Brandon Hurley for Lacey Board of Education

Students First. Teachers Supported. Lacey Respected.

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    • They can’t take our children’s rights away

      When Washington falters, New Jersey must rise.

      Last week, the U.S. Department of Education fired nearly everyone in the Office of Special Education. That’s the division that manages funding and oversight for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). That office ensured that students with disabilities received the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) guaranteed to them under federal law.

      Those layoffs not only eliminated jobs, they completely erased the people who process IDEA funding, monitor compliance, and make sure states uphold their legal responsibilities. Without them, the “checks and balances” that protect our children’s services disappear. Parents are left to wonder: Who will make sure our kids don’t get lost in the shuffle?

      As both a father of a child with special needs and a candidate for our local Board of Education, I am sounding the alarm — calmly, clearly, and firmly. Lacey Township has amazing educators and dedicated families, but we rely on a functioning system of oversight and funding to keep services stable. If Washington can’t provide that, Trenton must. If Trenton can’t, then it’s on us at the local level. I refuse to let our children fall through the cracks.

    • Lacey School Referendum 2025: A Neutral Voter Guide

      This November, Lacey Township voters will be asked to decide on a $28.87 million bond referendum for school repairs. Here’s a clear, unbiased breakdown of what it means for our community.

      What’s Being Proposed

      • Cost: Up to $28.87 million
      • Projects:
        • Roof replacements at five schools
        • HVAC upgrades at the high school, middle school, and Lanoka Harbor Elementary
      • State Aid: About $11.5 million would come from the state, covering roughly 40% of the cost.
      • Tax Impact: The district says this will not raise property taxes, because older debt is expiring.

      Why the District Says It’s Needed

      • Roofs are aging and already leaking in some schools.
      • HVAC systems are outdated, leading to high energy costs and inconsistent heating/cooling in classrooms.
      • Addressing the projects now with state support may save money compared to emergency fixes later.

      ✅ What Supporters Say

      • Prevents costly emergencies: Planned repairs are cheaper than waiting for breakdowns.
      • Uses state money: Without approval, Lacey could lose out on $11.5 million in state aid.
      • No new taxes: The district says the plan uses expiring debt to avoid tax increases.
      • Better learning environment: Updated roofs and HVAC improve safety, comfort, and focus for students.

      ❌ What Critics Say

      • “We just had a big tax increase”: Some point to the ~20% increase last year and argue the district should use that revenue instead of borrowing.
      • “Borrowing is irresponsible”: Critics believe the board should reprioritize the existing budget or take short-term loans, not add long-term debt.
      • “Trust issues”: Skeptics question whether “no tax increase” is realistic, given past communication concerns.
      • “Taxpayers are tired of bailouts”: A common sentiment is that residents are carrying the burden of a poorly managed system.

      What Happens If It Passes

      • Bonds are issued and projects move forward.
      • State covers part of the cost.
      • District maintains that property taxes remain level.

      What Happens If It Fails

      • Projects may still need to be addressed later, but without state aid.
      • Repairs could fall into the regular budget, which would likely affect taxes.
      • Emergency fixes may end up being more expensive.

      Summary

      This referendum focuses on infrastructure basics: roofs and HVAC systems.

      • Supporters view it as smart planning that leverages state aid without raising taxes.
      • Opponents see it as another burden on taxpayers and question the district’s financial priorities.

      On Election Day, the decision is yours. Weigh the benefits, the risks, and what you believe is best for Lacey’s schools and community.

    Brandon Hurley for Lacey BOE

    Students First. Teachers Supported. Lacey Respected.

    I’m Brandon Hurley, and I’m running for the Lacey Township Board of Education because I believe our schools are at a turning point. As a father with children in the district and a community member who cares deeply about the future of Lacey, I know how important strong schools are to everyone — students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.

    My commitment is simple: put students first, support our teachers, and respect our community.

    I’ve served our country and community for nearly 18 years in law enforcement and platform instruction. My career has been built on leadership, accountability, personnel and finance management, and making tough decisions with integrity. Those same qualities are exactly what I’ll bring to the Board of Education.

    Most importantly, I’m a proud dad who wants my kids — and every child in Lacey — to grow up in a strong school system that prepares them for the future.

    Get Involved

    This campaign is about community — and I need your help to make a difference.

    ✅ Request a yard sign
    ✅ Volunteer to spread the word
    ✅ Share your ideas and questions

    Check out the tabs to learn more about me, my campaign and all the ways you can contact me!