Cherry Hill Board of Education Board of education members listen to details of the budget for the 2026-’27 school year.
The township board of education discussed the ongoing process of preparing a 2026-’27 academic year budget at a Dec. 3 meeting.
Jason Schimpf is the assistant superintendent, business administrator and board secretary responsible for leading the budget preparation process. He presented several slides at the meeting of that process.
“I’ve continued to make my rounds to each of the schools to meet with their school principals and administrative teams,” he noted. “I really enjoyed those discussions, and I thought, now, consistent with our budget preparation calendar, I would continue to provide some updates at our work sessions as we move through the process here.”
As schools within the district have until Jan. 16 to justify their budget requests, Schimpf focused primarily on revenue for the meeting. He began with a rundown of the district’s tax levy analysis, which along with the budget fund balance is one of the only pieces of revenue over which the board has control.
Since there is a 2% cap on the tax levy, that would equate to an additional $4 million in revenue for 2026-’27. The average homeowner in the township would see this impact reflected in a $115 property tax increase.
The coming academic year will be the first time since the $300-million bond referendum in 2022 that residents will see a decrease in the principal and interest payments of the bonds. That would continue for the next three fiscal years, translating to a $61 decrease on the debt service side of the budget for the average homeowner.
“It’ll be a welcome relief having the ability to hopefully or potentially increase the general side of the tax levy to support our operations,” Schimpf pointed out, “while at the same time offsetting that increase with the decrease on the debt service side of things.”
The district also has about $3.3 million in banked cap – or unused taxing authority – that can be utilized for larger tax increases without a public vote. Unused funds will expire during the next academic year if left unallocated. The tax impact of the banked cap is estimated to be around $97, which would translate to a net increase of $151 in taxes on the average assessed home.
Schimpf also touched on state aid, though with a new governor taking office in January, that funding is unknown. Some of Gov. Phil Murphy’s budget legislation changes are not permanent, and governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s plans for those have not been made public.
One of Murphy’s policies was limiting decreases in state aid to 3% and increases to 6%.
“There’s still the potential there, without those caps, that the district could be looking at another substantial state aid cut,” said Schimpf.
No definitive answer to whether those caps will remain in place will be available to the district until Feb. 26, after Sherrill approves a budget.
Schimpf also discussed the district’s fund balance and the different categories in that amount. The unassigned balance functions as the district’s savings account, estimated to be at about $4 million by the end of this school year. Schimpf estimated that in that same time, the fund balance would have about $5 million in designated revenue and $3.8 million in capital reserve, with no restricted funding in the balance.
The public hearing and final adoption of a budget for 2026-’27 will take place on April 28.
Five candidates, including two incumbents, are vying for the three available seats on the Cherry Hill Board of Education in the Nov. 4 election. Each would serve a three-year term.
All candidates – Collin O. Duckett, Candi Cummings, Adam Greenbaum, Gina Winters and Brandi N. DeVeaux – were asked to submit an election questionnaire. Answers have been lightly edited for space.
At the time of deadline, DeVeaux had not responded.
Name: Collin Duckett
Age: 19
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? Just over five
Family: I live with my father, Kevin; Mom-Mom, Kathleen; and sister, Hailey.
School and degree: I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s in business administration with a focus in entrepreneurship, as well as a minor in public administration and policy. Proud graduate of Cherry Hill West, Class of 2024.
Profession: At home, I am pool manager and head lifeguard of the Jersey Wahoos Swim Club, where I’ve connected with many East students. I’m also employed as one of the managers at Wedgewood Swim Club in Haddonfield and am a pool operator for the St. Alban’s School in Washington, D.C.
Is this the first time you’ve run for the seat on council? Yes. I previously served on the board of education in my capacity as student representative from West. I served from June 2023 to June 2024, and in that time vastly expanded the role and influence of the student reps by bringing them closer to the board.
