Meet Renee Cherfane, Cherry Hill Board Of Education General Election Candidate

CHERRY HILL, NJ — The ballot season is in full swing in the Garden State, and Patch has asked local candidates aiming to win a seat on the Cherry Hill Board of Education to share their thoughts before the General Election on Nov. 3.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all contested candidates via the email addresses listed for their campaign. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Contact edward.callahan@patch.com with any questions regarding coverage.

Name: Renee Cherfane

Age: 39

Town of residence: Cherry Hill

Position sought: Board of Education, 3-year-term

Party affiliation: None

Family: Husband (Peter), Daughters (Olivia, Maci, and Margaret)

Education: Masters Degree in Chemistry, Masters Degree in Nursing Education, Certification in Nursing Professional Development

Occupation: Nurse

Previous or current elected or appointed office: 3-year BOE term

Why are you seeking office?

I am seeking reelection primarily to continue the momentum with current initiatives. Longevity on the Board is important, and without experienced and committed members, the district cannot move forward.

We have dedicated a lot of this past year working towards a stronger Board and regaining effective collaboration and oversight.

I would like to continue the work to see Cherry Hill move forward.

What additional measures would you suggest to build on one or two things that are done right now within district?

Collection and analysis of data is important to essentially all current initiatives (i.e. rebalancing, special education, budgeting, residency verification, etc.).

In addition to that, I would like to see more in-real-time updates to the community about those items as well.

If you were to start your own board or commission, what would it be for and why? What issues would you want to address, or areas would you want to highlight?

N/A

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Firstly, I have served on the Board for 3 years. No other candidate has had that long of recent experience serving as a Board member.

Secondly, I am not majorly conflicted from the daily operations of Board activity. A few of the other candidates will not be able to serve on certain (or any) committees, they will not be able to participate in teacher and Superintendent negotiations, nor will they be able to provide, nor participate in the Superintendent's evaluation.

I would like to think all candidates are running for a seat on the Board to serve the students and community, which is why I am interested in continuing my work on the Board.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

I have completed a 3-year term on the Board already, while being promoted on my full-time job and maintaining four additional part-time jobs.

I also volunteer for many things like coaching, girl scouts, PTA events. etc.

I have stamina to do the work, and have demonstrated commitment to showing up and being present when I do.

What's a motto you live your life by?

Life is best lived with a hopeful heart, a peaceful mind, and the wisdom to see through many lenses before making decisions through only one.

What does it mean to you to represent the district?

It is an honor that my community believes in me to be their voice and protect their children.

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