Five candidates, including three incumbents, are vying for three open board of education positions. Voters will choose which three out of the five will get their votes.
Name: Joseph McKenna
Age: 62
How long have you lived in Deptford?
Lifelong resident of Deptford Township. 1979 graduate of Deptford High School.
Profession? Employed at Rastelli Foods Group. Long time volunteer of youth organizations in Oak Valley and Deptford. Founder of the annual Danny Green Memorial Golf Outing in memory of my best friend and other fallen Spartans generating $ donations for Deptford youth organizations
Children? Grandchildren? Raised three sons (ages 30, 28 and 23) in the Pine Acres section to became quality adult citizens.
United States Air Force Academy graduate.
UPT graduate with Top Gun status.
USAF Captain and Fighter Jet pilot currently First Assignment Instructor Pilot stationed at Columbus AFB in Mississippi.
USAF Staff Sergeant stationed at McGhee Tyson in Knoxville Tennessee.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for the committee? If not, how many years/terms have you served on the committee?
Currently serving as the Deptford BOE President. Six-year member of Deptford BOE running for 3rd term.
Some BOE accomplishments during my tenure:
Deptford school district making good budget decisions.
Smooth and efficient DEA contract negotiations.
Chromebooks 1:1 ratio.
New Spartan stadium turf football field and track.
Spartan improvement plan at Deptford High School and a new wing at Deptford Middle School.
Spartan academies with accredited CIP codes with the NJ Department of Education.
Spartan care program before and after school.
Full time preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Top priority is school safety and security with the plan being updated by hiring 8 full time safety security officers along with a Deptford Township Police Department SRO.
Plans to renovate baseball and softball fields and new backstops and dugouts.
Transitional Learning Academy.
Partnership with Rowan College for Deptford students to have opportunities for affordable higher education.
Great relationship with Deptford Township Mayor/Council and Fire Department in the best interest of the residents.
Why are you seeking reelection?
I am seeking reelection to continue the work we have in front us and to continue the work we have accomplished. There is nothing more important than a solid educational system for our society and for Deptford Township. The value of quality education in our school system will move our students in to the next generation.
What is one area you will focus on if elected?
One area of concentration; working with all school district personal, the administration, our educators, to ensure the best in education and educational opportunities for our students. Working with parents to gain input into our education system here.
I am a true Spartan and bleed “black and gold”!
I will serve the community to the best of my ability.
Name: Milton Corsey
Age: 62 years old
How long have you lived in Deptford?
I’ve been a lifelong Deptford Resident, Class of 1979
Children? Grandchildren?
One Daughter, Two Grandchildren (twins – girl and boy)
School and Degree?
BS Business Administration East Carolina University, MBA St. Joseph’s University
What is your profession?
I served as Dean of Administration and am Professor Emeritus of Rowan College of Gloucester County. I’m currently Director of Human Capital Solutions at AchieveNEXT a management consulting firm headquartered in Wayne, Pa where I lead the Management/Leadership Training and DEI practices.
Is this your first time running for the BOE?
This is my first time running for the Board of Education
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I’m living proof of the transformational power of a quality education. The Deptford School System was foundational for my academic and professional success, and I am committed to making sure that all future generations of students have the same opportunities that I had.
What is one area you would like to focus on if elected?
As a former professor at RCGC there were times when it was disheartening to see students who had not been prepared for the rigors of a college education. To that end my focus will be on ensuring that every graduate of our school system will have the necessary skills and
understanding to successfully pursue their dreams whether that be attending college or directly entering the workforce.
Name: Daniel McCurdy
Married? Children? Grandchildren?
I am happily married to my wife Gina (paraprofessional in Deptford Middle School) for 24 years and proud father of three children; Daniela (Graduate of Deptford High/Millersville University in Broadcasting and currently a 2nd Lieutenant in US Army NG), Edward (Graduate of Deptford High and current supervisor at Walmart in Deptford) and Gianna (Graduate of GCIT and going into Junior year at Rowan for Teaching.
How long have you lived in Deptford:
I’ve been living in the Oak Valley section of Deptford for 50 years.
Profession?
Currently I have been working as a Production Administrator/Manager at Coim Inc. USA in West Deptford for the last 14 years. Graduated from Deptford in 1989 and I have an associate degree in medical science from GCC 1997.
I currently am a charter member of the Knights of Columbus for Infant Jesus Parish, voting member of Oak Valley Athletic Association, baseball coach and (Coach of the Year) junior girls basketball coach which I’ve been doing the last 3 years and prior to my children about 6 years.
