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I’m seeking a third term because the work of strengthening our schools is never finished, and I want every child in Merchantville to be known, supported, and challenged. After six years, I know how our district runs, from budgets and staffing to policy and follow-up after hard incidents. I bring nearly 20 years in communications, clinical research, and governance, an MBA, a master’s in psychology, and current graduate study in Public Affairs and Community Development at Rutgers-Camden. I’m also a parent of two students in our school. Every vote I cast is tested against one question: what is in the best interest of our students?
The first top goal for our district is to hire the right permanent superintendent. Our district is led by an interim, and this is one of the most important decisions the board will make. I’ll push for a process that gathers input from staff, families, and residents. A second goal is to plan responsibly around rising insurance costs and uncertain state funding, so we protect what students experience in the classroom. And the third goal is to keep communication transparent and open, so families hear about board decisions from us and understand why we made them.
Test scores are a useful signal, and I take them seriously, but they don’t capture the whole child. I look at them alongside student growth over time, engagement, and how well we serve every group of students. The board doesn’t teach, but we set policy and hold the administration accountable. Where the data shows gaps, I’ll ask for a clear plan with measurable goals, regular updates to families, and real support for teachers, such as strong curriculum and professional development. I’ll also protect arts, sports, and extracurriculars, because balanced schools help students learn.
Safety starts with students feeling known and respected, so I support strong follow-through on bullying and harassment concerns, clear reporting channels, and trained, caring staff. On physical security, I want the board to regularly review building safety, emergency drills, and visitor procedures with the administration and local public safety partners, and to act on what they recommend. Digital safety matters too so students should learn to question what they see online and use technology with good judgment. Families should know our safety plans and who to call with a concern.
The first issue is leadership stability. Our district is led by an interim superintendent, and finding the right permanent leader is critical for students, staff, and families. The second issue is rising costs and uncertain funding. Insurance premiums have risen substantially, and that’s a cost we don’t control but must plan around while protecting what students experience in the classroom. The third issue is student safety, wellbeing, and digital literacy. Students need a school culture of respect, strong follow-through on bullying concerns, and the critical thinking skills to handle digital tools and AI with good judgment.
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