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Seven Collingswood residents are running for three available three-year terms on the Collingswood Public School District Board of Education: Danielle Brown, Jim DeSimone, Zakiya Devine, Lia Forman, Paul Groch, Rebecca Sieg, and Maggie Zmijewski.
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. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Danielle Brown, 50
Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking Program Director, Igniting Hope/United Advocacy Group
Adjunct professor at Rutgers University, MSW candidate
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
DANIELLE BROWN: I am a mother of 10 children, ranging from ages 10 to 34, including three sets of twins and four singletons. My husband, Fabian, and I have been married for 18 years, and have lived in Collingswood since 1997.
We are deeply involved in our community, and have passed our dedication to service down to our children. Four of my kids have had IEPs for learning and emotional disabilities, which has made me a fierce advocate for their education, ensuring they receive the support they need.
I also have a transgender son, and supporting him through his journey has been a profound experience. His challenges in school and life have fueled my passion for advocacy, not only for him but for my clients in the LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve served on the LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Task Force and work closely with various programs to ensure equality and rights for all.
As a family, we are active in our local schools and community. I have been a longstanding member of the Mark Newbie PTA and a former board member, continuing to chair events and offer my time wherever needed. We spend much of our time together attending soccer games, visiting our older children, and participating in volunteer efforts, particularly with fundraisers and service projects aimed at helping those in need.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
BROWN: My philosophy of education is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be treated with respect and equity, regardless of their background, abilities, or challenges. I believe that education should provide a supportive environment where students not only learn academically but grow emotionally and socially.
Schools are like second homes to our children, and the educators within them become part of that family. It is essential that teachers feel appreciated and valued for the critical role they play in shaping our children’s futures. In this environment, children should feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.
However, in recent times, divisions within our community have distracted from this core mission. We must refocus on what truly matters: supporting each other for the betterment of our children. The way we treat one another will have a direct impact on how our students view and navigate the world.
Our children are watching us, and we need to lead by example, fostering a sense of unity, empathy, and mutual respect. This will ensure that their journey through education remains positive and empowering, preparing them for a successful future.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
BROWN: As a school board candidate, I bring both personal and professional experiences that provide me with a well-rounded perspective on education. Personally, I am a mother of 10 children, several of whom have had IEPs for learning and emotional disabilities. I’ve been deeply involved in advocating for their education, ensuring that they received the support they needed to thrive, while also navigating the education system for my transgender son and advocating for his rights and well-being throughout his journey.
I also have a diverse family — my children are part Lakota Sioux, Puerto Rican, and African American — and they have faced discrimination throughout their school experiences. These challenges have given me a unique perspective on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. I want to bring these lived experiences to the board to help foster an environment where all children, regardless of background or identity, feel supported and valued.
Professionally, I’ve worked in nonprofit organizations that focus on advocacy, social justice, and supporting victims of abuse. I’ve also served on multiple committees, including the LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Task Force. These roles have strengthened my ability to listen, collaborate, and fight for the rights and equity of all individuals, skills that are crucial in a school board setting.
I believe my experiences, both as a parent and as an advocate, equip me with the empathy and knowledge necessary to make a positive impact on our district. I will work to ensure that the voices of all students and families are heard and respected.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
BROWN: I am running for office because I believe in fostering a more inclusive and supportive education system that treats all students with respect and equity. My personal and professional experiences have prepared me to be a strong advocate for children and families in our district, especially those who often go unheard.
I have seen firsthand the challenges faced by children who may be marginalized or discriminated against, and I am committed to ensuring that no family goes through those struggles alone.
I also feel strongly about the need to bridge divides in our community. Collingswood is made up of neighbors who should support one another, even when we don’t always agree. It’s important to respect different viewpoints and come together to strengthen our community.
If elected, I will work hard to create a school environment where all children and families feel valued, where teachers feel appreciated, and where we all work together to build a brighter future for Collingswood.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
BROWN: The biggest challenges our school district faces include teacher retention, budgeting constraints, and ensuring equity and inclusion for all students.
Teacher retention is a significant concern; when experienced educators leave, it disrupts the learning environment and impacts student outcomes. We need to prioritize supporting our teachers, providing them with the resources they need, and recognizing their hard work to foster a positive work environment.
