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Subhash Durbha (Hunterdon Central Regional High School District, Raritan Township, New Jersey, candidate 2025)
Subhash Durbha (Nonpartisan) is running or ran for election to Hunterdon Central Regional High School District, Raritan Township in New Jersey.[1]
Elections
2025
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Subhash Durbha completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Durbha's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a rising freshman at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, and I have lived in Raritan Township for the last 6 years and I attended Hunterdon Central for all 4 years of high school. I hope to pursue degrees in biological sciences and public policy. I bring a track record of active involvement in Central’s community. From extracurricular advocacy and curriculum changes to varsity lettering approval, as well as other initiatives, I am now excited to continue that commitment by running for school board. I believe in public service and in giving back to the same town that has given me so much.
- Students First, Always Refocus board priorities on children’s educational, emotional, and physical well-being — not just numbers and statistics. Ensure every decision asks: “How does this benefit students?” Bring back School-Based Youth Services (therapists, counselors, health professionals) so students have access to mental and physical health care at no cost to parents or the district. Recognize that healthy students learn better.
- Smart & Safe Technology Use Address cybersecurity concerns with balanced solutions (secure networks, cloud-based platforms, MDM tools), not blanket bans like removing BYOD. Ensure students have reliable access to technology that supports learning and prepares them for the modern world.
- Transparency & Community Engagement Create a more streamlined communication path between the board, parents, teachers, and students. Make not only meeting notes but also committee meeting summaries more publicly available and easier to access. Hold open forums and publish clear, timely updates so the community stays informed and involved in decision-making.
I’m personally passionate about education equity, mental health access, and responsible technology policy. I believe every student—regardless of background—deserves access to high-quality education, supportive mental health resources, and the tools to succeed in an increasingly digital world. I also care deeply about modernizing education policy to balance innovation with safety, ensuring students benefit from technology without compromising cybersecurity or privacy. Overall, I’m driven by policies that empower young people, strengthen communities, and prepare the next generation to lead with empathy, critical thinking, and integrity.
Integrity, transparency, and accountability are essential. An elected official should listen to all perspectives, make decisions guided by evidence and community values, and prioritize the long-term well-being of students over politics or personal interests. Collaboration, empathy, and open communication are key to effective leadership.
A school board member’s first responsibility is to serve as a representative of the community. While yes they set policy, define strategic goals, and ensure the district's decisions reflect the school’s values, they also should reflect the needs of students, parents, and taxpayers. Board members focus on the “what” and “why” of education: what outcomes we want for our students, and why those goals matter.
In my view, the primary job of a school board member is to serve as a representative of the community—setting the district’s vision, establishing policy, and ensuring accountability to students, families, and taxpayers. The board’s role is to govern, not manage—focusing on long-term goals, fiscal responsibility, and student outcomes, while empowering the Superintendent and administration to handle day-to-day operations. Ultimately, a school board member’s duty is to make thoughtful, informed decisions that prioritize student success, equity, and the overall health of the school community.
My constituents include students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members across the Hunterdon Central Regional High School District. Every decision a board member makes affects not only current students but also the families, educators, and taxpayers who invest in the success of our schools.
Supporting diversity means recognizing that each student and staff member has unique needs and strengths. I would advocate for inclusive programs that ensure equal access to academic, mental health, and extracurricular resources, while fostering an environment that celebrates different cultures, learning styles, and perspectives.
I plan to stay active in the community by attending events, visiting schools, and maintaining open lines of communication with parent-teacher associations, student groups, local nonprofits, and civic organizations. Building trust means being visible, approachable, and responsive to feedback from all stakeholders.
Parents are essential partners in education. I would host regular listening sessions and open forums, use clear communication channels, and collaborate with parent organizations to better understand family needs. Transparency and accessibility are crucial to maintaining mutual trust and engagement.
To attract and retain talented educators, I support offering competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a positive workplace culture that values innovation and collaboration. Highlighting Hunterdon Central’s academic excellence and supportive environment can make the district a destination for top educators.
