current and future needs of all its students.
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Hanif Payak has been a resident of Plainsboro for nearly a decade. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and has over 22 years of experience as an information technology entrepreneur.
Throughout his career, Payak has worked with companies such as Oracle, T-Mobile, F5, and Verizon Wireless, providing cutting-edge digital solutions for Fortune 500 clients. His work focuses on safeguarding networks, reputation, and mission-critical systems in the increasingly AI-driven digital landscape.
Payak is married to Nazma, and the couple has been together for over 20 years. They have two daughters, both of whom attend schools in the West Windsor-Plainsboro (WWP) School District.
Beyond his professional life, Payak is actively involved in the local community. He currently serves on the board of Walker Gordons Farms HOA, a residential community in Plainsboro. His volunteer efforts include participating in PTA events such as book fairs and field days, organizing annual food drives for the Plainsboro Food Pantry, and supporting township events like fundraisers for the Plainsboro Rescue Squad.
During the pandemic, Payak played a vital role in securing and distributing essential supplies, including masks, to ensure the safety of his neighbors. His charitable efforts extend beyond the local community; through a nonprofit organization, he has provided school supplies and covered tuition fees for students in need globally.
Payak’s contributions to both the community and the field of information technology reflect his commitment to making a positive impact locally and beyond.
Candidate statement: As a New Jersey resident for over 18 years, I moved to Plainsboro with my family a decade ago to seek the best educational opportunities for our two daughters. Today, Plainsboro is more than just where we live; it’s our forever home.
My passion for education and community service was shaped during my teenage years while living with my uncle, a dedicated teacher and community leader. He believed strongly in the transformative power of education and worked tirelessly to ensure that every child, especially girls, had access to schooling. His commitment to providing school supplies to families in need left a lasting impression on me. While still in high school, I joined him in teaching underprivileged students and distributing essential supplies, which ignited my lifelong commitment to community service. I take pride in being the first in my family to major in computer science engineering, a feat made possible by the support of my community. I aim to carry this spirit of lifelong learning and giving back that we all of us, both students and parents, uphold in the district into my role as a candidate for the West Windsor-Plainsboro (WWP) Board of Education. My goal is to bring positive change and a fresh perspective to our school district.
As a long-term Plainsboro resident with children in the district, and as a dedicated volunteer and active community member, I am committed to maintaining our tradition of academic excellence while promoting fiscal responsibility and a supportive environment for our students. I will leverage my existing board as well as professional experience to collaborate with all stakeholders including residents, staff, and parents. My focus will include fostering community collaboration, improving communication and transparency, ensuring digital and physical safety, enhancing mental health support, and strengthening anti-bullying measures.
I currently serve as a board member of the Homeowners Association (HOA) for Walker Gordon Farms. In this role I have negotiated existing contacts to get the best possible deals for our community, worked on initiatives to enhance the sports facilities for our youth who have excelled in various school sports and sought different ways of funding important community projects that bring everyone together. As an information technology entrepreneur, I navigate the complexities of the AI-driven digital world, providing cutting-edge solutions to Fortune 500 clients. I plan to leverage these experiences to build partnerships with academic and research-based institutions, ensuring our students are well-prepared for their futures.
My involvement in the community has included volunteering with my family at numerous PTA events such as book fairs, field days, and Halloween celebrations. I have organized annual food drives for the Plainsboro Food Pantry and supported township events, raising funds for the Plainsboro Rescue Squad. During the pandemic, I worked hard to secure and distribute essential supplies, including masks, to keep our neighbors safe. Through a nonprofit organization, I have extended this work globally, providing school supplies and covering tuition fees for students in need.
A notable achievement was my recent participation in a coalition of parents advocating for our children’s overall well-being alongside academic success. We successfully petitioned the school district to explore ways to better support students facing the challenges of middle and high school. This initiative led to the creation of a special school committee dedicated to addressing our concerns.
I am eager to collaborate with all of you to enhance the success of our district and ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely to provide every student with the education and support they need to achieve their personal goals.
