Three Deptford board of education candidates, including two incumbents, are running for three open seats on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. Candidates include incumbents James McDevitt III and Mark Getsinger and newcomer Justin Green.
All candidates were contacted to submit a questionnaire. As of deadline, McDevitt and Getsinger had not responded.
Name: Justin Green
Age: 19
Years lived in Deptford Township: 19 years, lifetime resident
School and degree: Currently a student at Rowan University majoring in political science, with a minor in law and justice.
Profession: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Is this your first time running for a seat on the board of education? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? I’ve been actively involved in advocating for students as the first student member of the board of education for the Gloucester County Vocational Technical School District, and I have also been involved in community service through the Boy Scouts of America, where I served as a leader for several years.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I’m running for the Deptford Township Board of Education to bring a fresh perspective and represent the voices of students, parents and educators. As a former student member of the Gloucester County Vocational Technical School District Board, I have first-hand experience advocating for equitable policies. I’m driven to ensure that the board is transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of our community. I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership to step up, and I am committed to working towards a brighter future for all Deptford students.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If elected, I will prioritize fostering transparency and open communication between the board of education and the community. Parents, students and staff must be informed and involved in decisions that affect them. I plan to work on creating more accessible platforms for community engagement and ensuring that every board decision is made with input from all stakeholders. Additionally, I will advocate for policies that enhance the quality of education and our transportation department, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