Budgeting is another critical issue. With limited financial resources, it can be difficult to adequately fund programs that benefit our students and staff. We must advocate for increased funding and explore creative solutions to allocate our resources effectively while ensuring that no child is left behind.
This includes better allocating funds to provide teachers and students with accessible equipment. Children cannot focus on their schoolwork when they have a broken Chromebook or no computer at all. In today’s technology-driven world, we need to ensure our students have access to up-to-date devices so they can concentrate on their homework rather than worry about inadequate resources.
Finally, equity and inclusion are paramount. Our district must strive to create an environment where every student feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or abilities. We need to actively address any disparities and work toward building a school culture that celebrates diversity and promotes respect and understanding among all students.
Addressing these challenges requires collaboration, transparent communication, and a commitment to prioritizing the needs of our students and staff. As a school board member, I am dedicated to finding solutions that will lead to a stronger and more inclusive educational experience for everyone in our district.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
BROWN: If elected, I will focus on three key issues that are vital to our children’s education and well-being:
1. Mental Health and Well-Being. Adolescence can be a challenging time for many students, and mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent. I am committed to advocating for mental health resources within our schools, including counseling services and support programs that promote emotional well-being. By creating a supportive environment, we can help our students navigate the difficulties they face and ensure they have the tools they need to thrive.
2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It is crucial to foster a school culture that values and celebrates diversity. I will advocate for policies and programs that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students feel seen, respected, and supported, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. This involves actively addressing disparities in educational resources and experiences, and ensuring that every child has access to a quality education.
3. Teacher Retention. Our teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of our students. I will prioritize efforts to improve teacher retention by advocating for professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a supportive work environment. When we invest in our educators, we ultimately enhance the learning environment for our students.
By focusing on these three key issues, I aim to create a stronger, more supportive, and inclusive school community that prioritizes the well-being of our students and the retention of our dedicated teachers.
Jim DeSimone
Director of Early Childhood Education, Mt. Laurel Public Schools
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
JIM DESIMONE: I have been a board member of PFLAG Collingswood for the past several years, and currently serve as the Vice President of the chapter.
I am humbled to provide support to families working to love and accept their LGBTQ+ loved ones.
Additionally, I am a member of the Collingswood Pride Committee and have enjoyed working with other community members to bring Pride events to our community over the past three years.
I enjoy walking my two chihuahuas Mitzi and Cookie around town, particularly along Cooper River. In my rare free time, I entertain myself playing the piano, hiking and riding my Peloton.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
DESIMONE: I believe in a student-centered educational system that focuses on the assets and experiences that every student of our diverse population brings to school every day. I believe that schools need to nurture and challenge students and ensure that every student feels that they belong and that their dignity is honored.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
DESIMONE: As an educator for the past 18 years, I have experience as a classroom teacher, an instructional coach, a district liaison at the NJ Department of Education, a curriculum supervisor, a school principal and currently serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet as a central office administrator.
I still keep in touch with the challenges of the classroom while also understanding the system from the state level and the central administrative level. I recognize the challenges and opportunities that exist within our systems.
I further recognize how important it is for those on the front lines to be heard and respected, while also recognizing that some decisions have to be made from a bird’s eye view where aggregate and disaggregated data must be reviewed to make sure that a system is equitable and meeting the needs of all students and their community.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
DESIMONE: Over the last few years, I have seen an educational system that is not meeting the needs of our students, a board of education that micromanages and enables poor decision-making, ignoring the concerns of our broader community.
We employ educators to operate the school district, and it is time that we both allow them to do so, and hold them accountable to high, yet reasonable, expectations for how they do this. Board members should not be leading discussions around the way the schools are operated; that is the job of the superintendent. The Board should not be leading presentations about a proposals of a referendum; that is the role of district leadership.
We must expect this of our district leadership, and also get out of their way so they can be the educational leaders we employ them to be. We must respect our teachers and staff, and ensure they are treated with respect, both in the media, and in the way that we negotiate with and compensate them.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
DESIMONE: The biggest challenges we face are two-fold: fiscal, and ensuring that all students are valued and honored, inclusive of their full identities.
We must identify ways to operate with a balanced budget that meets the academic and social-emotional needs of our students. We need to ensure that we cut costs where we can while also raising revenue.
