Every election season, NJ Pen invites candidates running for local office to tell voters a bit about themselves and their priorities before the ballots are cast.
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Six Pennsauken residents are running for three available three-year terms on the Pennsauken Public School District Board of Education: Jerry Bennett, Lisa Eckel, Diane E. Johnson, Yudelka Morillo-Sandoval, Michael Porch, and Dana Surgner. Additionally, Jeffrey C. Carey and John Figueroa, Jr. are running to fulfill an unexpired term on the governing body.
All candidates have been invited to reply to the same set of prompts, telling voters about themselves, their priorities, and their views of the current state of affairs in their community. We heard back from four of them. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Lisa Eckel, 59
Executive Assistant
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
LISA ECKEL: I have lived in Pennsauken for 40 years, and currently have four generations of family living in town.
My grandson graduated from Pennsauken schools, and I was a proud cross country, track, and band grandparent, and it was a wonderful experience.
I served as Central School PTA Treasurer for two years back in the 1990s, when my daughter attended, and was also an active member of the Pennsauken Lions Club.
I am an avid Philly sports fan, and in my spare time, I enjoy yard sales, cooking up new recipes, and I love to travel.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Rutgers Camden, and have been a tax preparer for 20 years. I proudly served on the Board of Education for three-and-a-half years (2020-23), and I am seeking to regain a seat in the current election.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
ECKEL: Students need a well-rounded education with many opportunities to succeed. We have worked hard in our district to provide many opportunities for students by offering college-level courses and dual-credit opportunities with local colleges, as well as many different CTE’s for students who want to have a career upon graduation.
Education starts at home, and it’s important to keep families engaged and involved in what goes on at school. Kids who get involved more in school become more invested, and kids who are more invested have a better chance of being successful.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
ECKEL: I have gained a lot of experience in my three years as a Board Member. I was a member of several committees, which gave me a lot of insight on how things run, and I was able to suggest improvements and see those ideas are implemented.
I have an independent mindset, am proud of my ability to hear all sides of an issue, and also can be someone who can bring others together to solve problems. I work well with others, and bring my years of experience raising kids in the district, which allows me to see things from a student and parent point of view.
Having an accounting background gives me a great perspective to understand the financial aspect of running a district and the role of fiscal responsibility in the decision-making process.
I always try to listen carefully and see the big picture in every decision I make. I am not afraid to ask questions and disagree. As long as we can have good dialogue we can accomplish great things. I am laser-focused on moving the district forward in a positive way!
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
ECKEL: For many years now, I have had a strong desire to give back to the community by volunteering and getting involved in the school board. I truly care about the students, their families, our staff, and the Pennsauken community. When schools are well run and have a lot to offer, people will want to move to our town to attend school here. It benefits the schools and the town.
I worked very hard during my tenure on the Board. I tried to learn as much as possible, bring good ideas to the table, get involved in my committees, and attend as many events as possible to support our students and their families.
One of my proudest accomplishments was being on the Board that opened the Roosevelt STEM school, which was ranked #1 in New Jersey after only two years. I want to continue that success and the vision that began eight years ago. If the voters bless me with another term, I will work twice as hard for the continued success of our schools, and to keep things moving in the right direction!
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
ECKEL: Due to the great improvements our district has implemented in the last eight years, we have seen a steady increase in student enrollment. This is a good problem to have, but we need to make sure we have the proper space to accommodate every potential student from Pre-K to High School.
Another challenge is continuing to find ways to involve the community in student education and success, and giving back to the community through programs and initiatives that can foster
great relationships with Pennsauken residents — even those who do not have kids attending our schools.
Additionally, I have deep concerns about the potential for partisan politics to creep into the non-partisan school board. That is not a good thing for any of us regardless of political affiliation.
When a school district becomes beholden to political allegiances, it’s easy to forget the reason why board members should want to serve. My mission as well as that of my running mates, is to always put children first. Politics have no place in our schools.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
ECKEL: We must continue developing ways to broaden our Pre-K program so that we can better serve the large number of residents who have young children in this age group. I want to see more done to focus on the mental health of our students.