In conversations with community residents, I have identified several areas for improvement that will be central to my campaign:
• Ensuring all students can thrive, regardless of their backgrounds.
• Fostering transparency in district decisions to keep the community informed and involved.
• Supporting mental health initiatives that address the well-being of our students.
• Strengthening digital safety measures to help students navigate the online world securely.
• Enhancing anti-bullying efforts to create a safe and respectful environment for all.
• Maximizing value for taxpayers by ensuring efficient use of district resources.
With a proven track record of community service and a deep dedication to education, I am ready to make a meaningful impact on the WWP Board of Education. My vision is one of inclusivity, support, and continuous improvement, ensuring every student in our district receives the best possible educational experience.
I invite everyone to join my campaign, “Positive Change for Good.” Please visit my Facebook page, “Hanif Payak for WWP,” for details and to learn more about my specific goals for the district.
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Ajanta Shah was born and raised in Plainsboro and is a graduate of High School North. After completing her college and graduate studies in the New York/New Jersey area, Shah returned to central New Jersey and, in 2020, moved back to Plainsboro when her eldest child was ready to start kindergarten.
Shah holds a bachelor’s degree in English and art history from Rutgers University, a master’s degree in South Asian Studies from Columbia University and a master’s degree in education from The College of New Jersey.
Shah currently works as a lead data scientist at a public consulting group, where she oversees a team of data analysts from across the country. Before that, she served as a data analyst at Foundation Academy Charter School and The Eagle Academy Foundation. Shah began her career at Newark Legacy Charter School, later transitioning into educational policy and data analysis through the Education Pioneers Program.
Shah is married to Pulkit, and they have two children, ages 6 and 9, who currently attend schools in the WW-P School District. She also has a sister who is a WW-P alum and several nieces and nephews who are current students or recent alumni of the district.
Since moving back to Plainsboro, Shah has been an active member of the community. She has served on the Wicoff School PTA Executive Board for the past two years, overseeing the school’s Fall and Spring Book Fairs. Additionally, she has volunteered with local PTA groups since 2020 and has supported various organizations, including the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Co-Op Nursery School, through her children’s extracurricular activities.
Candidate statement: I’m running for the school board because, as an alumna of this district, I believe it is both my duty and privilege to serve the community where I grew up and am now raising my own children. My experiences as a student in the district ignited my passion for education and drove me to dedicate my career to improving the system that shaped me. As a former educator who now works within education policy as a data scientist, I have a deep knowledge of educational data systems. I understand the challenges schools, parents, students, and administrators face. My unique experience as a former student of the district, taxpayer, and parent in this district gives me a well-rounded perspective. As a South Asian American woman living in a diverse community, I also understand the challenges and experiences many of our students face. I believe my background, career, and personal experiences make me a unique candidate who can offer a perspective not many others have.
My top priority, as a former educator, remains the students. The West Windsor-Plainsboro School District has a proud legacy of being high-achieving and academically strong, consistently delivering exceptional results for our students. I am committed to championing this tradition of excellence by continuing to support rigorous academic programs, innovative teaching, and diverse learning opportunities for all students.
As a Board member, I would continue to champion a diverse curriculum, educational programs, technology, and teacher training to ensure we maximize these resources for student success. Our district has a strong history of providing diverse learning experiences, and I believe this should continue, whether through the use of technology, diverse reading materials and experiential learning opportunities.
I will advocate for the district to strengthen not only its academic programs but also its offerings in music, sports, drama, technology, and other extracurricular activities. A well-rounded education includes opportunities for students to explore their interests outside the classroom, and I support fostering community service, experiential learning, and bringing in guest speakers to expand students’ horizons.
In addition to academics, student health and wellness are important to me. School safety, along with addressing harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB), should remain priorities to create an environment of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Our district has emphasized Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in classrooms, ensuring students and parents feel safe and supported. I will continue to advocate for programs and policies that promote a positive, nurturing environment where every student can thrive both emotionally and academically.