What is your involvement in the community? My involvement in the community of late has been pursuing a passion of mine: learning about the lived experiences and political and social positions of my neighbors. In preparation for my potential election, I have been speaking with stakeholders across the district to gain a concrete understanding of the needs and desires of each of our community sub-groups to maximize my governance ability. I’ve also been traveling from D.C. regularly for board meetings and to give comment. Prior to my graduation, I was part of the #WEareCHPS movement and delivered testimony to the assembly’s Budgetary Committee. I founded the first chapter of Model United Nations with help from EASTMUN student leaders. I also was a charter member of the superintendent’s Advisory Council: Dr. Kwame Morton’s joint West/East advisory body on student affairs and school climate.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for the board to disrupt the status quo and bring back common sense governance to our town. We’ve got a lot to tackle including, improving our school climate to motivate students; start times; the budget and taxes; responsible integration of AI; and reinforcing our special education support systems by reforming our restorative discipline model, administrative accountability and much more. This town is run by our students and our families, and it is my mission to be the mouthpiece they need.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? In my first year, I’ll focus on the budget, and by proxy, administrative responsibility. It is incumbent on us as a board to maintain a sense of fiscal reservation in the face of crippling aid cuts. I will work to change our attitudes from “advocating” to demanding and fighting for our fair share. I’ll work to mandate that the administration give board members far more time and information before they expect us to vote on items. I will be fiscally innovative and work with administration to reevaluate non-personnel areas of expenditure. Bottom line: I will fight tooth and nail to put money back in the community’s pockets.
Name: Adam Greenbaum
Age: 49
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 14
Family: I live with my wife and son
School and degree: I hold a BS in computer engineering from the University of Rhode Island, and an MBA from Villanova University.
Profession: Cyber Security Engineer
Is this the first time you’ve run for the board? No.
If not, how many years/terms have you served? Three
What is your involvement in the community?
I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board of education for the past three years, including the past year as vice president, where I’ve worked to support and improve our local schools. As an involved parent, I stay actively engaged in my child’s education and school community. On weekends, I am a proud soccer dad, traveling near and far to cheer on the team. I also participate in various social and outreach activities through my synagogue, helping to strengthen connections with the broader community.
Why are you running for reelection?
I am running to continue the progress the board has made over the past three years. That includes rebuilding our schools through bond referendum projects and improved accessibility across the district. Full-day preschool expansion now serves more than 500 students, and we focused on academic success through curriculum enhancements, targeted supports and grant opportunities. I have joined community leaders to advocate for state funding in Trenton for the last two years. I am excited about all that we have achieved, but there is more work to be done.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
School funding remains a top priority. Rising costs, state cuts and a flawed funding formula have made budgeting difficult for our district. I supported the bond referendum that is now improving schools across the district, and have met with legislators and testified before the state budget committee to push for reform to the funding formula. We’ve made progress, but it’s not enough. We must raise our voices and work together to demand common-sense changes to the funding formula so every student and staff member has the resources they need to succeed.
Name: Candi Cummings
Age: 50
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 12
Family: Two children
School and degree: Rutgers University
Is this the first time you’ve run for a board seat? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? Since 2016, I’ve been deeply involved in the township school community, serving on PTA executive boards at Sharp Elementary and Beck Middle School. Because of my successful leadership there, I was tapped to be the chair of the Cherry Hill Zone PTA, which represents the 19 PTAs and nearly 11,000 students of the district. Through that work, I’ve seen first hand the power of families, teachers and students working in true partnership. I’ve built the relationships and experience needed to strengthen our schools. I know how to blend community voices with district-level policy, because real progress happens when families, teachers, and administrators work together. Some of my advocacy includes partnering with the superintendent, district leaders and families to implement an updated cell phone policy, helping students stay more focused throughout the school day. I serve on the district’s Strategic Planning Committee, contributing to the Five-Year Plan and Portrait of a Graduate.
Why are you running for a board seat?