My ideal learning environment is inclusive, engaging, and student-centered—one where students feel safe to express ideas, take academic risks, and explore their interests through both traditional and hands-on learning opportunities. Technology, arts, and extracurricular activities should complement academic rigor to create a well-rounded experience.
Good teaching inspires curiosity, fosters critical thinking, and adapts to students’ diverse learning needs. It can be measured through student growth, engagement, and feedback, not just standardized test scores. I would support advanced teaching approaches through ongoing training, mentoring programs, and providing educators with resources to innovate in the classroom.
I would like to see continued emphasis on digital literacy, financial literacy, mental health education, and civic engagement. These areas prepare students for life beyond high school while reinforcing critical thinking, empathy, and responsible citizenship.
I would advocate for responsible budgeting, pursuit of grants, partnerships with local businesses, and efficient resource allocation to ensure every dollar benefits students directly. Collaboration with state and local officials is essential to secure stable funding without overburdening taxpayers.
Safety must balance security and emotional well-being. I believe in proactive approaches—strengthening mental health resources, maintaining strong communication systems, and investing in technology that enhances campus safety without creating a restrictive environment.
Mental health is foundational to success. I would advocate for accessible counseling services, peer support programs, and staff training to recognize and respond to mental health needs early. Creating a culture of openness and compassion reduces stigma and helps every member of the school community thrive.
I would focus on strengthening policies that support mental health services, digital safety, and academic innovation. Additionally, I believe in reviewing communication policies to ensure transparency and accessibility between the board, administration, and the community.
My very first job was working in Hunterdon Medical Center's nutrition department, where I helped deliver meals and interact with patients. It was a meaningful experience that taught me the importance of compassion, communication, and attention to detail—skills that have stayed with me ever since. I worked there for a little over a year and learned to appreciate the impact that small acts of care can have on someone’s day.
The first historical event I remember was the 2016 presidential election. I was around nine years old at the time, and even though I didn’t fully understand politics yet, I vividly recall how engaged everyone around me was: at home, at school, and on the news. It was the first time I realized how national events can shape everyday conversations, communities, and people’s sense of involvement in civic life.
I look up to my father, who built his way up from very little without ever negatively impacting anyone else’s life. His dedication, humility, and integrity are qualities I deeply admire and strive to emulate. In a world where self-promotion is often prioritized, his quiet perseverance and commitment to doing the right thing stand out as a model for how I hope to lead and live.
I would like to leave a legacy of service: someone who used their skills and opportunities to make a tangible difference in their community. Whether through education, mentorship, or advocacy, I hope people remember me as someone who listened, acted thoughtfully, and helped others succeed, leaving behind stronger systems and empowered individuals for the next generation.
Something I’ve struggled with in my life is learning to balance high expectations with self-compassion. I’ve always pushed myself to achieve—academically, personally, and in leadership—but at times, that drive made it difficult to slow down and appreciate progress instead of just focusing on the next goal. Instead, I’ve learned that true growth comes not just from hard work, but from recognizing your limits.
My favorite book is “Misery” by Stephen King because it explores human resilience, obsession, and the will to survive. The story captivated me with its intense psychological tension and reminded me how courage, resourcefulness, and determination can help someone navigate even the most harrowing situations. It’s a gripping tale that stays with you long after you finish reading.
If I could be any character, I would choose Krishna from the Mahabharata. He embodies wisdom, courage, and guidance, always helping others navigate difficult choices while balancing strategy and compassion. I admire how he leads by example, inspires those around him, and uses his knowledge to create positive outcomes—qualities I aspire to bring into my own life and leadership.
One accomplishment I’m especially proud of is being named New Jersey Speech and Debate Student of the Year. This recognition reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and growth in public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership. Beyond the award itself, it represents the impact of teamwork, mentorship, and hard work, and it reminds me of the importance of using my skills to help others find their voice as well.
Artificial intelligence should be used as a tool for enhancement, not replacement—helping teachers personalize learning, analyze student progress, and reduce administrative burdens. However, its use must come with clear ethical guidelines and data privacy protections to ensure student safety and integrity in education.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
External links
[1] ↑ Submitted to Ballotpedia's candidate survey in 2025.
