District gets new director of community relations

District gets new director
of community relations

By nicole c. vaccaro

Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK — As students start their first day back to school on Sept. 6, Jennifer Forbes will be starting her first day as the district’s director of community relations.

Forbes was named as Amy Fisher’s replacement during the Aug. 10 Board of Education meeting.

While she admits to having very big shoes to fill, Forbes said she is looking forward to joining the district.

"The East Brunswick school system has a wonderful reputation and high expectations, which I’m sure will prove to be both exciting and challenging for me," said Forbes.

"I have known Amy [Fisher] for quite some time now and know how hard she’s worked for this district," she added.

"I’m anxious to continue in her footsteps, while at the same time taking new strides of my own."

The selection process was a tedious one, accepting résumés up until June, in search of the perfect candidate — which, according to Amy Fisher, was and is Jennifer Forbes.

"I think that she will do a great job and the community will respond well to her," said Fisher. "She will get to know them in a very short time and will be very helpful in keeping them informed."

Forbes has served as public information officer for the Flemington/Raritan Regional school district for three years.

Before that, she worked in corporate communications for Beneficial Manage-ment Corp. and, prior to that, was involved in the medical education field.

Forbes’ transition into school education may have been a gradual one, but well worth the wait, as it is exactly where she wants to be, she said.

"There is fantastic opportunity to make this field exactly what you wish and to get what you want out of it," she said. "You’re also not dependent on a corporate team here, but rather the support of an entire community."

East Brunswick is a much larger school district, almost double, than Forbes is used to; however, she maintains a confident attitude.

At the top of her list of priorities is an upcoming referendum for renovations to Churchill Junior High School and additions to Central School, where she will be working with the superintendent and board members to notify the public of the these changes and their necessity.

She will also help to create a high-tech communications vehicle for parents and children, in which they will be able to obtain information via e-mail, Web sites, etc.

"Technology opens so many doors and I’m looking forward to being a part of those that emerge here," she said.

Forbes also admits to being excited about Spotlight on Education, the weekly television show that airs on the township’s local access channel.

"That is something that is extremely new to me and holds a lot of possibility."

Forbes is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she majored in communications. She has been married for four years.

"This is happening at a really exciting time and I believe I can bring good things to the district," she concluded.

Residents will have the opportunity to meet Jennifer during the Aug. 31 board meeting.