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Brad Cohen encouraged residents to vote in the BOE election next week. EAST BRUNSWICK – During Monday’s Council meeting, Mayor Brad Cohen called on residents to carefully evaluate candidates in next week's school board election. Cohen said it was a pivotal moment for the township's education system as it prepares to work with a new superintendent. Speaking at the township council's final meeting before the election, Cohen emphasized that the vote represents a rare opportunity to reset the relationship between the township and the Board of Education after years of tension. "This is the opportunity for us to take a look at what has not worked in the past and try to fix that – an opportunity that will not come again for a very long time," Cohen said. The mayor noted that successful superintendents often serve a decade or longer, making the timing of this election particularly significant as East Brunswick begins working with new school leadership. "This is a time for a reset," Cohen said, adding that the board has not always been transparent or collaborative with the township in recent years. "There's been an attempt to look at them as their own island, and they're not good at often sharing with the township in a way that promotes what's the best interest of the township." Cohen acknowledged that tension between the township and school board over the past couple of years has been well-known in the community. In September, the school board appointed Evelyn Mamman to lead the school district. Mamman will step into the shoes of Victor Valeski, who announced his retirement earlier this year. The mayor urged residents to thoroughly research candidates' backgrounds and qualifications before casting their ballots, stressing that the Board of Education operates independently of township government. "At the end of the day, the township does not run the school district – that is run by the Board of Education, and that's in your hands to pick those people," he said. Cohen outlined the board's core responsibilities, including setting meeting agendas, hiring superintendents, and evaluating their performance. "It's going to be critical that those people on the coming board do their job to make sure that the new superintendent is set up for success," he said. The mayor emphasized the central role the school system plays in East Brunswick's identity and real estate market, regardless of whether residents have children enrolled. "People move to this township because of the quality of our schools. Let's make no ifs, ands or buts about that," Cohen said. "Property values, whether you have students in the school or don't, does not matter, because they are predicated on the fact that people move here for our schools. That is what we have been known for." While acknowledging problems exist, Cohen expressed optimism that the school system can be corrected with proper leadership. "Whatever is wrong with the ship is not so far gone that it can't be corrected, but it is all in your hands," he told residents. Cohen closed by encouraging voter turnout and emphasizing the common goal shared by all elected officials in the township. "I just ask that you vote, that you analyze the people that are out there, make good choices, and let's all work together to do what we've all been elected to do, which is to look out for the interests of everybody that lives, works or travels through this great township," Cohen said. The school board election is the only local race on East Brunswick's ballot this year. Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com
