Brick Township School Board Election 2024: John Henry
My family moved to Brick in 1957, I went to school in Brick, I played varsity football, baseball and hockey. I learned most of my foundational skills for what I needed to succeed during those years both academically and about life. So, when my colleagues and I say Believe in Brick it represents the pride we have by living in Brick and serving the students in our Schools. I am retired from formal K-12 public education after 29 years and have more time now to give back to the community. I am hopeful that my experiences in education at various educational levels can contribute to the existing quality educational programs and curriculum that Brick students receive. I am also running because I believe in student empowerment, having safe schools and providing opportunities for creativity and innovative education that can lead to academic and personal success as well as building strong community connections. I understand the need for students to be able to problem solve and learn to think outside the box as well as for them to have a diverse understanding of career choices while keeping hometown traditions in mind. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the students, staff members and the parents of Brick Schools.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing the Brick Township School District right now and how would you address it?
A significant challenge of Brick schools is a shortfall of funding. There is no doubt, this has, and can continue to place a burden on the staff. I also know that given the circumstances, the board, administrators, teachers and parents are doing the best they can by working together as a community to support student success. If elected to the Board of Education, I would work collaboratively with other board members first, looking to see what has been done to date or what may be involved in advocating for increased state support. This could include reaching out to state officials to lobby with assistance from NJ School Boards Association (NJSBA) and taking advantage of their advocacy department. Additionally, communicating with NJSBA field service representatives to see what other school districts in NJ have done when faced with similar circumstances.
Name one thing about the Brick Township School District that always makes you smile.
Seeing the smiles coming from students by watching them participate in school academic or extracurricular related events. It makes me smile knowing that they are feeling the same Brick pride that I felt when I walked through the halls of the schools or when I played on our hometown fields.
