Jannah Hameed: Meet Your 2025 HIllsborough Board of Education Candidates
Hillsborough’s General Election on November 4, 2025 includes six candidates running for three open seats on the Township Board of Education. Incumbents Joel Davis, Danny Lee and Jean Trujillo are seeking re-election, while Marc Ehrenkrantz, John Fluet and Jannah Hameed are running as challengers.
To provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about each candidate, heyBORO invited all six to participate in a Q&A as part of our Meet Your BOE Candidate series. Three candidates submitted responses, which are presented here in their entirety. All candidates were given the same questions and equal opportunity to respond.
Jannah Hameed
Hillsborough township 2025 Board of Education Candidate
SHort BIO
Tell us a little about yourself – your background, connection to Hillsborough and why you’re running.
As a lifelong Hillsborough resident and graduate of our school system, I realize both the importance of high-quality education, and the economic impact BOE decisions have on Hillsborough families. I am running to:
Spend every dollar responsibly, and with purpose
Build trust through open, honest communication
Address growing class sizes to improve quality of education
Support our educators and students through prioritizing their feedback
Property Taxes & Budget
This year’s school budget and tax increase have been a big topic in Hillsborough. How do you think the Board of Education should balance the needs of our schools with the financial concerns of homeowners?
Being fiscally responsible means balancing the needs of our students with the realities facing our taxpayers. This increase means the average Hillsborough home, valued at $594,089, now faces a tax bill of $8,645. That’s a serious impact, especially on working families, residents on a fixed income, and seniors, many of whom fear being taxed out of their homes. At the same time, protecting teaching positions must be treated as essential spending. Teachers are the heart of our classrooms, and growing class sizes ultimately hurt students the most. My stance is that this increase didn’t need to be all or nothing. I would have supported a middle ground—raising enough to maintain what we have now, without burdening residents with the full $20 million.
Priorities for Our Schools
What are your top priorities for Hillsborough schools over the next few years? This could include academics, programs, teachers, facilities or student well-being.
Overcrowding in schools prevents students from receiving the quality of education they deserve. Growing class sizes mean students receive less individual attention, while teachers may struggle to manage classrooms effectively. The clear solution here is to hire additional staff, opening more classrooms to reduce class sizes overall. While cost restraints make this difficult to implement, adequate staffing must be a priority within our existing budget. This includes working with special needs teachers to ensure they have the appropriate resources and tools for their students to succeed. In addition, Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) cases must be treated with the seriousness they demand. This requires prioritizing concerns raised by teachers and staff about student behavior.
Transparency & Community Input
Many residents feel out of the loop on BOE decisions. How would you make sure the community stays informed and involved in important decisions?
I believe in creating regular opportunities for dialogue, such as community engagement nights, where residents have the chance to share their perspective. At the same time, in-person meetings aren’t always feasible for busy families. For this reason, it's important for the Board to use digital platforms like email and social media. True transparency, however, isn’t just about hearing—it’s about listening and responding. During my campaign, I’ve answered every question and message I received, while meeting with parents, students, teachers, and concerned residents for over a year now. These conversations have shaped my understanding of our community’s needs. If elected, I will carry that same communication and transparency with me to the Board of Education.
Non-Negotiables
What are your “no compromise” priorities for the Board of Education — things you feel strongly about protecting or ensuring happen in Hillsborough schools?
I will not support any measures that involve cutting teachers or essential staff. Teachers are the foundation of student success and academic learning: losing them would directly harm our quality of education by increasing class sizes and reducing the individual attention students receive. Protecting these positions must remain a top priority, even when budgets are tight.
Immediate Change
If elected, what is one thing you would like to change immediately in the Hillsborough education system?
There’s a misconception that everyone in Hillsborough is well off, but that’s not the case for many families facing food insecurity. One ESL teacher shared, “As ESL teachers at HES, we see firsthand the growing number of students coming to school hungry… Sometimes, breakfast and lunch at school are the only real meals they get.” While the district promotes free and reduced lunch, we can go further by working closely with teachers, and partnering with the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate.
Personal Message
A short message to Hillsborough residents about why you’re running and what you hope to bring to the Board.
I’ve attended BOE meetings for over a year, showing up to stay informed and engaged. To me, being open to the public isn’t optional—it’s the bare minimum. While no other candidate has hosted a public meet-and-greet, I’ve organized four. I’ve spoken with a variety of teachers, students, parents, and seniors. One message is consistent: people feel unheard. I want to assure you: your voice matters. I will always be willing to learn others’ perspectives and have a conversation—this I promise.
contact Jannah Hameed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hameed4boe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hameed4boe
Email: hameedforboe@gmail.com
