Nine candidates, including four incumbents, are vying for seats on the Eastern Regional High School Board of Education in the election on Nov. 4. Winners will serve three-year terms.
The candidates are Assunta “Suzie” Barone, Jude Brown, Hillary J. Garr, Gabrielle Kuper, Randi Stoopler, Dennis Deichert, Jessica Allen, Desiree Luongo and Jeremy Conner. Garr, Conner, Deichert and Brown are incumbents.
Candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire. Answers have been lightly edited for space.
Name: Assunta “Suzie” Barone
Age: I’m old enough to have two Eastern graduates and one Eastern sophomore.
Years in township/borough: 21
Family: I live in Voorhees with my husband Antonio and our three children Salvatore, Valentina and Angelina.
School and degree: Graduate of Abington High School in Pennsylvania. I hold an associate’s degree in early childhood education and am a Pennsylvania-certified aesthetician.
Profession: Community Engagement Coordinator for Voorhees. Prior to that, I worked in Washington Township as the mayor’s confidential aide for eight years.
Have you ever run for office? No
Community involvement: I am currently a member of the Voorhees Recreation Advisory Board, where we promote teamwork and healthy lifestyles for youth. I also represent the township on the Voorhees Arts Committee, Cultural and Diversity Committee, Economic Development Committee and the Voorhees Rotary Club. Previously, I was involved with the Hamilton Parent and Faculty Association, organizing events including the holiday shop.
Why are you running for the school board? As a parent of three Eastern students, it’s important for me to do everything I can to regain the excellent reputation that Eastern has in our community. My goals are balancing what’s best for the students with what’s best for the community and continuing to create a positive educational experience for every student.
One area of focus if elected: I would like to focus on collaboration. Working together is the most important part of identifying opportunities and solving challenges. That does not mean always agreeing on everything, but having healthy, respectful discussions to view issues from every angle and create meaningful solutions that reflect the best interests of students and the voice of the community.
Name: Jude Brown
Age: 60
Years in township/borough: Life-long resident
Family: Married for 33 years to Valerie Brown and father of three.
School and degree: Eastern National Merit semifinalist and 1983 graduate. B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University.
Profession: Executive driving technology innovation in leading household brands. Director of sales for Eastern Americas.
Have you ever run for office? Yes. I have served nine years and four terms as an Eastern board of ed member, including two years as president and four as vice president.
Community involvement: Current member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Gibbsboro. Past member of the Voorhees Zoning Board, past president and treasurer of Eastern Boys’ Lacrosse Booster Club, past treasurer of Eastern Girls’ Lacrosse Booster Club. Member of the Voorhees Recreation Council and past president and treasurer of Voorhees lacrosse. Past coach for Voorhees boys and girls lacrosse, soccer and softball.
Why are you running for another board term?
I am running to ensure Eastern continues to thrive during this important time of transition. With a new superintendent and principal leading our schools, strong board leadership is critical to provide support, stability and accountability. As a parent of three Eastern graduates and an experienced board member, I know what it takes to balance fiscal responsibility with academic excellence. Together with my running mate, I will work to give our administrators the tools they need, our teachers the support they deserve, and our students the advantage they need for the future.
What area would you concentrate on if elected?
I will focus on strong academics, positive culture and responsible budgeting that respects taxpayers while keeping resources in classrooms. I will support our new superintendent and principal as they set a vision for excellence, while ensuring accountability. I will prioritize STEM education to prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce. My goal is to make sure every student graduates Eastern with not just opportunity, but an advantage whether pursuing college, career or service. Above all, I will keep students first and Eastern a source of pride.
Name: Hillary J. Garr
Age: N/A
Years in township/borough: 35 years
Family: Married to Tony Garr, parents of Audrey and Katie.
School and degree: Ohio State University.
Profession: Retired Instructional Associate in special education for the Voorhees school district for 21 years.
Have you ever run for office before? Yes. I have served 27 years and nine terms on the Eastern board of education.
Community involvement: Served on all Eastern board of ed subcommittees, member of the Berlin-Gibbsboro-Voorhees Municipal Alliance, Eastern’s Project Graduation, NJSBA Special Education and Long Range Planning committees, Economic Development Committee and Centennial Celebration Committee. Co-chair for two years and treasurer of Kresson PFO, creating its Holiday Giving Tree Program. Second-grade author for the district’s Authors and Illustrators in Residence Program. Recognized by DYFS Children and Families of Camden County, Brownie and Girl Scout leader.
Why are you running for reelection?
I am running because of my deep commitment to the growth and ranking of Eastern Regional. Within the last two years, we have hired a dynamic new superintendent and principal. At each board meeting, we hear nothing but positive comments and reports from our administrators and student representatives. It’s exciting to see new approaches to achieving the full potential of our students. I would like to continue to be a part of Eastern’s Excellence in Education.
What area would you focus on if reelected?
I have dedicated myself as a board member to standing up for and promoting the success of all students and educators. I take special pride in the achievements of regular education, honors and advanced students. I am especially proud of our Eastern Learning Academy and Job Coaching program, which have helped students become proud Eastern graduates who go on to the workforce, college and beyond.
Name: Gabrielle Kuper
Age: 25
Years in township/borough: 20
Family: My brother and I both graduated from Eastern Regional High School.
School and degree: BA in Social and Behavioral Sciences with a minor in Political Science, Seton Hall University; near completion of a Master of Public Administration, Seton Hall University.
Profession: Project manager at the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, advancing leadership development that prioritizes the well-being of others.
Have you run for office before? No. This is my first time running for any seat in local government.
