Tom Brooks

First-time challenger faces Incumbent in lone Mendham West Morris school board race​

October 20, 2025

 

MENDHAM -

...

Thomas Brooks

 

     Brooks is a 45-year resident of Mendham. He is a retired mid-level corporate executive with a Fortune 100 company. His education includes a master’s degree in Computer Science from Ohio State and a bachelor of arts degree from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio.

 

     He currently volunteers at both Mendham Borough and Mendham Township libraries. He is also a former assistant scout master, coached youth soccer, baseball and softball, and is a former church youth group coordinator and administrative council chair.

​

     Brooks said he is seeking another term “with the goal of applying my experience and leadership to help guide future initiatives that will sustain and strengthen the excellent reputation of our schools – initiatives similar to those accomplished over the years of my tenure.”

 

     He is currently the chair of the boards’ finance committee. During his tenure, he spearheaded the referendum that has improved the facilities at both schools while lowering the debt service tax. He has created fiscally responsible budgets within the state guidelines, despite rising healthcare, transportation, and supply costs.

​

     He said he has strengthened award winning programs in a variety of subjects. Helped create long term stability with multi-year contracts for teacher and staff. He has helped in the expansion of the school’s curriculum including its advanced placement and International Baccalaureate programs and he has promoted balanced leadership and better transparency including the audio broadcast of meetings.

​

     “I am running for another term to continue this work and ensure our schools remain among the very best for years to come,’’ Brooks stated.

 

     Among the district’s challenges he listed include attracting and retaining excellent educators, preparing students for a changing world, promoting a culture of respect and civil discourse, expanding career pathway opportunities and raising academic achievement.

 

     He brings the experience gained by serving the board for nearly a decade. He also has over 40 years experience in the private sector.

​

     He stated that he led diverse teams in software development, international sales, and multi-billion-dollar telecom proposals to U.S. government agencies. These demanding projects required clear problem-solving, teamwork, and consensus building—skills that translate directly to effective board leadership. His career taught him how to manage large teams, handle sensitive information, balance competing priorities, and build collaboration among people with different perspectives.

​

     Brooks also has a long standing personal relationship with both schools. His wife was a library media specialist at West Morris Mendham for twenty-seven years. He has had two children and five grandchildren graduate West Morris Central or West Morris Mendham. One grandchild currently attending West Morris Central. The unique relationship has worked well in many facets of his decision making as a board member.

​

“Students deserve the best opportunity to learn and succeed,’’ Brooks stated. “Homeowners deserve well-managed schools that enhance property values.”

​

...

​