Five candidates, including three incumbent school board members, filed petitions to run for three open seats on the Lawrence Township Public Schools Board of Education by the July 29 deadline.
Incumbent school board members Jo Ann Groeger, Robert Pluta and Kevin VanHise are being challenged by newcomers Olga Martinez and Shazia Shah for the three school board seats.
The term is for three years.
Groeger, who has served on the school board since 2011, has lived in Lawrence Township for 48 years. Her three children graduated from Lawrence High School.
Groeger said that her passion for education has not waned, even after 14 years of service on the school board. She said she still has more to offer to students, staff, administrators and residents.
“My experience as a school board member, a former educator in the Lawrence school district, as a parent and a resident will continue to be invaluable,” she said.
Martinez has lived in Lawrence Township for 10 years. She has two children. One child attends the Slackwood Elementary School and the other child attends the Lawrence Middle School.
Martinez said she was inspired to run for a seat on the school board after seeing the “great work” of the school district administration and the many changes that they have achieved.
“As a community advocate, I have listened to and heard the needs of many residents. I see this as a valuable asset to share with other members of the school board,” Martinez said.
Shah is a 16-year resident of Lawrence Township. Her children attended the Lawrence Township Public Schools through high school.
Shah said her experiences with the school district have been positive. She said she is passionate about education, and has taught and tutored since her college days.
“I have skills such as conflict resolution, effective communication and teamwork that are crucial to working on the school board,” she said.
Pointing to her background and experience as a parent whose children attended the school district, Shah said she would be able to understand the concerns of parents and students as a school board member.
VanHise has lived in Lawrence Township for 45 years. His children are graduates of Lawrence High School.
VanHise, who has served as school board president and vice president, said he is looking forward to assisting the school board as the district is being transformed and set up for educational growth and success over the next few decades.
The school district is already implementing new and innovative ways to improve student performance, continuing the strong sense of community that the diversity of its students and staff provides to the district, VanHise said.
“My background in local government law, combined with the experience I have gained in serving on the school board since 2011, has given me the knowledge and ability to contribute to the board and support our superintendent of schools as we embark on new initiatives,” he said.
Pluta, who is seeking a second term on the school board, is a 50-year resident of Lawrence Township. He has one child who is enrolled at St. Paul’s School in Princeton.
Pluta said he is running for re-election to continue to ensure that Lawrence Township public school students receive a quality education. Fiscal responsibility is important, as well.
Pluta said he wants to focus on rising test scores, following the results of school closures and remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant learning loss.