Since our local tax levy is insufficient to meet these needs, we must look at alternative sources of income and savings, including a potential referendum to permanently increase our budget beyond the annual cap of 2 percent.
While doing this, we also must ensure that we have an anti-racist school system that is welcoming of all students, including those with IEPs, those who identify as LGBTQ+, and those from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
DESIMONE: The first thing is to ensure that we allow our educators to do their jobs while also holding them to high expectations for how they do this.
The second is to ensure that communication is improved while also rebuilding trust with the community. This means both listening and also getting information out to the entirety of the community.
Lastly, and possibly most importantly, we must ensure that we are working together to create an inclusive school environment for all of our students.
Zakiya Devine, 41
Senior Director of Financial Clearance, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
(Devine provided the following short biography—ed.)
Zakiya Devine is a dedicated mother of three — Charlotte (8), who is in third grade at Sharp, Samuel (6), who is in first grade at Zane, and Benjamin (1) — and the partner of Matthew Devine.
Her journey began in South Jersey, with her education taking her to Washington, D.C., and various moves across the East and West Coasts. Zakiya loves walking, Pilates, and baking.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
DEVINE: Education fundamentally shapes how individuals move through society and achieve advancement.
From my own family’s experience, access to educational opportunities has been a driving force, informing decisions like immigrating to the United States and being the first generation in my family to complete college and beyond. My personal accomplishments are a direct result of educational access and the high expectations my mother set for me.
Education should be available to all children, and schools must meet the needs of the students in their classrooms. Schools should be places that honor each child’s unique journey and ensure that every student is given the tools and opportunities to thrive. I want my own children to experience an education where they are fully seen, respected, and supported as they grow.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
DEVINE: My personal experiences with education have profoundly shaped my understanding of its impact on students, and it’s something I am deeply invested in. When I began hearing more about how school boards across the country influence what students are reading and how they learn the history of this country, I realized the critical importance of these roles.
My commitment to supporting my children’s education began as a member of their daycare board, continued through my involvement with the PTA, and carries through now that I am a PTA President. This progression has fueled my desire to have a meaningful voice in shaping the educational experience for all students in our district.
Professionally, I’ve managed large teams through complex transformations as an operational leader, ensuring that operational processes evolve while addressing culture and engagement. I’ve also gained valuable experience through serving on nonprofit boards, where I’ve contributed to policy development, fundraising efforts, and organizational transformation.
These experiences have prepared me well to take on the responsibilities of a school board member, where I can apply my leadership skills to advocate for policies and practices that benefit students, teachers, and the broader community.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
DEVINE: I am running for the school board because I am dedicated to transforming educational experiences for all students in our district. My campaign is rooted in advocacy, inclusion, and excellence. With extensive experience in educational operations and hands-on involvement in diverse school environments, I am well-equipped to tackle disparities and ensure equitable access to resources.
I envision a district where every student feels welcomed and supported. My goal is to create a system where high-quality education and comprehensive support are standard. Through my candidacy, I aim to amplify the voices of students, parents, and educators, working diligently to remove barriers and foster an environment that meets the needs of every learner.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
DEVINE: Culture, communication, and budget constraints
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
Communication. It is clear to me that communication, or the lack thereof, is significantly hindering our ability to unite students, teachers, the community, and district leaders. This disconnect prevents us from understanding the work ahead and collaborating effectively to find solutions.
Clarity of Direction. We must establish a clear path forward to address our failing infrastructure, which impacts students at all levels and will not meet the needs of future students.
Fiscal Health. The Collingswood School District must find a way to fund both its infrastructure needs and the teachers and staff required to support our schools. This will only be possible if we address our infrastructure to support a more fiscally responsible course.
Lia Forman, 40
Stay-at-home parent, former Director of High School Operations at Prospect Schools
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
LIA FORMAN: I am a proud mom of three, wonderful kids.
One of my favorite hobbies is reading; I love getting lost in a good book and exploring different worlds and ideas.
I also enjoy practicing yoga, as it helps me stay grounded and centered amidst the busyness of life.
