Livingston resident Fang Gong has announced her candidacy for the Livingston Public Schools Board of Education. There will be one open seat on the Board up for election this November. Board president Vineeta Khanna’s term will conclude at the end of the year, and she is not seeking reelection.
Currently, Gong is the only person who has filed a petition for the open seat. There is still more than two weeks left for residents to announce their candidacy; petitions must be submitted by 4 p.m. on July 31.
Below, Gong introduces herself, and her candidacy, in her own words.
• • • Fang Gong is a dedicated mother of two children currently attending Burnet Hill Elementary School, and is deeply committed to creating an exceptional learning environment that benefits students in Livingston Public Schools. She is running for the Livingston Board of Education, driven by a clear vision centered around three fundamental principles: Excellence, Empathy, and Equity. Fang is an engaged member of the Home and School Association (HSA). She is the co-chair of the annual Multicultural Night, which fosters a celebration of diversity within the school community. Through her involvement with Burnet Hill School’s Equity Team, she collaborates with administrators, educators, and parents to ensure equal access to educational resources and opportunities for all students.
Fang played a key role as the contact person for the Livingston Multicultural Parents Group, coordinating donations of AAPI-themed books to the Livingston Public Library and Livingston Public Schools’ six elementary schools for two years. She is also an active member of Livingston Public Library’s Friends of the Library.
Fang holds a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and she also completed the New Leadership training program from the Center forAmerican Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics. She earned a master’s certificate in project management as an on-job training from George Washington University. This comprehensive education equips her with the necessary skills to navigate complex educational issues, analyze data, and make informed decisions that positively impact students, parents, and the community.
Throughout her career, Fang has demonstrated an ability to effectively manage international programs and foster educational initiatives. In her role with Universal Idea, an American management consultancy firm, she played a vital part in implementing and promoting Rutgers’ International Executive MBA program in Beijing. Her expertise in coordinating diverse stakeholders, bridging gaps, and ensuring program success is a testament to her strong leadership and management skills.
Fang’s commitment to education extends beyond her professional experiences. She gained valuable insights through internships at esteemed organizations such as the New Jersey Council on the Arts, where she enhanced the efficiency of the selection process for Peer Reviewers. At the United Nations, she actively supported important hearings and contributed to the organization of the 16th International Conference on Climate Crisis. These experiences deepened her understanding of global issues and fueled her passion for education and advocacy.
At Montclair State University, Fang played a pivotal role as the associate director of the international program office at the School of Business. She directed several cross-cultural academic exchange programs, acted as the key contact with overseas universities and domestic corporations, and oversaw the daily operation and management of various programs. Additionally, she contributed as the assistant director of the Teaching in English program at the Global Education Center, where she identified new markets, negotiated contracts, and developed budgets. These roles provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape at the university level.
Outside Livingston, Fang was the line mom for her daughter’s synchronized ice-skating team, assisting coaches during competitions and practices, coordinating among parents, and organizing team events.
Fang firmly believes that every student deserves access to the highest quality education. She is dedicated to promoting rigorous academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and providing supportive resources to enable all students to reach their full potential.
Fang seeks to cultivate a culture of compassion and understanding among students, staff, teachers, parents, and the community. By fostering empathy, she aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel valued and respected. She recognizes the importance of empathy in building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and nurturing a positive school climate.
Equity is a fundamental pillar of Fang’s campaign. She is committed to advocating for fair and equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. Recognizing the unique needs and challenges that each student faces, Fang strives to ensure that educational resources, programs, and support services are accessible to all. She envisions an inclusive education system that provides every student with an equal chance for success, embracing diversity and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
With her extensive expertise, diverse experiences, and unwavering dedication, Fang Gong is well-prepared to contribute to the Livingston Board of Education. She invites all community stakeholders to join her in making a positive impact on the education system.
Together, let’s strive for excellence, nurture empathy, and champion equity to provide an exceptional educational experience for all students in Livingston Public Schools.
For further information or to discuss educational initiatives and concerns, please connect with me at [email protected].
