NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—Sean Monahan is running in today’s school board election.  Monahan is a Rutgers University alumnus with a degree in Sociology, and is also a New Brunswick resident and homeowner.

Monahan is currently employed as a web developer and has past experience as an EMT and local community organizer.

In his opening statement at the school board candidate’s forum last Thursday, Monahan said: “The pathway to a good job in America centers around education.”

“I know that the kids in New Brunswick are just as smart and capable as kids in every community around the state, but unfortunately the school system here is not providing the quality education that they deserve,” he continued.  “That is why I’ve chosen to run for the New Brunswick school board.”

Monahan’s top priorities should he be elected are to curb gang violence in schools and to increase emphasis on science and math education. Of the gang problem, Monahan stated, “There has been far too much violence in the past few years, and I know that it has become an obstacle for New Brunswick students trying to focus on their studies.”

When asked  how he would improve the school curriculum, Monahan suggested that open-source software and technology be utilized; technology that is low-cost or even free to the school system. “Technology is changing; the curriculum needs to adapt so students can be ready for jobs in the twie century,” Monahan said.

On the matter of improving academic proficiency, Monahan proposed that reading, writing, and math skills be reinforced.

“Kids who don’t have the skills that they really need are being pushed along through the system,” Monahan said, “and this goes double for ESL students; we have to make sure that before they leave ESL they’re fully ready to do their coursework in English.”

Monahan also advocated for the continued expansion of the Rutgers Future Scholars program, which brings Rutgers students to New Brunswick Schools to mentor certain subjects.

In his closing remarks, Monahan concluded:  “By working with everyone who makes this city great, I think that we can get the New Brunswick children on the road to good jobs and a better future.”

Polls are open today from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.  Please visit NewBrunswickToday.com for up-to-date election results this evening.

Editor at New Brunswick Today | 732-993-9697 | editor@newbrunswicktoday.com | Website

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.

Charlie is the founder and editor of New Brunswick Today, and the winner of the Awbrey Award for Community-Oriented Local Journalism. He is a proud Rutgers University journalism graduate, a community organizer, and a former independent candidate for mayor of New Brunswick.