Traveling with my family is another passion of mine—we love discovering new places, cultures, and experiences together, creating lasting memories along the way. Balancing my interests with family life is important to me, and I believe these experiences enrich our lives and strengthen our bond.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
FORMAN: I believe that education is a fundamental human right, and that every individual deserves access to a free, high-quality public education. This belief underpins my commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
Education should empower students to think critically, embrace their unique identities, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. I envision schools as dynamic communities that foster collaboration, creativity, and resilience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate an ever-changing world.
Furthermore, I believe in the importance of social and emotional learning as an integral part of the educational experience. Schools should not only focus on academic achievement but also nurture the well-being of each student, helping them develop empathy, self-awareness, and strong interpersonal skills.
Ultimately, my philosophy of education centers on the idea that when we prioritize equity and access, we enable every student to reach their fullest potential and contribute meaningfully to society. I am committed to advocating for policies and practices that uphold these values and ensure that our educational system serves all students effectively.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
FORMAN: As a former Director of Operations, I have extensive experience in school operations, budgeting, and fostering a positive school culture. I approach these areas with an intersectional lens, understanding how various factors intersect to impact student experiences and outcomes. This perspective allows me to advocate for policies that address the diverse needs of our community.
In addition to my professional background, I am also a dedicated parent with significant experience in disability advocacy. This personal journey has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by families and students with disabilities, and it drives my commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard in our decision-making processes.
Together, these experiences equip me to bring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the school board, focused on creating equitable and supportive environments for all students and staff.
I am passionate about collaborating with community members, educators, and stakeholders to drive meaningful change in our district.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
FORMAN: I am running for the school board because I am dedicated to transforming educational experiences for all students in our district.
My campaign is rooted in advocacy, inclusion, and excellence. With extensive experience in educational operations and hands-on involvement in diverse school environments, I am well-equipped to tackle disparities and ensure equitable access to resources.
I envision a district where every student feels welcomed and supported. My goal is to create a system where high-quality education and comprehensive support are standard. Through my candidacy, I aim to amplify the voices of students, parents, and educators, working diligently to remove barriers and foster an environment that meets the needs of every learner.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
FORMAN: Budget constraints, aging facilities, and communication.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
FORMAN: If elected, the key issues I will focus on are:
Strengthening Community Engagement. I believe it’s crucial to foster strong connections with our community. By organizing community forums and feedback sessions, I aim to ensure that diverse voices are heard and considered in our decision-making processes.
Improving Operational Policies. Operational excellence is actually a matter of equity for our students. We need to ensure our operational policies are serving all our students. Every child deserves a beautiful, clean, and safe learning environment, with access to resources to support their academic achievement.
School culture policies. I believe every student deserves a welcoming and secure environment where they feel seen and accepted for who they are. While safety systems, restorative practices, and escalation plans are essential, the foundation of student well-being lies in fostering a genuine sense of belonging.
When students feel they belong, it enhances their educational outcomes and significantly contributes to their overall safety. Creating policy that supports this inclusive atmosphere is crucial for nurturing both academic success and personal growth.
Paul Groch, 46
Social worker, nonprofit executive
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
(Groch provided the following short biography—ed.)
Paul Groch is a loving and active dad to two amazing children, Julian (7), who just began third grade at Garfield, and Clementine (5), who just started kindergarten at Garfield.
He and Courtney Owen recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary.
Paul is a native of the Chicago suburbs. He received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Illinois, minoring in chemistry, and earned a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University. Groch is currently working on his MBA.
Paul and Courtney moved to Philadelphia in 2012 and then relocated to Collingswood in 2020 to set down roots and raise their family. Paul is active in the Collingswood community, coaching numerous sports. He currently serves as the Secretary for the Collingswood Little League Board.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
PAUL GROCH: I am a product of public schools. My family put a great deal of emphasis on the importance of education. My father was the first one in his family to go to college, eventually getting his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics. My grandfather earned his MBA at the age of 65.
I believe that every child regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or disability should have access to a high-quality education in an inclusive and nurturing environment. We must acknowledge there are systemic barriers to success in education for marginalized populations that can be mitigated through advocacy, training, and policy.
