Nekulkumar “Nick” Barot

Montgomery Township/Rocky Hill School Board Candidates 2026

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

A:   Montgomery Township resident since 2013 (13 years).

Q:  Where do you work/job title?

A:  Otsuka Pharmaceutical as the director of HRIS and People Analytics. 

Q:  Education

A:  MBA in Finance; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

Q:  Family/Personal

A:  Married, proud parent of two children attending Montgomery middle schools in 6th and 8th grade. Community Leadership Roles: Homeowners Association President (representing a community of over 140 homes); President, CCE Warriors; President, Mind and Motion (non-profit organization); Member, Montgomery Recreation Committee.

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

A:   My background combines community leadership with corporate executive experience. I have years of experience bringing people together and listening to community needs. Professionally, leading HR functions like HRIS, people analytics, and employee listening gives me direct expertise in organizational development, active listening, and turning feedback into action. Additionally, holding an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor’s in Accounting allows me to bring data-driven analytical skills to evaluate district budgets and manage resources responsibly

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

A:  Our district must ensure every policy and budget item directly benefits student achievement while maintaining strong community alignment. Running alongside two running mates under our slate platform, “Together for Students,” we focus on four key priorities: 

Excellence: Supporting well-rounded growth across academics, athletics, and the arts; Communication: Fostering open, ongoing, two-way dialogue between the board, educators, and parents. Accountability: Bringing data-driven decision-making to district oversight and budgeting. Transparency: Keeping parents and residents fully informed on district goals and board decisions.

If I could focus on just one thing, I would focus on cultivating a culture where students come first in every board decision. Before passing any policy or approving any budget, the board should naturally ask: “How does this directly improve outcomes for our students?”

Embedding this mindset ensures every district resource stays aligned with student achievement and well-being.

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

A:  As local homeowners and parents, we must ensure maximum value for every tax dollar invested. With my background in finance and accounting, my approach centers on fiscal responsibility and accountable budget oversight. Spending priorities must remain focused on what impacts students most: academic excellence, athletic and arts programs, student well-being, and classroom support for educators.

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

A:   Trust is built through genuine partnership and transparency, which led us to our platform: “Together for Students” [together4students.com]. We can increase trust by strengthening the existing feedback process and ensuring input from parents and teachers is heard, addressed, and reflected in district decision-making, providing clear visibility into budgets well before votes occur annually, and aligning key stakeholders around one common commitment: putting our children first.

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

A:    I recommend “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey.  As a parent, youth leader, and HR professional, I see how vital executive function and self-leadership skills are. This book offers practical guidance on taking initiative (Be Proactive), time management (Put First Things First), and building strong relationships (Think Win-Win), helping students graduate as confident, well-rounded leaders.