Dedicated Advocate for Cherry Hill Education

As a devoted advocate for education and a committed parent of a child with special needs, I am dedicated to fostering our community's success through progressive and effective policies. As a Board Member, I would prioritize innovation and the development of new approaches to enhance our education system. 

Goal #1: Education: Investing in our local public education is paramount. As a school board member, I will advocate for a budget that accurately represents our population. Our future goals must include providing a curriculum that is above the state average, with a quantifiable database to measure success. Quality education is the cornerstone of a prosperous community, and I am determined to make this a reality for Cherry Hill. 

Goal #2: Proper redistricting of students should be top priority to alleviate overcrowding in some of our schools. Special emphasis must be placed on children with IEP's that are obligated to attend different home schools than their siblings because of open enrollment. A balanced enrollment will ensure equitable access to outcomes with a focus on our most vulnerable learners. Bussing must be planned to where minimal travel is needed for students attending schools outside their home area.

Goal #3:   Establish a well-functioning Special Education department that collaborates effectively with staff and parents, fosters positive relationships with families, and strives for the best outcomes for students while developing streamlined programs for the district. This begins with adequately staffing Special Education classrooms in particular our self contained classes to give teachers the best opportunity to focus on curriculum. 

Goal #4:  Closing the opportunity gap is crucial to ensuring that all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or disability, have equal access to quality education. By addressing disparities in resources and experiences, we can work towards a more equitable education system that benefits every student. 

Goal #5: Accessibility and Inclusion in Public Meetings: We live in a diverse community, yet access to public BOE meetings is often restricted to English, excluding many non-English speakers. With technological innovations like Zoom, offering language access should be straightforward. I will work to ensure that all voices are heard and that language barriers do not prevent community members from participating in important discussions.

Goal #6: Early Childhood Intervention and Referral: Early Childhood Intervention referrals are crucial for supporting services needed for Pre-K and beyond. By focusing on incoming early intervention students, we can provide a strong foundation for our children's educational journey. This will ensure that every child, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to succeed.