Three candidates are running unopposed for the three board seats on the Palmyra Board of Education in the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. They are incumbents Amy Austin, who is currently serving as vice president, Erica Campbell, and James Dickinson.
Name: Amy Austin
Age: 47
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 20 years
Family: Married, with one child in the middle school and one in the high school.
School and degree: Bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College
Profession: Branded Program Coordinator for Food Export USA – Northeast
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for BOE? I have served three terms.
What is your involvement in the community? The BOE takes a lot of my spare time, along with my kids’ activities, so I am not actively committed to any other community groups at this time.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I have gained a lot of experience during the years I have given to the district, so I want to be involved in the process to find a new superintendent. This is the most important decision the board is making as it will greatly affect the future of the Palmyra School District.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? Finding the right superintendent to replace Dr. McBride is the priority. We need someone who can focus on school performance and move the district in a positive direction. We need someone who will work well with our current staff and work hard to recruit and retain new, high performing staff. I am confident that this board will hire the best person possible for Palmyra!
Name: Erica H. Campbell
Age: I am 53 years old.
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? I have lived in the beautiful town of Palmyra for 19 years.
Family: I have a 12-year-old son who is active in the community and is currently a First-Class Scout in Roebling Troop 3.
School and degree: I am an alumnus of Rutgers University (Undergraduate Degree) and Capella University (Master’s in Educational Leadership). I am currently working on my doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management.
Profession: I am a school principal in New Jersey
Is this the first time you have run for a board seat? I am seeking my third term as an elected member of the Palmyra School Board, where I have served for six years.
What is your involvement in the community? I am a Palmyra/Riverton Juneteenth Committee member and maintain membership status on our local Tri-Boro Cert.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for the elected seat on the Palmyra School Board to continue taking Palmyra Public Schools to “The Next Level.” I plan to build on our achievements while advocating for student learning and development.
- Building on District Achievements: Continuing to build on the achievements of the school board for the last six years: Sustainable Jersey Certification, New Jersey Light House Recognition, and the District 5 Year Strategic Plan
- Improving Student Achievement: Improving student achievement for all students while preparing students for college and careers and for new and exciting future job opportunities that will emerge.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If elected, I will continue to focus on the Palmyra Public School District’s ongoing effort to nurture the whole child by enhancing the district’s ability to support our students’ academic and social-emotional well-being.
Name: James Dickinson
Age: 46
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 30
Family: Four boys: 22, 20, 13, 8
School and degree: BS Rutgers University
Profession: Sales representative at Sherwin Williams
Is this the first time you have run for a board seat? Served five years
What is your involvement in the community? Coach soccer for Pal-Riv Soccer Club
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am seeking re-election to continue serving the community in providing the highest quality education for our children in an environment where they feel safe and welcome and want to attend every day.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? The selection of the new CSA will be a very important focus moving into next year.
