In the first week, the Board of Education candidates explain why they chose to run for the Board of Education and what is their top priority.
The Haddonfield Sun is running a two-week Meet the Candidates series ahead of this November’s Haddonfield Board of Education election. Below are profiles of the candidates running in the election.
Name: Maureen Lynn Eyles
Age: 48
Occupation: Strategic sales consultant and event planner
List of Clubs/Organizations you belong to: Raised in Haddonfield and a graduate of HMHS, I have actively volunteered for various educational, youth and civic organizations for more than 25 years. Over the years, I have enjoyed giving my time to dozens of Borough committees, events and organizations, as a Board member, organizer and volunteer.
- Haddonfield Board of Education (2012-present)
- Haddonfield Educational Trust (2014-present)
- HMHS Class of 1987 Reunion Committee Co-Chair, 2007 and 2012
- Developed “the Link,” a cooperative effort between the Haddonfield Educational Trust, the Haddonfield Foundation and the Haddonfield Alumni Society
- Volunteer coach and advisor for Odyssey of the Mind, 2015
- The Chicken Runs at Midnight, Volunteer
- Board member and Ways & Means Chairperson of The Junior Women’s Club of the Haddon Fortnightly (2004–2009)
Why are you running for the Board of Education?
I’m a passionate supporter of Haddonfield Public Schools, and I have a past-present-future view that is unique and valuable. I want to dedicate my time in service to this community, to protect Haddonfield’s educational reputation for the generations to come.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
1) Goal-setting strategy for K-12 for the next 5 to 10 years
2) Long-term planning for delivering education to an expanding student population
3) Continued development of alternative revenue streams
Name: Glenn R. George
Age: 54
Occupation: Energy economist and management consultant
Clubs or organizations that I belong to: Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network; Cornell Clubs of New York City and Philadelphia; Harvard Club of Philadelphia; Army & Navy Club of Washington, DC; Sigma Phi Society; Francis S. Viele Scholarship Committee (Chairman); American Legion; Rising Sun Lodge #15 F&AM, Haddonfield; American Economic Association; American Society of Mechanical Engineers; Trinity Episcopal Church, Moorestown; assistant coach, HMHS Debate Team
Why are you running for the Board of Education?
Many Haddonfielders are deeply concerned regarding the state of our schools: relations with teachers; management of construction projects; need for a new superintendent and underperformance, relative to our potential, in standardized tests and college placement. I am one of only two non-incumbents running; I can help address these issues, now.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
My theme is Educational Excellence. This means different things at different levels: in elementary schools, a nurturing environment; at HMS, opportunities for personal and social growth; at HMHS, rigorous coursework and activities that stretch students’ academic, physical and creative potential. When elected, I will foster Educational Excellence throughout our system.
Name: Robert Little
Age: 49
Occupation: Retired Cherry Hill Firefighter/EMT
Clubs or organizations that I belong to: Haddonfield School Board — Committees: Negotiations, Finance, Communication, and Policies
Why are you running for the Board of Education? I am running to serve on the Haddonfield Board of Education because after working for 28 years as a professional Firefighter/EMT and serving on the union’s executive board for 18 of those years, I believe I bring a fresh, real world perspective to the board. I strongly believe that in order to keep our school district one of the best in the state, we should represent all great aspects of our community.
If elected, what would be your top priority? If I am re-elected to serve, one of my top priorities will be to settle a fair and equitable contract with our great teachers. I truly understand what it is like to have to negotiate a new contract every three years, how it feels to work under an expired contract and the sense of future uncertainty. I believe that the students, teachers, parents and administrators working collectively are what make our school district special.
Name: Heather Paoli
Age: 46
Occupation: Vice President, Finance, TD Bank
Clubs or organizations that I belong to: Current BOE Policy Chair. Prior head of Finance, Technology, Buildings & Grounds, Academic Oversight subcommittees. Tatem PTA, Middle School PTA, Wharton Alumni Association, St. Joseph’s University Alumni Association, Fulbright Association, Christ the King Church member. Prior Girl Scout troop leader (3 yrs); prior soccer coach (Haddonfield & Cherry Hill, 4 yrs); prior member of the Haddonfield Junior Women’s League and Royal Tea chair; prior Newcomers Club member. I have been the Tatem PTA Assemblies coordinator, a volunteer at every Tatem fair and most of the book fairs, an enrichment classroom teacher and room parent several times and a frequent classroom volunteer in addition to helping with one-off Tatem and MS events and serving on the Board of Education.
Why are you running for the Board of Education? I love our town and the sense of community that make this town special. I am committed to the success of our schools and each child reaching her/his highest potential. I have the second longest experience on the board at a time when experience is crucial.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
1. Haddonfield Educators’ contract
2. Construction: on time, on budget
3. New Superintendent search
4. Improved communications with the public
Name: Tom Vecchio
Age: 40
Occupation: Attorney. In-house counsel for Cigna, Individual and Family Health Plans segment
Clubs or organizations that I belong to: Chair, Borough of Haddonfield Environmental Commission; Haddonfield Soccer Club, Assistant Coach; Past Chair of Executive Leadership Team, American Heart Association Home Runs for Heart.
Why are you running for the Board of Education? Our district is facing many critical issues that impact our children. Resolution of these issues needs to be our town’s number one priority. Instead of just a voter, I hope to become an advocate for all the concerned families and residents.
If elected, what would be your top priority? Good can no longer be good enough. Our teachers need contracts. We also need to establish medium and long term measurable goals to foster continued and responsible growth in our district; that must include identifying and hiring a superintendent who will be our partner in reaching these goals.