Why are you running for a BOE position?
My goal is to keep kids in Deptford High School by bringing programs back like cosmetology, auto shop, metal shop, business etc. so we’re not just focusing on big time athletes and STEM program students. I want to start a reach out program where successful graduates can come in and speak at the school on their career paths to success whether be through college or just plain hard work in a trade.
What is one area you will focus on if elected?
I believe that every child has the right to a quality education that prepares them for a successful future. I will be the voice for each student, parent, and community member to ensure this becomes a reality in our school district.
Name- Stacy L. Gray
Age- 50
How many years have you lived in Deptford?
48 years
Married? Children?
Married to John Gray
Children- two sons, Ryan, 24, DTHS class of 2017 and Gavin 21, DTHS Class of 2021 and current student in Deptford High School’s Transitional Learning Academy
School and degree- Deptford High School Class of 1991, Rowan University Class of 1995
Profession- Teacher and Technology Coach at East Greenwich Township Schools
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for the BOE? No. If not, how many years/terms have you served as BOE person?
2013 to 2015, 2017 to 2019 and 2021 to 2023
What is your involvement in the community?
I am a current BOE member, supporter of several co-curricular/athletic events in Deptford Schools, fundraising participant for Race for Hope DC and National Fragile X Foundation
Why are you running for an elected seat?
Linda (Rosser) and I decided to run together as a team for the Deptford Township Board of Education because many of our educational goals and values align. We both have a deep passion for education and a strong desire to contribute positively to our community’s schools. Because we are both educators, we believe in the power of education to shape the future of students and society. Serving on a board of education is a form of community service which allows us to give back to the Deptford community by helping to improve the quality of education and ensure that students have access to the best possible learning opportunities. We will work to ensure that students’ and staffs’ needs and interests are at the forefront of decision-making processes. With thoughtful budget planning and approval, we will make certain that resources are used efficiently and effectively. Through policy and planning, we can work towards creating an environment that fosters learning and provides students/staff with the tools they need to succeed academically. We believe our experience as current board members that have experience in all subcommittees and our educational backgrounds make us worthy of earning your vote.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
If elected, we will be advocates for all students. We have a strong commitment to the Deptford Township School District’s vision that our students will be lifelong scholars, curious learners, critical thinkers, effective problem solvers, and innovative leaders. That means that all students find a place where they belong and feel confident in their abilities in the areas of academics, co-curricular programs, the arts, and athletics. Our goal is to support and encourage all students to meet their future goals of college, the military, vocational trades or the workforce. We are committed to Deptford students being productive members of society.
Name- Linda S. Rosser
Age- 75 and going strong.
How many years have you lived in Deptford? 62 years.
Married? Children? Grandchildren?
Married- Widowed
Children-Two DTHS grads
Grandchildren- 6, 3 attended/attend Deptford Schools- ages- 8, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 20.
School and degree
DTHS class of 1966, Patterson State College class of 1970
Profession:
Retired Physical Education and Health teacher from Deptford Township Schools
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for the BOE?
No.
If not, how many years/terms have you served as BOE person?
First in elected 2013, served from 2014 to 2016, 2018 to 2020, 2021 to 2023.
What is your involvement in the community?
Deptford BOE member, supporter of several co-curricular/athletic activities in Deptford Schools, very active in my church and choir, past Sunday School teacher
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I decided to run together as a team with Stacy Gray for the Deptford Township Board of Education because many of our educational goals and values align. We both have a deep passion for education and a strong desire to contribute positively to our community’s schools. Because we are both educators, we believe in the power of education to shape the future of students and society. Serving on a board of education is a form of community service which allows us to give back to the Deptford community by helping to improve the quality of education and ensure that students have access to the best possible learning opportunities. We will work to ensure that students’ and staffs’ needs and interests are at the forefront of decision-making processes. With thoughtful budget planning and approval, we will make certain that resources are used efficiently and effectively. Through policy and planning, we can work towards creating an environment that fosters learning and provides students/staff with the tools they need to succeed academically. We believe our experience as current board members that have served on all subcommittees and our educational backgrounds make us worthy of earning your vote.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
If elected, we will be advocates for all students. We have a strong commitment to the Deptford Township School District’s vision that our students will be lifelong scholars, curious learners, critical thinkers, effective problem solvers, and innovative leaders. That means that all students find a place where they belong and feel confident in their abilities in the areas of academics, co-curricular programs, the Arts, and athletics. Our goal is to support and encourage all students to meet their future goals of college, the military, vocational trades, or the workforce. We are committed to Deptford students being productive members of society.
