Election 2022: Cherry Hill School Board Candidate Cathy DeCampli

CHERRY HILL, NJ — In the 2022 general election, residents of South Jersey will be voting for state and local officials. Patch has asked candidates in contested races to answer profiles about their campaigns.

Here is the candidate profile of Cathy DeCampli, running for the Cherry Hill Board of Education.

Note that some voting locations have changed for the special election on October 6 in Cherry Hill.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 8 election. Local candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Michelle.Rotuno-Johnson@patch.com.

Name: Cathy DeCampli

Age: 44

Town of residence: Cherry Hill

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: My husband Jason and our daughter Josie who just turned 5.

Education: I have a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Trinity Washington University and a Master's in Library and Information Science from Drexel.

Occupation: Emerging Technology and Teen Services Librarian

What previous or current elected/appointed offices have you held?Vice President of the Technology Section of the NJ Library Association

Why are you seeking to run for the school board?

The school district’s reputation is one of the reasons we moved here. I want to be a part of the effort to maintain the high standards that have allowed Cherry Hill students to thrive and succeed in an ever-changing world. As a former school librarian, I was in a unique position to work with students, teachers, administrators, and parents. I believe that experience will be valuable to the school board.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have worked in multiple school districts and it has given me a glimpse into what works and does not work. As a public librarian, I answer to community members daily and try to make their vision of the library a reality. I would bring that same sense of service to the school board.

What is your stance on the bond referendum that is before Cherry Hill School District voters?

Our district has been underfunded and is in desperate need of repairs. In the age of increased risks from weapons and pathogens, we need state-of-the-art facilities. Our children deserve schools that aren’t leaking water and filled with mold. No one enjoys having their taxes raised but these improvements are necessary and ignoring them is a risk to our children’s safety. ADA compliance cannot be negotiated. All students have a right to an education regardless of any disability.

Would you have voted to transfer the teachers from Cherry Hill East to Cherry Hill West?

While transfers within a district are often necessary, I could not vote for one that had a teacher in tears. Teachers should be repaid for the hard work they do by having input in the trajectory of their careers. I am sure many nuanced arguments had been considered behind the scenes but I do not believe that this was the appropriate one.

What is your stance on the sexual education curriculum that Gov. Murphy put forth earlier this year?

I believe the new standards provide an important update to life-saving information. Young people are already exposed to sensitive subjects on the internet which can lead to very damaging misconceptions. The curriculum, developed by doctors, mental health experts, educators, and other professionals, helps students understand healthy relationships, sexual assault, personal conduct, and many other topics that should not be ignored just be they make us uncomfortable. If they don’t learn it from trusted adults at an appropriate age, they will learn it from faceless people online. Unfortunately, misinformation is being peddled to confuse these very important issues.

What is the most important issue in your district and how do you intend to address it?

Currently, passing the bond referendum is the most pressing issue. Buildings can easily fall into disrepair, and I have seen it happen in other districts. The problem of paying for repairs is just pushed further down the road and left for someone else to figure out. In the end, that simply compounds the problem and adds to the final bill. Although the vote will be held before the election, I will ensure the work proceeds smoothly and quickly if elected.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in your school district that have not been discussed already and how would you tackle these?

Since I am a librarian this is probably unsurprising but I want to see fully funded and staffed libraries. Studies across 26 states consistently show that students achieve higher test scores when they attend schools with media centers staffed by a certified school library media specialist. These individuals are also experts in collaboration and integrating technology into the classroom. A fully funded library would include support staff, freeing the media specialist for lessons in technology, research, and media literacy.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I like to be an active member of my community. As a parent of a kindergartener, I’m looking forward to joining in on many PTA events. Professionally, I am involved in both our national and state library organizations. Win or lose, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this community.