Since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many students are still dealing with anxiety, depression, and other factors. As a School District, we need to look for more ways to see the signs and provide interventions to help these kids.
Lastly, we must find more ways to engage the community and be more involved in the community. It’s an important partnership, and I see so much potential for things we can do to move in that direction.
Diane E. Johnson
US Air Force Reserves (Retired), Banking
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
DIANE E. JOHNSON: I enjoy a wide range of interests that keep me engaged and curious.
I love to bake, travel and visit new places. I have a fascination with exploring different cultures, landscapes, and histories from around the world.
Reading is also a hobby that I enjoy; I read across a wide range of topics.
Whether it is history, philosophy, literature, or a novel, I dive into anything that can spark curiosity or offer me new ways of thinking.
I also value the importance of spending time with loved ones and appreciate the strong bond that a family can bring. My Faith guides who I am!
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
JOHNSON: My philosophy of education is grounded in the belief that learning is a lifelong process that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking, creativity, and ethical understanding, preparing individuals for careers and for meaningful participation in society.
I believe that education should be student-centered, nurturing curiosity and adaptability, while also promoting inclusivity and equity, ultimately empowering students to contribute positively to their communities and society as a whole.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
JOHNSON: As a school board member, I bring a combination of personal and professional experiences that enhance my ability to advocate for quality education. Personally, as a veteran, I have developed a strong sense of leadership, discipline, and commitment to service, which guides my decision-making.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
JOHNSON: I want to retain my seat on the Board of Education because I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for future success.
Throughout my time on the board, I have seen the positive impact that well-thought-out policies and programs can have on students, families, and the broader community. I want to continue contributing to that progress by advocating for initiatives that promote academic excellence, inclusivity, and student well-being.
My background as a veteran has instilled in me a sense of responsibility and service, which I carry into my work on the board. I also bring valuable insight from my experiences supporting students and staying involved in educational events.
Retaining my seat would allow me to further this work, ensuring that we continue in the right direction for our students’ future.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
JOHNSON: The Pennsauken School District faces several significant challenges, many of which are common in diverse, urban school districts.
One of the biggest challenges is addressing the achievement gap and ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This includes providing resources for students who may need additional academic support, such as those with limited in-home support and multi-language learners.
Another challenge is ensuring the district has adequate funding to support essential programs and services. Managing the budget while balancing the need for modern facilities, technology, medical coverage and well-compensated staff has its difficulties, especially in the face of fluctuating state and local funding.
Additionally, student mental health, special needs, and well-being are growing concerns, with schools increasingly tasked with supporting students’ emotional needs alongside their academic development. The district must also focus on ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment, especially in a world where issues such as bullying, school security, and social media impacts are prevalent.
Navigating these challenges while maintaining strong communication with the community and fostering parent and student engagement is critical for the district’s continued success.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
JOHNSON: If reelected, I would focus on these three key issues, which are vital to the success of the Pennsauken School District.
Equity and achievement. I would continue to prioritize closing the achievement gap by ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the resources they need to succeed.
This includes enhancing support for multi-language learners, expanding special needs services, and providing additional academic support to students who are struggling. Equity in education is essential for creating a level playing field and helping every student reach their full potentials.
Mental health and well-being. Amid increasing awareness of the importance of mental health, I would continue our progress in expanding mental health services within our schools. This includes increasing access to counselors, promoting social-emotional learning, and creating a supportive school environment where students feel safe and engaged.
Community and parental engagement. Strong communication and collaboration among the district, parents, and the community are crucial for student success. I will work to strengthen these connections by encouraging transparency in decision-making, increasing opportunities for parental involvement, and fostering partnerships with local organizations and businesses. When the community is actively engaged, the district becomes a hub of support and growth for students
Michael Porch, 36
Confidential Aide for Camden County Clerk Joe Ripa
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
MICHAEL PORCH: My wife Kaitlyn and I have lived in Pennsauken for close to a decade with our dog Abbey.
