Five candidates are vying for seats on the Mantua Township board of education in the Nov. 4 election.
The winners will fill two, three-year terms and a single one-year term.
In the three-year term race, incumbents Erica Atkinson and Amy Gregg are facing incumbent Shawnequa Carvalho and Karen Vick. Michael McGough Jr. is running for the one-year term seat.
Each candidate was sent a questionnaire. As of press time, Vick and McGough had not responded. Responses are lightly edited for space.
The Clearview Regional board of education is also hosting an uncontested election with two candidates running for two three-year seats, Jennifer Buckman and Bryan Quenzel.
Name: Erica J. Atkinson
Age: 42
How many years have you lived in Mantua? Life-long resident
Family: Two sons
School and degree: Gloucester County College and Rowan University
Profession: Human resources/payroll
Is this the first time you’re running for a board seat? No
If not, how many years/terms have you served? From January 2023 to December 2025
What is your involvement in the community?
I am a volunteer at my church, Trinity Methodist Mullica Hill. I am on the PTO and have been a room mom for both my children many times, as well as their CYB coach. My kids were also involved in baseball and soccer. I participate in all their school activities and functions and do my best to network and get to know everyone in town.
Why are you running for reelection?
I’m running because there needs to continue to be different views on the board and new people to represent the township. It cannot keep on as a closed-minded monopoly.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if reelected?
I’m concerned about curriculum. I feel books, materials, etc., should be reviewed by the board before they’re slapped with approval. They are never even put in our hands. This is alarming to me. At meetings, I continue to transparently vocalize questions I have about many of our policies and proceed to push for change.
Name: Amy Gregg
Age: 54
How many years have you lived in Mantua? 30
Family: Married, three boys
School and degree: No degrees
Profession: Payroll clerk
Is this the first time you have run for a seat on the board? No
If not, how many years/terms have you served? Finishing my third year
What is your involvement in the community?
Previous to Mantua, I served one, three-year term on the Clearview Regional School Board.
Why are you running for reelection?
Mantua Township schools have provided a great education to my sons, and I would like to be a part of making sure that the district continues to give that quality education to the children in our schools.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if reelected?
I would like to make sure that the district’s educational standards for excellence continue to hold up to the reputation that it has so rightfully earned. I want to make sure that our schools continue to be a safe place for all students and staff. We need to make sure the resources are there for all to be successful.
Name: Shawnequa Carvalho
Age: N/A
How many years have you lived in Mantua? Since 2021
Family: Married, with twin daughters.
School and Degree: Undergrad at Immaculata University, two master’s at St. Joseph’s University, doctorate at Rowan University.
Profession: Assistant superintendent of West Deptford schools.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat on the board? No
If not, how many years/terms have you served? I am currently serving my first, one-year term.
What is your involvement in the community?
I currently sit on the board of health and the library commission for West Deptford.
Why are you running again for the board?
I am running because I have children in the district, and I believe that the very best gift you can give a child is the gift of education. As an educator myself, I bring first-hand experience and a deep understanding of how educational policies affect students, teachers and families. I want to ensure that every decision made by the board supports student success, empowers teachers and reflects the needs and values of our community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if reelected?
If elected, I would focus on continuing to support and advance the district goals we have already established. These goals represent a shared vision for student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. I believe in maintaining continuity while also listening to feedback and looking for ways to improve outcomes for all students in Mantua. My aim is to help ensure our goals are not just words on paper but are actively guiding decisions and making a measurable impact in our schools.
