Election 2022: Gloucester Twp. School Board Candidate Keith Gibbons

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, 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 for Keith Gibbons, running for the Gloucester Township Board of Education.

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 Nov. 8 general election. Local candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Michelle.Rotuno-Johnson@patch.com.

Name: Keith Gibbons

Age: 45

Town of residence: Blackwood

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: 1 Daughter, age 12

Education: Associates Degree

Occupation: Self- Employed

What previous or current elected/appointed offices have you held? None

Why are you seeking to run for the school board?

I believe that to truly represent, you need to listen, discuss, and respond to comments and concerns. I want to be an ear and voice for the people. To give back to my community by representing the children, parents, teachers, and support staff. I have attended many school board meetings and have seen the reluctance to listen to all the public concerns.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am not backed by any political money and will be self-funding my campaign. I also have a child in the school district, at C.W. Lewis. My daughter means the world to me. As a single father I take her everywhere and teach her everything I know. I started teaching her basic civics by showing her how the local government works through bringing her to public meetings. She now loves to attend and learn more about what is going on in our town and understands how we can volunteer and help others. I fully understand and appreciate everything parents juggle with limited time to make their lives work.

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

There are parts I disagree with and parts I think can be positive. While I think teachers should teach traditional subjects, there is also a need for age-appropriate education for children who might not be taught it at home.

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

Parents and residents deserve transparency. I feel that parents and teachers should be encouraged to get involved and voice their concerns. Community involvement is important. Parents and teachers alike need to be informed, know they are being heard and believe that change is possible.

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?

If I am elected, I would help ensure our tax dollars are going to the right places. Nepotism and cronyism have no place on a school board. Tax dollars should be spent on our teachers and children. If elected, I would be looking into what would be needed to retain the support staff, aides, drivers, custodians. We have great talent and money in the budget to care more about these positions. We can find the solutions together.

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

After attending a lot of GT meetings such as council, planning board, zoning board, housing authority and of course Board of Education, it became clear that I needed to try to make a difference and bring change. I am not and will not be beholden to any political party or donor. I am a rational, free-thinking individual. This is a non-paid, non-political position. I am running in hopes to better my community, not to help reward political donors. Any monies spent on my campaign will be spent out of my own pocket. I am sure I can make a positive difference to the Gloucester Township School district.