I believe in student-centered education. Education works best when we are meeting each child where they are. While test scores are important measures of success, we must focus on the whole child through social and emotional learning to help them learn and grow.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
GROCH: I have served on the Collingswood Little League board for the last two years, spending the last year as an officer. I will bring more than 15 years of experience as a social worker and advocate for children’s social emotional well-being to the board. I have led social services agencies as a chief operating officer. I am an expert in program evaluation and change management.
In my current role, I help lead an organization that is dedicated to ensuring that adults and children with disabilities can live, work, and thrive in the community. As a former therapist, I will bring my experience in mental health to the board.
I am passionate about social justice, and I am firmly committed to continuing to move our school and community forward. I have led DEI efforts for my organization. I can make tough decisions while being a consensus builder. Pragmatism is at my core. I believe the only way progress can be sustained is through thoughtful compromise and never letting perfection be the enemy of good.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
GROCH: I am running for the board because I am strongly committed to public service and being a leader in his community. My extensive work with nonprofit boards will bring a sharp vision of what the role of the board is and more importantly what it is not.
I believe that access to a high-quality education is a human right. The board needs someone with experience and training in mental health.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
GROCH: Communication, funding, organizational culture.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
GROCH: I will work on improving communication in the district. Public comment at board meetings sometimes leads the community to believe that the board does not consider their views when making decisions. I will advocate for more transparency in decision-making when possible.
I will work with my fellow board members to help mobilize and streamline community advocacy efforts at the state and borough level.
I will advocate and support policy that leads to a more diverse teacher and staff workforce. We must also focus on keeping our teachers in our district. Using data from exit interviews and current teacher surveys, we should learn why teachers are leaving, why they are staying and what attracted our recent hires.
Rebecca Sieg
President, New Jersey-based education nonprofit Rekindle Education
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
REBECCA SIEG: My husband and I moved to Collingswood nearly 10 years ago and have two children at Sharp (ages 7 and 4).
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
SIEG: Education should enable students to have the futures of their choosing, and to become empathetic, productive members of the community around them.
Students should be educated in a system that fosters a love of learning and holds them to high standards because the adults shaping those educational experiences know that their students can meet those standards.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
SIEG: My professional background gives me a unique lens into how we create lasting policy and initiatives that are driven by those most proximate to students. I currently lead a New Jersey-based education nonprofit, Rekindle Education, which is focused on elevating teachers and strengthening K-8 math instruction across the state.
We have some truly incredible educators who are working tirelessly to provide the best educational experience for their students that they can. We need to recognize them and learn from them.
Prior to starting this organization, I led policy and business development for City Teaching Alliance, a national teacher residency program that is committed to ensuring teachers enter the classroom ready to positively impact their students on day one.
I’ve also served as a state-level policy maker with the New Jersey Department of Education, with a focus on designing and implementing policies to address how we recruit, prepare, support, and recognize teachers. My career in education first began as an ESL teacher abroad through a Fulbright Fellowship, and then as a high school English teacher in Philadelphia.
My expertise in teacher-focused education policy development that is deeply informed by data and the voices of those who are closest to students — educators and families — guides how I approach questions both big and small.
Experiences such as developing statewide teacher preparation regulations and designing a grant-funded program aimed at infusing social emotional learning into classroom content taught me that the real work only begins when the individuals responsible for implementation are trusted to contribute. Engaging teachers and families in shaping the opportunities available to the district is essential if changes are going to be successful and lasting.
In addition to my professional background, I also have two kids at Thomas Sharp Elementary who love their school and the community they are creating. This gives me a glimpse into what we expect of our youngest learners each day. This has also given me the opportunity to listen to and learn from other parents who are committed to seeing our students succeed but have differing opinions on how we get there.
These professional and personal experiences have provided me with a humbling perspective on how we create systems and structures that best support our students. Doing this work well requires that our leaders are intentional about collaboratively and transparently planning for the big picture while being mindful of the incremental steps it takes to get there. That is what I will bring to the table if elected to the Collingswood Board of Education in November.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
I’m running for Collingswood Board of Education because I believe that our students can achieve at the highest levels and pursue the future of their choosing, as long as educators and community members work together to ensure all students have equitable access to resources that help them succeed.
