Meet The Candidate: Biral Patel For Edison Board Of Education (2024)

Schools

Board member Biral Patel tells Patch why he should be reelected to the Edison Board of Education.

Posted Mon, Oct 4, 2021 at 3:44 pm ET

"In many ways, I am a newcomer on the board and a challenger as well," Patel told Patch. In December 2020, Board member Ralph Errico resigned from his position. After his resignation, the BOE held a caucus and unanimously elected Patel to fill in the remaining of Errico's term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2021.

Patel said that overcrowding is one of the biggest problems facing the school district, apart from transportation issues and dropping district ranking. He hopes to work "round the clock" to resolve issues.

Read below to learn more about Patel and his platform for the upcoming elections in Edison.

Name: Biral Patel

Position Sought: Edison Board of Education Member

Age (as of Election Day): 41

Party Affiliation: None

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: B.S and M.S in Computer Science

Occupation: Information Technology Professional

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Edison Board of Education Member

Campaign website: http://www.buildbrightfutures.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To make sure our children, parents, educators, staff members, and residents are having the experience of shining schools, excellence in education, transparency and together we make an environment that fosters growth, stability and help our schools shine brighter than ever

The single most pressing issue facing our board is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most important challenge facing the school district at this time is overcrowding and the loss of learning during the pandemic. The overcrowding especially in our high schools needs immediate action and resolve. I am committed to a new high school that can mitigate the crowding in our high schools not just in space but also in opportunities.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

One of the things that make me unique is my commitment and record of community service. Community service runs in my blood as demonstrated by a decade of selfless service for people who need assistance - be it appointments for vaccinations for those unable to secure it on their own, bringing food, groceries, and medications to vulnerable residents’ homes who were too afraid to step out at the beginning of the pandemic or volunteering in the PTO to make a difference in a student's life — I have stepped in and stepped up whenever I could assist. Individually I have helped at every opportunity I got. But to make long-lasting and far-reaching changes in the town, it becomes important to have a seat at the table. I have seen that Edison schools for a very long time have been grappling with overcrowding, fewer opportunities for children, learning loss during the pandemic, bussing issues, enrollment issues, in short, students and residents are not getting what they deserve despite paying high taxes (which is another area that needs control). My proven success as a community organizer, ability to bring people with diverse views to the same table, hard work, and commitment to making a difference are some of the personal qualities that will find success. Further given my professional experience, in the IT sector I can oversee short- and longer-term technology advances in the district. If elected, I promise to serve the district with humility and open communication.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency).

While I am currently on the BOE, I have only been appointed to complete a short term of another board member who resigned. In many ways, I am a newcomer on the board and a challenger as well. There are many areas in the BOE which need change. We have an unsolved overcrowding crisis, transportation is a mess, enrollment is not been done in a timely efficient manner, children are not happy with many other aspects including rankings going down. There is frustration everywhere. The most important thing that all BOE members can and must do is change their attitude and work round the clock to help people. We are here to serve and help. We must listen intently to every single resident and work diligently to solve the problems faced by our children and residents. My goal and motivation is very simple, I want to help and i will never show my back to residents of Edison.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Fiscal responsibility, resolving of overcrowding crisis, transparency, open communication, and accessibility.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

From Day 1, I step up in any area to work hard and to help people. Whether it's the corporate world at my job or community service with several large and small non-profit organizations or BOE, I work very hard and put tremendous time and energy to solve problems and will continue to do so.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

'In the joy of others lies our own' - This is a quote from our guru Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj. That is the motive of my life. Help others and see others happy.

In anticipation of the upcoming election, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns. We will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com