Karen Anderson

Montgomery Township/Rocky Hill School Board Candidates 2026

Q:  How many years have you lived in Montgomery or Rocky Hill?

A:   I have lived in Somerset County 50+ years, in Montgomery 20+ years, and raised two children in Montgomery Township school district.

Q:  Education

A:  I graduated from Fairfield University with a Mathematics BS, Computer Science Concentration and German Minor.

Q:  Family/Personal

A:  None mentioned.

Q:  What skills do you have that would make you a good school board member?

A:   I bring extensive experience as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), having worked in both large corporations and privately owned businesses where success depends on sound financial oversight, strategic planning, accountability, and a strong focus on meeting customer needs. As a school board member, I would apply those same principles by promoting responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars while ensuring that decisions are made with students and families as the priority .In addition, I have regularly attended Board of Education meetings over the past four years. I have gained a solid understanding of board operations, budget discussions, district initiatives, and the issues that matter most to Montgomery families. I have listened carefully and participated in public comment when appropriate. I am prepared to contribute effectively from day one. 

Q:   What issues do you believe our district needs to address? What changes would you recommend?

A:  As a Montgomery resident for more than 20 years, I am running to bring a broader range of perspectives to the Board of Education. I believe strong boards benefit from members with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints who are able to evaluate issues independently and make decisions based on what is best for the district as a whole.

Unlike many current board members and some currently running candidates, I am not affiliated with, nor hold a position with, the school district, any other school district, a PTA or PTO organization, a teachers’ association, the New Jersey Education Association, nor the Montgomery Township Committee. That independence allows me to evaluate every issue on its own merits, free from competing loyalties or outside influence.

I commit to make thoughtful, objective decisions that balance the needs of students, parents, teachers, the community, and taxpayers while maintaining a strong, high quality school district that serves everyone well.

Q:  What are your thoughts on school taxes? What should be the MTSD priorities?

A:  Montgomery residents make a significant investment in our schools through their property taxes. They deserve confidence that every dollar is being managed responsibly, transparently, and efficiently. I learned that the district has used the same independent financial auditing firm for more than 20 years. Although I understand there is no legal requirement to rotate auditors, I believe it is appropriate to periodically evaluate whether continuing with the same firm reflects current best practices in financial oversight and governance.  My role as a board member would be to ask thoughtful questions and ensure the district is following practices that promote accountability and public confidence.

My priorities would be maintaining educational excellence, supporting our students and teachers, and ensuring taxpayers receive the greatest possible value from every dollar invested in our schools. 

Q:  What are your thoughts on how to increase trust between board members, educators, and the public?

A:   Trust is built through transparency, respect, and consistent communication. Every stakeholder, including board members, educators, parents, students, and taxpayers, shares the same fundamental goal: providing students with a safe, high quality education. Questions should be welcomed, differing viewpoints respected, and decisions explained openly. Reasoning behind the board’s decisions explained. Likewise, educators deserve to know they are respected as professionals whose perspectives are valued. By emphasizing transparency, accountability, and civility, the board can strengthen public confidence and ensure that students remain at the center of every decision. 

Q:   What book would you recommend as being important for all high school students to read, and say why?

A:    “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand. This book raises questions about how excessive government control and collectivist systems, including communism, can affect individual freedom, creativity, innovation, and personal responsibility. High school students should be exposed to a wide range of perspectives, and this book challenges readers to think critically, defend their own beliefs, and appreciate the value of individual initiative and integrity.