As a parent and community member, I am committed to ensuring that parents and administrators feel heard and respected while making decisions that prioritize student success. It is critical for the board to actively listen to parents and foster a culture where their concerns are not only acknowledged but addressed. Equally important is ensuring parents understand how and when to approach the board. There is often a gap in awareness of how the board functions, and I believe it is the responsibility of both the board and schools to work towards clear, transparent, and ongoing communication.
In closing, I am deeply passionate about continuing to serve this community and ensuring that our schools provide an exceptional and inclusive educational experience for every student. With my background in education and policy, coupled with my personal connection to this district, I believe I can contribute meaningfully to its growth. I am eager to work collaboratively with fellow board members, parents, educators, and the community to build on the district’s strengths and face its challenges with integrity and dedication.
West Windsor
Elizabeth Cheniara has lived in West Windsor since 2007 with her husband, John, and four children. She spent her childhood through high school in Westchester County, New York. She will be serving her second three-year term on the board.
She earned a law degree from Cardozo Law School (Yeshiva University), a master’s in public policy and administration from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Barnard College.
Cheniara works as the director, legal compliance at the N.J. Economic Development Authority and was the vice president of legal and regulatory affairs for N.J. Builders Association) for over 10 years.
Prior to that role, she was a management consultant for two years with the public sector division of PricewaterhouseCoopers as well as a policy analyst for the Office of the Bronx Borough President.
Her son and daughter are graduates of High School South. Her twins are freshman at High School South.
She is a troop leader for a 9th grade Girl Scouts troop and previously for a troop that graduated in 2023.
She has volunteered for the different PTAs at various events and participated with service projects in the broader WW-P community. Other community service includes: the regional alumnae association for Barnard College; a member of the Columbiettes of St. David the King Catholic Church in West Windsor; and a volunteer with Send Hunger Packing.
Candidate statement: I truly appreciate the responsibility and opportunity to serve a second term on the Board of Education as a West Windsor resident. Our community continues to grow because of its reputed high quality education system, engaged parents and forward-thinking district Administration that has shown significant concern and commitment to its students and families. As an active community member in various service-oriented roles, my perspectives continue to broaden by learning from and interacting with people of different backgrounds.
While we emerged from the pandemic during the past three years, there are still many unknowns as to the longer-term impact on our students and recent graduates. However, we did learn that not all children adapt to transitions easily and some experienced greater levels of anxiety when they returned to school, which affected their interactions with peers, happiness and academic performance.
The typical course of childhood development was lost for a segment of the population that is now in college and beyond. The children who were in elementary school during the pandemic are mostly now in middle and high school. While talking with college graduates, current college students and parents of school age children, I have realized that all students would benefit from age-appropriate guidance programs that equip them with coping skills to handle life’s daily stressors. Focus is also needed to create a more respectful, caring community where the values of empathy, compassion and kindness are taught across all the grades. This would also lead to a community where every student feels that they are seen as they are and do belong in this amazing District, regardless of what they look like or their family’s traditions, beliefs, or income.
Another important area is the availability of mental health services for students and families. This includes ensuring processes are in place to first help identify early signs that a student needs support, and then quickly provide the services in cooperation with the guardians. While there is growing awareness of the importance of mental health wellbeing, the stigma still remains, deterring people from coming forward to seek help before a crisis occurs. Recognizing differences in cultural norms, when making a guardian aware of the timely need for an intervention or assessment, the process itself and the services available, the communication should be done in a respectful and sensitive manner. Guardians may not be able to see or accept the fact that their child is struggling, since it may not be readily apparent as in the case of a physical ailment. Additionally, when a child is in crisis, the entire family is affected. Parents need greater support during that time as they are caring for all their children and trying to keep up with their other (i.e. work) responsibilities. Ensuring the support resources are more accessible and known would be very beneficial for the family to move forward and adjust as a whole.
I look forward to serving the children and families in collaboration with the WW-P school district.