Pennsauken has been an incredibly welcoming community for us, and I am excited for the opportunity to become more involved in Pennsauken’s future.
As for hobbies, I have run many, many miles around our neighborhood training for distance races like the Philadelphia Marathon, and in doing so have had the chance to meet wonderful neighbors and families in the community.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
PORCH: I believe every student should have access to an education that sets them up for success in life, whether that be pursuing a college degree, going into a trade, or anything in between or beyond.
Decisions about the education of our young residents should be made with the knowledge that education is not one-size-fits-all, so we need to make sure our schools work for students of all abilities.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
PORCH: My experience working within organizations that require collaboration and accountability for their success are a good match to successfully working for parents and students of the district. I want to work with our schools and staff to make sure our students are successful.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
PORCH: I am running because I want to contribute to a community that has been beyond welcoming to my family. I want to make sure we target initiatives, such as expanding early education and Pre-K, continuing the integral development of trade programs, and growing our advanced placement (AP) programs to ensure students are competitive.
I believe encouraging parental involvement and maintaining transparency for all residents is an important role of the board, and a crucial step in providing top-tier educational opportunities. Pennsauken deserves nothing but the best, and the best investment you can make in a community is in its schools.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
PORCH: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted students tremendously. Although there have been bright spots, student scores have yet to fully recover. There is still work to do to get our students where they need to be.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
PORCH: If elected, I want to focus on expanding all-day preschool, growing our trade and certifications programs in accessible and practical ways, and making sure students who choose to continue their education are college-ready. I also believe it is important to make sure that information for parents is more readily available and comprehensive than what is currently offered.
Yudelka Morillo-Sandoval
(Yudelka Morillo-Sandoval declined to answer the questions posed to the candidates, instead providing this short biography, which is reprinted below — ed.)
I have been a proud Pennsauken resident since 2021.
Before moving to Pennsauken with my husband, I lived in Passaic NJ for over 20 years.
Back then, I was a single mother working two jobs and taking care of two kids.
Believe me, it wasn’t easy; however, I still considered myself to be a very involved parent in my children’s education.
I wasn’t at all back to school nights or all school meetings, but I made sure that my kids made it to school on time, was in constant communication with the school parent liaison, and always asked teachers how my children were progressing in class.
I made sure that my kids took advantage of all programs their school provided for them, whether that be tutoring or athletics. I made sure my children’s teachers knew they had a mother that was there for my kids and that I also fully supported their teachers.
From kindergarten to the day they graduated, all my efforts and sacrifices paid off when I saw both of my children graduate not only high school but college too. My daughter is a teacher, a proud graduate from Rutgers University and my son is an airplane mechanic, a proud graduate from Teterboro School of Aeronautics.
As an immigrant, I also want the Board of Education to better provide resources to parents who are new not only to this country but this town too. I understand the feeling of confusion and frustration when registering children and trying to understand the new culture that we as immigrants are submerged into. It takes grace, time, and a great team to make parents feel included and I believe that we can improve in our efforts.
As a young parent, I also knew the struggles of maintaining my household, children, and life as a whole. I was fortunate enough to have been part of a district that provided young parents with tools that can be used at home with their children and programs that assisted in advancing my child’s academics and social skills. I believe that the Pennsauken Board of Education can improve these programs for parents and children.
Living in Pennsauken, I hear so many of my friends expressing worry about bullying in the school environment. As a parent, I understand this worry, and want to ensure that the district is able to implement social and emotional learning, and activities for students in pre-k through high school.
I also bear witness to parents struggling to pay for early childhood education, such as preschool. When my children were in pre-school, I was fortunate enough to live in a district where preschool is free for residents. I would like to see the Pennsauken Board of Education expand this type of benefit to residents, especially when the majority of the tax money goes towards the schools.
Just like all places, I believe Pennsauken has room for improvement, and I would like to be part of it.
I would like for you to support me along with John Figueroa Jr, Dana Surgner and Michael Porch. We believe we can make more positive changes, we will work together to represent students, parents, taxpayers and staff.
