Six candidates, including two incumbents, are vying for three seats on the Washington Township Board of Education in the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. They would serve three-year terms.
Two candidates – Sean Lindsay, an incumbent, and Julie Kozempel – are vying for the one-year unexpired term. All the candidates – Brandy Williams; Linda Hartong; Elayne Clancy; Steven Serrano, an incumbent; Christopher O’Brien; James Arpino, an incumbent; and Lindsay and Kozempel were all asked to submit an election questionnaire. As of deadline, Serrano, Arpino, Lindsay and Kozempel had not responded.
Name: Elayne Clancy
Age: 74
Years in Washington Township: 45
Family: Married, two grown children
School and degree: Rowan University, bachelor’s, plus 40 master’s credits
Profession: Retired after 25 years of teaching in the township
Is this the first time you have run for a seat on the board? If not, how many years/terms have you served as (BOE) person? Served on the board for three years, 2020 to 2023
What is your involvement in the community? Member of the Gloucester County Women’s Club, volunteer for the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, board meetings participant. I have been a past member of the board as vice president and interim president, and am able to work cohesively with others.
Why are you running for an elected seat? One area that needs to be concentrated on is to establish confidence and trust – meaning transparency – to the community including the schools.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? As a board member, it would have the opportunity to use my talents and expertise to collaborate with others to accomplish the work of the board, for the benefit of the district and its students.
Name: Linda Hartong
Age: 46
How many years have you lived in Washington Township? 24
Married? Children? Married, two children
School and degree: I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ashford University.
Profession: I currently work for ESS as a substitute teacher. I absolutely love my job.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat on the board? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? I have been and continue to be very involved in our school system. I was the treasurer of the PTO at Whitman School for four years. I am the current treasurer for the high-school PTO as well as the treasurer for the township Drama Parents Association. I have taught CCD at our local church for 14 years. I have also helped the youth football program as a team mom, and served on the soccer field in various positions.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I have been toying with the idea for a few years. I didn’t want to run unless I knew I could commit fully. I have a unique perspective: I am the mother of a student and an educator who at times works in the district. I believe in a strong board of education, and with my help, we can become one. My goal will always be to put the students first and make sure their needs are always met. It’s time for the adults in the room to make it about the kids that we are there to help.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? I would like to concentrate on our students and make sure their academic, physical and mental needs are met. I would also like to help bring financial stability to our district. I would also like to see more parent, teacher, administrator and community involvement in our board and schools. I hope to achieve this by having specialty committees and open-air meetings, along with celebrating our students every chance we get.
Name: Chris O’Brien
Age: 41
How many years have you lived in Washington Township? 25-plus
Family: Unmarried, no children
School and degree: Rowan University, undergrad and graduate school, BA, BS, MA
Profession: Special education teacher for 17 years
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for BOE? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? Limited involvement, but much involved within my local, working school district and its various activities
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for a position on the board of education to gain a better fluid-like understanding of how a school board operates. Being a professional educator, I have had the privilege to see the decisions made and how it affects educators and/or parents. Being on the school board for the full term of three years would give me a comprehensive working knowledge, and I would be able to see the great things yet is often overlooked by the public.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? I would want to focus on the majority of aspects that occur or are maintained by the board, factoring in policies and state regulations as prescribed. Key areas of interest, if I had to choose, would be programming with particular experience being within special education. Interests exist in other areas: budgets, safety initiatives and student and staff extra-curricular activities and opportunities. In my current capacity as a teacher, I take advantage of the opportunities afforded to become a greater part of the school community, and that could be a huge positive with greater involvement.
Name: Brandy Williams
Age: 42
How many years have you lived in Washington Township? 7
Family: My husband and I have been married for 11 years. We have two children, ages 9 and 5
School and degree: Graduated from Deptford High School
Profession: Small business owner (specialty billing)
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for BOE? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? From 2022-’24, I was the PTO vice president and president at my son’s preschool which is part of the Washington School District. I’m a parent, a good neighbor. I created and run my neighborhood social media page, I organized and participated in the renovation of our development’s entrance. I care about my community and want the best for it.
Why are you running for an elected seat? Two key factors motivated me to run for an elected seat. First my 9 year old asked why school couldn’t be more fun, which got me thinking about how our elementary schools could improve. Second, my experience on the PTO gave me a deep appreciation for the work the teachers and staff do, and I want to ensure they feel valued and heard.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? One area I’m focused on is making school more enjoyable for both students and teachers. I believe we should explore more play-based learning approaches to create a more engaging and effective school experience.
