YIJIA LIU
FOR BERNARDS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION
“EXCELLENCE FOR ALL”
CANDIDATE STATEMENT AND PROFILE
Name: Yijia Liu
Age: 40
Town of residence: Bernards Township
Position sought: Board of Education Member
Family: Wife Wei Fan and one daughter age 4.
Education: Bachelor of Computer Science
Occupation: Environmental Monitoring Specialist at Rees Scientific Corporation
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Why are you seeking to run for BOE?
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Our children are our future and most important investment. I want to do everything I can to make our schools the best they can possibly be so that every student can achieve their highest potential. That is why my campaign motto is “Excellence For All.”
What makes you qualified to run for the BOE?
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I believe it is best if a BOE is made up of many different individuals each with unique experiences to offer. There is a saying that “One key cannot open every lock.” We need many “keys” to make sure that every opportunity is explored and “unlocked.” I believe I have something special to offer to the people of Bernards Township in terms of background and experience. I have a special appreciation for the importance of education and Bernards is the place where my wife and I want to live and raise our family. As a naturalized Chinese American citizen, my journey to America has allowed me to develop both technical and interpersonal skills. In particular, I believe my background in computer science, as well as the leadership and mentoring skills I exercise at work and while serving in the United States Navy, would be of benefit to the BOE.
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What would you like people to know about you?
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I am a dedicated husband and father. I am well organized and thoughtful. I am a strong believer in courteous discourse and dialogue as a means of solving problems and reaching consensus. In coming to America and achieving success, I have overcome many obstacles but always keeping a positive attitude. I am proud to be both Chinese and American.
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My biggest supporter is Wei Fan, my wife and mother of our beautiful daughter. We met, first as friends, way back when we were in middle school. That friendship grew into love and we have been happily married for many years. Together we have overcome numerous challenges and obstacles. As parents of a special needs child we understand the stress this can cause in a family. However, whenever we face difficulties, we rely on each other’s strength. We also share many of the same qualities, including empathy and compassion for others. We work hard to be responsible contributors to society and good role models for our daughter. In addition to being a wonderful partner to me and mother to our daughter, Wei Fan is Performance Marketing Manager at a large company. I am so proud of her and grateful for her strength and support.
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What do you see as the schools’ most important goals?
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Students achieving their full potential. Intelligent spending. A broad-based, unbiased and transparent curriculum. Delivering the best education possible that the community can afford in order to best prepare the next generation of American citizens to excel in their chosen path and contribute to society. Studying the past helps us understand the present. Students should be knowledgeable about history through a balanced program of studies that teaches students how to think.
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What do you see as the role of parents in their children’s education?
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In my view, student achievement requires a practical partnership between parents and the schools. All voices must be heard and different viewpoints considered when making decisions, including the voices and viewpoints of parents.
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What do you see as the biggest challenge for our schools?
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The wise expenditure of financial resources. Our school budget (about $120M) is approximately three times the budget (about $42M) for Bernards Township. Approximately 66% of the municipal taxes Bernards residents pay go to the schools. See https://www.bernards.org/filelink/fileman-files/INFOGRAPHIC%2009052023.pdf
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What would be your first priority if elected?
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To listen, learn and work towards the wise expenditure of financial resources. I would like to see 5 and 10-year plans addressing future expenditures. Planning is key.
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What sets you apart from other candidates?
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The combination of my experiences as a veteran, husband, father of a young child, and as a Chinese American provide me with a unique perspective on the school district. I have an appreciation of the various unique cultural backgrounds in Bernards Township as well a love for what binds us all together as neighbors. This outlook is grounded in practical experience gained through my military and business careers. For example, my naval and professional training has provided me with expertise in maintenance operations. I can bring that expertise to the district with a systemic approach that can help us maintain first class facilities while controlling costs. I would like to see and contribute to 5 and 10-year plans for facilities and equipment maintenance, repair and replacement.
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What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?
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I will dedicate myself to achieving excellence for all students. For more information about me, please see: https://www.facebook.com/Liu4BOE