East Brunswick at a Crossroads
Let’s start here, “Towns can have laws that are stricter than state or federal ones in many areas (like noise ordinances, curfews, or building codes). But not when it comes to drones, because the FAA has exclusive authority over the nation’s airspace.”
At the October 27 East Brunswick Town Council meeting, Mayor Brad Cohen used his closing remarks to deliver a pointed reminder to residents: this year’s only local election—East Brunswick’s Board of Education race—carries lasting importance for the community’s future.
“This is the last council meeting before the election,” Cohen began, “and I wanted to emphasize how important it is—this particular election. We are at a crossroads when it comes to the school system here in East Brunswick.”
Cohen highlighted that the district is entering a new chapter under a new superintendent, calling this moment “an opportunity that will not come again for a very long time.” He underscored the need for voters to reflect on what has not worked in the past and to select leaders capable of bringing transparency and collaboration back into the relationship between the township and the school board.
“It is no secret that there has been difficulty between the township and the school board over the past couple of years,” he said. “This is a time for a reset—a brand new beginning.”
Cohen pointed to a lack of transparency as one of the factors that has strained communication between the two entities. “There has been an attempt to look at them as their own island,” he said. “They’re not good at often sharing with the township in a way that promotes what’s in the best interest of the township.”
He reminded residents that the responsibility of setting the district’s course lies squarely in the hands of the voters. “The township does not run the school district,” Cohen stated. “That is run by the Board of Education—and that’s in your hands to pick those people.”
The mayor also emphasized the broader impact of strong schools on the entire community, noting that even residents without children in the district are affected by the district’s performance. “People move to this township because of the quality of our schools,” he said. “Property values—whether you have students in the schools or don’t—are predicated on that fact.”
Cohen concluded with a call to action: “Whatever is wrong with the ship is not so far gone that it can’t be corrected. But it is all in your hands. Vote. 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—look out for the interests of everybody that lives, works, or travels through this great township.”
Continuing Coverage from Eyes on EB
Here at Eyes on EB, we’ve been closely following every aspect of the Board of Education—from the $12 million budget shortfall and program cuts to ongoing issues of transparency and leadership transitions. As Mayor Cohen noted, this election represents a crucial turning point for East Brunswick’s schools, and our commitment remains the same: to keep you informed, engaged, and equipped with facts that matter.
We’ll continue to lead the way in covering this Board of Education election—tracking the candidates, the conversations, and the decisions shaping the future of our district. Stay tuned to Eyes on EB for updates, insights, and post-election analysis as East Brunswick chooses the leaders who will help steer our schools forward.
We’ve queued up the video from the meeting so you can hear Mayor Cohen’s full remarks — check it out below.
