Heather Guas Runs for East Brunswick School Board 2025

Heather Guas Runs for Re-election as East Brunswick Board of Education President

Heather Guas, the current president of the East Brunswick Board of Education (BOE), is seeking another term on the board. With six years of experience on the BOE, she believes her lifelong dedication to education and children makes her a unique candidate in the upcoming election.

Guas, a 56-year-old resident of East Brunswick, is a proud single mother of three. Her two older children are recent graduates of East Brunswick High School, and her youngest child is currently thriving in one of the district’s elementary schools. The family has called East Brunswick home for over 20 years, and Guas feels deeply connected to the community.

Educational Background and Professional Experience

Guas holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education from The College of William and Mary in Virginia. She is also a certified Special Education and Secondary English teacher. Recently, she earned her Supervisor’s and Principal’s certificates, further solidifying her commitment to education and leadership.

As a high school English teacher, Guas has spent 34 years in the classroom, where she has written curriculum, led professional development, and advocated for both students and educators. Her career has always been focused on improving the educational system for children.

Why She's Running for Re-election

Guas is running for re-election because she wants to ensure that every child in East Brunswick receives the highest quality education possible. She believes that the schools should be places where students and staff can thrive.

Key Challenges Facing the District

According to Guas, the biggest challenges facing the school district are the budget and the aging high school facility. She has confidence in the newly appointed Superintendent, Dr. Evelyn Mamman, whose experience and vision will guide the district through these challenges.

Guas emphasizes the importance of transparency in the budget process. As Board President, she led the effort to open the budget process to the public, allowing the community to see how financial decisions are made. Continuing this level of transparency and engagement is essential so that the budget reflects the values and priorities of East Brunswick residents.

Addressing Budget Issues and State Aid Cuts

Guas is satisfied with how the district has handled state aid cuts and budget issues. However, she believes that the community needs to be involved in decisions about the future of the district, especially regarding the high school facility.

The high school, while having served generations well, is now facing escalating maintenance costs and limitations that hinder future growth. Guas believes it is time to look forward and invest in a new, state-of-the-art facility. This would not only provide a better learning environment for students and staff but also elevate the district’s standing across the state and increase home values.

She suggests that this decision should be placed before the community in a referendum, ensuring that every voice in East Brunswick is heard.

Recent Successes and Accomplishments

Guas highlights several successes from the past year, including leading the state in school security and growing programs for students. She is particularly proud of her role in bringing Dr. Mamman to East Brunswick.

From selecting a strong search firm to developing a leadership profile that reflected the community’s vision, the Board worked tirelessly to find the right leader. Guas believes they succeeded and now have a shared responsibility to support Dr. Mamman in building relationships, listening, and leading effectively.

What Sets Her Apart

What truly sets Guas apart is her lifelong commitment to education and children. Unlike many of the challengers, she brings a combination of educational background and career experience alongside her experience as a Board Member. Her education and career give her an informed position, while her experience as a Board Member allows her to maintain the ethical balance of making sure the District is well-run, but not running the District.

With a new Superintendent and the upcoming retirement of the Business Administrator, Guas believes the district needs the historical knowledge she has gained from experienced Board Members she has served with, as well as her own.

Goals for the Future

Looking ahead, Guas has clear goals rooted in experience, connection, transparency, and growth:

• Experience: Support the new Superintendent with strong, steady leadership and the community trust needed to move the district forward.
• Connections: Support the Superintendent in continuing to open communication with families and staff through social media, Town Halls, and small group discussions that keep everyone informed and engaged.
• Transparency: Continue to support open finance meetings and clarify decision-making, ensuring that the community understands how and why choices are made.
• Facilities & Revenue: Explore the development of a new High School Campus that not only replaces aging buildings but also serves as a hub for community events, enhances academic, arts, and athletic opportunities, and creates potential new revenue streams for the district.

These goals reflect Guas’ continued commitment to ensuring that East Brunswick remains a district where students excel, teachers are supported, and the community feels proud and informed every step of the way.