Two BOE members not running for re-election
Mary Chyb and Jim Curran decide to step down from board
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK - Of the three seats available on the North Brunswick Board of Education, currentmembersMary Chyb and Jim Curran have decided not to run for re-election.

Chyb said she feels that serving on the Board of Education is a good opportunity for other people in the community to become engaged with school activities, so thatmore people can understand the challenges faced by teachers and administrators and so that more ideas can be provided to formulate a better education for students.

"I was so pleased to be part of a board which accomplished a great deal, and our successes were very rewarding. Naturally, the people in the school district and on the board all worked together to achieve those accomplishments, those successes, and it was extremely rewarding to work with people who had our children's education and well-being first," she said.

The accomplishments, Chyb said, included "our students' continued success in national and state tests, a new superintendent who is simply an inspiration to all people who are passionate about providing the best education to our children," the construction at the elementary schools and middle school being on-schedule and onbudget, the opening of the high school addition on time, the implementation of a full-day kindergarten program this fall, the recognition of student achievement by "having our students front and center and highlighted at the beginning of our [Board of Education public] meetings," and the fiscal responsibility of the district,which included the re-organization of several administrative positions when employees had left to pursue other opportunities.

In the future, Chyb believes the new board should do the following:

• address the diverse population and the wide variety of needs of the students,

• ensure that the residency evaluation program continues,

• continue its fiscal responsibility and proper use of surplus money, and

• be responsible and accountable in terms of fiscal diligence.

Regarding howthese goalswill affect the students, she said, "For many students, receiving a good education will be the most important means for them to have a successful and happy life."

Although Chyb is not seeking re-election after serving only one term, she said she plans to continue her involvement with the district, mainly by joining a forthcoming strategic planning initiative, which she will join as a community member.

She hopes that in the future, "each one of [our students] can achieve to the level of their ability and that we can provide for all of our children the best possible education andmeet the very diverse needs of our children."

Curran wished not to comment.

The election will be heldApril 15 from 2 to 9 p.m. Incumbent Connie Corbin and newcomers Carlo DiLalla, SeemaMoondra, RamTirumala andArthur LeeYoung III are vying for three three-year seats on the Board of Education.