Four candidates, including three incumbents, are vying for three seats open on the Delran board of education in the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. One candidate is running for an open, unexpired two-year term.
The candidates are incumbents John Brophy, Amy Rafanello, Michelle Reissman, and Jeffrey J. George, and the candidate for the unexpired term, Michael C. Kelley. All were asked to submit an election questionnaire. As of deadline, Brophy and Kelley had not responded.
Name: Jeffrey J. George
Age: 43
How many years have you lived in Delran Township? Going on five years
Family: Married, two children
School and degree: Temple University, bachelor of business administration, master’s in education
Profession: Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services-Fox and Roach. Previously a high-school math and business teacher and adjunct instructor for approximately 10 years.
Is this the first time you have run for a board seat? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? Throughout my career, I have been working in many capacities with the citizens of Philadelphia and Delran: recreation leader, civic volunteer, softball coach, TenbySwim Club member and volunteer, community liaison for a Philadelphia council member, and a classroom teacher at four local institutions, including a university. In an effort to pursue my dream of helping to rid our region of blighted properties, I personally have renovated approximately 20 distressed homes and helped clients and team members with another 100 or so homes. I have spent 10 years as an educator in Philadelphia: three semesters at Temple University as an adjunct instructor to more than 20 intern teachers.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I believe my unique career experiences, paired with institutional knowledge of governmental agencies and budgets, can be an asset to the Delran board. An opportunity to serve on the board would be the ideal position for someone with my skills, dedication and strong desire to help keep Delran a strong town that attracts families and businesses. Civic duty is the foundation of all free societies, and I strongly believe in being active in your community. After seeing so many students suffer due to prolonged school closures, I felt that it was extremely important to be at the table advocating for our children. I see first hand how dedicated the Delran educators, support staff, and administrators are, and it motivated me to run for a board position so I can help them continue to improve our schools and run an efficient and successful school district.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? Very difficult to pinpoint just one area so I’ll briefly mention three: Help find efficiencies in the $67-million district budget and explore new methods to generate revenue; find ways to increase the number of parents and taxpayers at school board meetings, since more public input is necessary to hear diverse opinions; concentrate on ways to increase healthier food options at our schools and to potentially eliminate some items that are affecting our children’s health and behaviors. A healthier student body and workforce has countless benefits.
Name: Amy Rafanello
Age: 49
How many years have you lived in Delran Township? 20
Family: Married with four children, 21, 20, 18, 15
School and degree: SUNY Hunter College, NYC, master’s in school counseling
Profession: Director of Medical Staff Services
Is this the first time you have run for a seat on the board? If not, how many years/terms have you served as a member? 12
What is your involvement in the community? I have been a room mother, PTA member, full-day kindergarten task force leader and active participant in homecoming activities.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I originally decided to join the school board in 2012 to be a voice for the smallest stakeholders, our students. Fast forward to 2024: I’ve been part of a team that has restored full-day kindergarten; advocated for our fair share of funding; overseen the development of the Stem Fab Lab; added additional classrooms that allow for growth; promoted a successful referendum; and became a master certificated board member, known throughout the county. In a world of changing educational priorities, I’m proud of the work we have accomplished and hope to continue to be a voice for all students in Delran.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? All school board members are keenly aware that nothing can be accomplished on our own. It’s important to have a partnership with all members of the board, and maintain an open dialogue regarding issues that we face. One area that I’d like to concentrate on is communication from, and within, the district. I’d like to continue to encourage partnerships with parents, as well as continued support of communication across all schools. Communication affects many areas: safety, school climate and culture, employee relations, parent involvement, and student well being. We do these things well, but there is always room for improvement.
Name: Michelle Reissman
Age: 48
How many years have you lived in Delran Township? 23
Family: Married, two children, 20 and 16
School and degree: Monmouth University, 1998 graduate, with a dual degree in elementary and special education.
Profession: Cinnaminson teacher for 25 years
Is this the first time you’ve run for a seat? Yes. I was fortunate to be selected by current board members to fulfill one of two vacant positions in July 2024.
What is your involvement in the community? I am involved with the Delran Middle School and high-school PTA. I have been fortunate to work closely with the Class of 2027 students, families and advisors. My husband and I have both taken active roles in our children’s education and activities over the years. We have been dedicated to supporting the schools and community by being room parents, chaperones, coaches, snack bar volunteers and fundraising organizers.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running to serve on Delran’s board because I value education and want to make a positive impact on our community. I believe that my extensive background as an educator who works collaboratively with others will lend itself well to this position. I know first hand the benefits of a unified and dedicated board and the positive influence it can create to support students.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If elected, my area of concentration would be on student success. Success looks different for all students. Whether the focus is on academics, athletics, the arts, social and emotional well being or extracurricular activities, my goal will be to support students so that they can reach their maximum potential. One of the many ways to best support students will be to continue fostering solid partnerships with all school and community stakeholders.
