Meet Cherry Hill School Board Candidate Ineda Elmore-Stratton

CHERRY HILL, NJ — When voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 elections, they will be asked to choose three people from a field of five to serve on the Cherry Hill Public School District's Board of Education.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to give voters information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation. Below are the responses from candidate Ineda "Corrien" Elmore-Stratton.

Previous elective office, if any

Only appointment to BOE in 2019

Does anyone in your family work for the school district or in politics?

No

Education

B.A. Journalism and Mass Media, Rutgers University (Minor Spanish)
Executive M.A. in Public Administration, Rutgers University Course work begun 2017-2018 Studies paused at this time due to hardship

Occupation

Executive Director, Greater Philadelphia YMCA

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

Cherry Hill is quickly growing and as it grows, our township becomes more diverse and it is important that our spaces and positions of leadership are reflective of the community. I believe representation is important, and it is key that we have representation from as many facets of the diversity in our town, in all of our key spaces. In addition, I have an undying passion for serving youth and families and have done so for close to 20 years. Working on the school board is just another layer where my passion and my skill set can meet a work for positive results.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is the large and growing disparity in the achievement gap, and it is my intention to continue to push the district to make strides in addressing and closing this gap, especially as it will more than likely grow during this virtual learning school year. I will be a consistent voice pushing the district to not let this become a conversation that never has a solution. In addition, I believe that this awkward learning year has brought on heavy tension between the administration, the staff, and the families, and so I believe there will be a new issue of resetting the culture and tone of the District once we resume our traditional school year of study. I plan to consistently raise awareness of the need for this negative tension to be addressed and shifted.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board seat?

What makes me stand out amongst the other candidates is my commitment and history in the township. I am a CH West alum, a former CHPS employee, and have been a resident in the township since 1989. While I have clearly committed my life to making Cherry Hill my lifelong home, I also have a variety of perspectives due to my life experiences that allow me to bring different points of view and scope to my work. I am able to speak from an understanding of a once single mother, a full time working mom, and now a full time working mother with a husband and blended family. In addition, I have spent over 90% of my career in non-profit organizations which has naturally built my skill in working with and on both governing and advisory boards. I have led both style of boards and served as an organizational point person for communication and projects.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?

In 2016, I was listed as one of Burlington County’s 40 Emerging Leaders under Age 40, and although this was a nice recognition, I believe that I am constantly emerging as a leader in whatever new space I am navigating in. I am committed to living a life of servant leadership to youth and families.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Right now, our community including the BOE needs strong leadership willing to focus on strengthening and building collaboration amongst the administration, the staff, the students, and the community. We are desperately in need of a rebuilding of trust and relationship that will assist the BOE in advising the District Administration in the direction that is the best response to parent and student desires.

The best advice ever shared with me was

“Attitude is reflective of leadership” in other words, the attitude of leadership is the one that you will see in others on the team. This is applicable for all teams. For the BOE it is imperative that the staff and student community have leaders in place that are positive, focused, committed, and willing to work together and settle for nothing short of excellence. The BOE cannot work in silos or separate themselves from the community’s voice, instead they must remain positive and work together for the success of the District.