Community involvement: As a proud Eastern grad, I am returning from college with new skills, experiences and perspectives that I am eager to invest back into the district. My involvement is centered on listening, learning and actively serving students, families and educators to strengthen our schools and community.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
As I finish my Master of Public Administration, there’s no better time than now to put the degree to use. I am running to bring a servant-first perspective to the district by prioritizing the needs of students, families and educators. By listening first and acting with integrity, I aim to strengthen trust, transparency and collaboration within the district.
What area would you focus on if elected?
I would concentrate on advancing student success through both academic and extra-curricular opportunities. I will support teachers and staff in ensuring that every graduate is equipped with the skills, confidence and advantage they need to thrive in the future.
Name: Randi Stoopler
Age: 51
Years in township/borough: 18
Family: Husband Craig and three sons, 21, 17 and 15.
School and degree: George Washington University, BBA, Rutgers University, MBA.
Profession: Mom, volunteer, partner.
Have you ever run for office before? Yes. I am a past member of the Voorhees board, having served one term of three years.
Community involvement: Treasurer of Boosters Eastern Viking Football; vice president, Jewish Community Relations Council; Disability Committee co-chair, Jewish Family and Children’s Service.
Why are you running for the board again?
As a parent of a special needs child, we need people in elected positions to advocate for our children. After attending the last few meetings, I reconsidered my run. I have no interest in becoming part of a school board that does not prioritize children, staff and community. I feel I can better serve as a community member without the restrictions of a board member. Jude Brown and Gabrielle Kuper have done an excellent job serving taxpayers by asking the right questions.
Name: Dennis F. Deichert
Age: N/A
Years in township/borough: Lifelong resident of Gibbsboro
Family: Married for 42 years to my wife Maryellen; three sons.
School and degree: Rowan University
Profession: Operational and logistics manager for a high-profile transportation company.
Have you run for office before?
Yes. I am currently vice president of the Eastern board of education.
Community involvement: Active member of the Gibbsboro Planning and Zoning Committee. On the school board, I collaborate on decisions that balance community needs, growth and fiscal responsibility.
Why are you running for reelection?
My father was a founding member of the Eastern board, and I recall board members convening at my home, which instilled in me a sense of community and the importance of an excellent education. As a board member at Eastern for more than 21 years, I have delivered on promises for increased school funding and expanded programs recognized throughout the state. I want to be a strong voice for parents, teachers and the community, ensuring every student has access to high-quality education and district resources are used wisely.
What area would you like to focus on if reelected?
I want to continue advancing STEAM programs to meet the needs of our students. STEAM education builds curiosity, logical reasoning and adaptability skills that extend beyond school into everyday life.
Name: Jessica “Jess” Allen
Age: 36
Years in township/borough: Life-long Gibbsboro resident
Family: Married to Kevin Verstichel, three children, 11, 6 and 3.
School and degree: Bachelor’s degree, University of Michigan.
Profession: Operations manager for our family business in West Berlin, owned by my parents, uncle and aunt.
Have you run for office before? No
Community involvement: My priority over the last 10 years has been raising young children. Now, with a strong support system in place, I am ready to give back to the community.
Why are you running?
I’m running to give back to the community that has shaped generations of my family and is now preparing my own children. As a proud Eastern graduate with deep roots in Gibbsboro, I value integrity, accountability and keeping students at the center of every decision. I want the board to focus on serving all students, supporting educators and allocating resources wisely – without distraction from partisan politics – to preserve and strengthen Eastern for future generations.
What would you focus on if elected?
I would like to focus on connecting students with lessons and opportunities from small business and entrepreneurship. As the daughter of a business owner and now part of that business myself, I understand discipline, sacrifice and accountability. I aim to create an entrepreneurship or career-readiness initiative that empowers students to build ventures locally and experience the impact of supporting and strengthening their community.
Name: Desiree Luongo
Age: N/A
Years in township/borough: Berlin Borough resident for almost 20 years
Family: Mother of two sons
School and degree: Bachelor’s in History and Teaching Certification in Elementary Education from Rutgers University.
Profession: Retired language arts and social studies teacher in Pennsauken Public Schools
Have you ever run for office before? No
Community involvement: Focused on education and community service, leveraging decades of teaching experience to support local students and families.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running to serve my community and make a meaningful difference where it matters most. I want to provide real solutions to challenges faced by school districts, including promoting academic excellence, strengthening school-community connections and fostering a positive environment. I aim to bring a fresh perspective, accountability and results-oriented leadership to ensure that every voice is heard and policies reflect the needs of the people I represent.
What area would you focus on if elected:
I would focus on student preparedness for the real world by providing exemplary educational programs that inspire life-long learning and align with state standards. I would also advocate for sufficient state aid, improve financial transparency and long-range budgeting and optimize resource allocation to support both students and educators.
Name: Jeremy Conner
Age: 48
Years in township/borough: 13
Family: Married with two daughters
School and degree: U.S. Army
Profession: Energy specialist
Have you run for office before? Yes. I am serving my first term of three years on the Eastern board of ed.
Community involvement: Coaching various sports including softball and basketball, active in local church youth group and children’s ministry.
Why are you running for reelection?
I’m seeking reelection to continue the work I’ve been doing for our students over the past three years. As both a current board member and a parent with deep roots in this district, I have a personal stake in ensuring every student receives the best education possible. My experience as a business owner managing 25-plus employees has given me valuable skills in budget management, strategic planning and problem-solving, which I apply to challenges facing our district. Combined with volunteer work, I am committed to putting students first while making fiscally responsible decisions.
What area would you focus on if reelected?
My primary focus will be navigating financial challenges while maintaining educational excellence. I want to retain and support our excellent teachers through competitive compensation and professional development, while ensuring students graduate prepared for college, trade school or the workforce. By investing in teachers, we can better equip students for success in life beyond high school.