This includes ensuring that we have data- and community-driven leaders providing the governance and structure needed to support all learners. Over the last year, I’ve seen too many instances of leaders talking at the community instead of to the community; I’m running because I believe we can change that, and I have the expertise to be part of that change.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
SIEG: Ensuring students are growing academically across all content areas. A fundamental role of our school district is creating an educational environment that enables students to learn, and given the disparities in our state assessment data, we need to dig deeper and ensure students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically.
We need to assess what is working and where we have opportunities to strengthen what we provide students.
Retaining our educators and valuing their expertise. We need to better understand why educators are choosing to leave the district, and what our educators need in order to be successful in the classroom.
Creating and investing in opportunities that encourage students to feel a sense of belonging in their school community. We need more opportunities to really listen to student voices so we can better understand how they are experiencing school and their recommendations for how to continue improving their learning environment.
This also includes ensuring we have course offerings and extracurricular activities that make students excited to go to school each day.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
SIEG: If elected, there are three pressing priorities that I’d like to undertake:
Better understand and tackle issues around teacher morale and retention. Teachers have an immense impact on whether students grow academically and develop a love for learning. We need to ensure the professionals who are with our children every day feel valued and supported by the community they serve.
As a Board member, I would want to dig in and better understand what we are expecting of teachers, how we are valuing them for their work, what opportunities for continued growth we are providing, and what teachers feel they need to be successful. These are the individuals in front of our kids each day. We need to take the time to listen to them and respond accordingly.
Explore and pursue opportunities to better integrate our K-5 students both within Collingswood and with our school partners in Oaklyn and Woodlynne. Our elementary schools are segregated, and we need to work with community members to weigh different options for how we better integrate our students at a younger age.
This includes considering longer-term ideas, like redrawn catchments and earlier integration of students from Oaklyn and Woodlynne. It also includes the more immediate steps of bringing our K-5 students together more regularly. Our students should not need to wait until middle school to experience a diverse educational setting.
Ensure transparency around how our students are doing — both academically and social-emotionally — and what our leaders are doing to strengthen supports for students. This means consistently making parents aware of what their children are experiencing at school, including information around teacher vacancies and changes to course offerings that impact student learning.
Parents should also receive updates on leading indicators for how students in their schools and across the district are performing academically throughout the year of school, including trends in student absenteeism and how the district is reaching out to impacted families.
We need to have open, ongoing discussions around what our children are experiencing each day rather than waiting for an issue to arise.
Maggie Zmijewski, 39
Clinical research study Start-Up Manager
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
MAGGIE ZMIJEWSKI: I am a mother of three elementary school kids.
When I am not working or driving my kids to an activity or sport, I love reading, embroidery, enjoying the beach with my family, and soaking in as much time as I can with my family and friends.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
ZMIJEWSKI: My philosophy of education is simple: children need to be immersed with as much learning, culture, kindness, and opportunity as possible.
NJPEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
ZMIJEWSKI: Personally, being an extremely active member of my children’s PTA, I have the ability to understand and see firsthand the shortcomings of our district and how they leverage the community to help the schools succeed.
I have overseen the creation of our book nook after our library was taken away, ensuring that our students at Tatem have access to as many books as possible. I have designed and led our PTA to creating a second outdoor learning space so our students can get outside as much as possible. I see firsthand the lack of space, resources, inequity at the elementary level and I know this is a district problem to help solve.
Simply, I am motivated to get things done, and refuse to be satisfied with the status quo. Being a community member and a direct stakeholder that is fully in tune with our schools give me the motivation to do better.
Professionally, I lead global teams to help bring new drugs to market. Although this is not in the education field, I have firsthand experience with dealing with budgets, extremely tight timelines and strong leadership skills. Through positive reinforcement, critical thinking, and success professionally, I am able to leverage these skills to benefit our school board.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
ZMIJEWSKI: I’m running for office because change is needed in the Collingswood school district. Most people would prefer to sit back and complain. I’m taking action, and want to work toward the betterment of our schools.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
ZMIJEWSKI: Budget, retention, lack of inclusion services and lack of current courses in the high school are what I am hearing and seeing as our biggest challenges.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
ZMIJEWSKI: Board members have the opportunity to review policy, budget and the superintendent. Ensuring our current policies and any future revisions have the safety of all children at the forefront of those policies is extremely important.
Ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability of all district leadership is what I’d intend to direct my attention to. It’s more important than ever to listen to our community and learn from our past.
