Election 2022: Haddonfield School Board Candidate Jamie Grookett

HADDONFIELD, 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 Jamie Grookett, running for another term on the Haddonfield 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 the 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: Jaime Grookett

Age: 45

Town of residence: Haddonfield

Position sought: Haddonfield Board of Education

Family: my husband, Tom, 2 children, Ava (17) Tommy (14) both at HMHS

Education: BA English and BA Psychology from Rowan University, MSEd from University of Pennsylvania, MFA in Creative Writing from Drexel University

Occupation: Professor at the College of Education at Rowan University

What previous or current elected/appointed offices have you held?

Current President of the Haddonfield Board of Education, Trustee at the Haddonfield Foundation

Why are you seeking to run for the school board?

As the current President of the school board, I know there is a lot of work to be done. We are fortunate to have passionate, committed staff, faculty, and families that are eager to work together to keep moving forward. I am appreciative to serve alongside such a dedicated community, and I hope to continue to serve for another term.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am an experienced educator and have four years of experience on the Haddonfield Board of Education. I was a high school English teacher and have taught Writing and Teacher Education at multiple higher education institutions, such as Camden County College, Drexel University, and Rowan University.

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

Health and Sex education have long been a part of public school curriculum. I’m in support of the new health standards which reflect research supporting the link between sexual health education and delay in sexual intercourse and fewer sex partners. However, there is an opt-out option for families.

What is your stance on the bond referendum?

Bond referendums provide funds for progress and growth in all districts. Our annual funding allows for operation and maintenance; however, school districts require additional facilities and updating in order to best serve the community. Therefore, bond referendums become necessary periodically to ensure a district continues to meet the needs of its students. As a district, we are engaging the community early to determine its needs and will consider this information as we develop the bond proposal.

How should those who vandalized the football field on graduation night be punished?

This is outside the purview of a school board member. Because these students were graduates, police were notified immediately and any recourse takes place through the Haddonfield Police Department.

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

This is by far the hardest position I’ve ever held, but worth it. I appreciate those who have trusted me with leading the school district and with the education of their children. I do this because I firmly believe in the power of public education, and I recognize the need for strong, focused leadership that puts the students first and is responsive, not reactive. I hope to serve the Haddonfield community for another term.