1. Why do you think you should be elected or re-elected?

The school board provides me with an opportunity to give back to the community in a way that complements my interest in education.  I want the students at Eastern Regional High School to have access to a solid academic foundation to help ensure the future careers of their choice.  I continued my education for a B.S. at Drexel U and a Ph.D. at the U. of Penn. I champion math, science and technology education and the academic curriculum in general.

As a board member I help oversee the development of curriculum and policy for the school.  It is our job to make sure the best curriculum for learning is in place and presented effectively.  Balancing educational needs and the ability of taxpayers to pay for it is key for all community members.  This is not to be taken lightly at Eastern, with its 2000 students and $40 million annual budget

2. What distinguishes you as a candidate?

My working career was based in industry and focused on process improvement and the development new chemical products.  I see the value of education from shop floor workers to the management team.

I have been on the board for the last 23 years and have shown that I can work as part of that team to keep Eastern a high performing school.  I have been part of Eastern’s District Advisory Council since its inception and get to interact with students, teachers, administration and the community.  It is here we help set goals based largely on the ideas of this group. As part of Eastern’s needs I have served on the Camden Co. Educational Services Commission for 20 years and treasurer for 17, overseeing county school transportation needs and special needs education for community students in non-public school.

3. What connection do you have with education and high school students?

As a parent of two former students who went on to engineering degrees and rewarding jobs, I understand the need for a great secondary education.  As a school board member I have many connections with current students. At our monthly board meetings we have the student of the month, and two student representatives to the board provide overviews of their time at Eastern and their plans for the future.  On occasion, we need to understand and deal with problem students. I attend the District Advisory Council meetings that are well attended by students in a less formal setting where they provide useful input. I also attend school events, plays, musicals, graduations etc.  They all help provide a flavor for the student community.

4. What is your educational philosophy?

I come from an industrial background and held technical and management positions focused on chemical process improvement and new chemical product development during my 40 year career.  Over this time I have mentored 25 plus years of chemical engineering and chemistry co-op student, as well new college graduates. During my last ten years I was also a mentor for groups of Chemical Engineering students at Rowan University.  This work involved employer sponsored industrial projects. These connections with older students help me see the need for excellent problem solving curriculums in secondary education and that it is critical for our youth to compete on the world stage.  Eastern’s initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) go a long way to addressing these needs.

5. What do you think makes Eastern a special place?

I have lived in Voorhees with my wife Jean for over 40 years.  Our boys graduated well prepared for their chosen college paths.  Eastern offers a wide range of opportunities, from robotics to culinary arts; from sports to theater and much more for all students to find niche and grow as young adults.  As a board member I try to make sure every student has access to these opportunities.