I am seeking election because I believe in the promise of public education and the responsibility to invest in academic excellence and community trust. Schools are strongest when built together with transparency. Students thrive when teachers thrive. Families must always have a seat at the table.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
When elected, I will prioritize three commitments. First is academic excellence, including prioritizing the special education population, because inclusivity is making sure that a child with an IEP or a 504 has the same access to opportunity as their peers, or that a student supported by MTSS gets early intervention before falling behind. I will support teachers and staff, because educators are the backbone of our schools and know true academic success goes hand in hand with building confidence, resilience and a love of learning. Teachers deserve resources, respect, and to thrive. When teachers thrive, our students thrive. I will also help develop strong partnerships with families and our broader community keep our schools rooted in the values we all share. I will be committed to listening to parents and teachers and bringing them together to collaborate. Families bring energy, insight and heart when they feel invited into the conversation. These kinds of partnerships build trust and help families see the board and district as allies in their child’s success, not just decision-makers at a distance. This is the kind of environment I will foster.
Name: Gina Winters
Age: 46
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill?: 22 years
Family: Married with three children, ages 16, 13 and 8
School and degree: Rutgers University BA, in Political Science and Master’s in Public Policy
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Council/committee or BOE? No, I won my current seat in 2022
What is your involvement in the community? I am a PTA member, Girl Scout leader, and I sing and volunteer at Holy Eucharist Catholic Church
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I have served on the school board since 2022, and I have really enjoyed connecting with the community and helping to guide our school district on a path toward continued success. I am running for another term to focus on boosting academic achievement for all students, ensuring responsible fiscal management – including oversight of the bond referendum projects – and fostering an inclusive school culture where every student feels welcomed and belongs. I am committed to safe, healthy schools where students can learn and grow together.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
If re-elected, I would continue my focus on academic success for all students. Our students need access to rigorous curricula, high standards and individualized supports so that they can learn, grow and thrive. To prepare our students for graduation, I will also focus on college and career readiness skills and collaboration with business and community partners to expand internship opportunities for our high school students so that they can gain the skills they need to be successful. In order to maintain the high-quality education that Cherry Hill is known for, a big piece of the puzzle is recruiting, retaining and supporting excellent teachers and staff, and continuing our focus on staff wellness.
Courtesy of Cherry Hill Public Schools Candidates Collin Duckett (left), Candi Cummings, Adam Greenbaum and Gina Winters sit on a Board of Education forum hosted by the Cherry Hill Zone PTA and League of Women Voters on Set. 21. Janet Fisher Hughes from the League of Women Voters served as the moderator.
Cherry Hill Township will see three Board of Education seats up for election or re-election on Nov. 4, with five total candidates running for the available seats.
Two of them, Board President Gina Winters and Board Vice President Adam Greenbaum, are both incumbents running for reelection, while the other three candidates – Collin Duckett, Candi Cummings and Brandi N. DeVeaux – running for new seats.
In order to help voters be better informed and acquainted with the five candidates, the Cherry Hill Zone PTA and League of Women Voters hosted a candidate forum with a virtual audience on Sept. 21.
Four candidates were in attendance, with DeVeaux not able to attend in person and instead opting to answer all of the questions on her campaign’s Facebook page.
Janet Fisher Hughes of the League moderated the forum, with fellow member Marilyn Bergen keeping time.
Each candidate was given a chance to introduce themselves and explain why they wanted to run and what they would hope to accomplish in the role should they be elected, with Fisher Hughes reading the statement for DeVeaux when it was her turn.
The order in which the candidates were to speak was randomly selected with Duckett going first, and each received two minutes to complete their statements.
Each candidate offered their perspectives on why they want to be elected, from Duckett’s position as a recent graduate from the district, to the role the rest of the candidates play in PTA’s or generally in their own children’s educations within the district.
The first three questions asked the candidates for their connection to the district, goals if elected, and whether or not they had any conflicts of interest that would impact their ability to fulfill their duties in the position.
All five candidates stated that they have no conflicts of interest, though goals and connections to the district varied.
Winters said that her goal would be to see the bond referendum projects through to completion including the preschool expansion and see the five-year strategic plan through.
“I think our five year strategic plan that was community driven and the board voted on is something to look forward to in the next five years to really drive progress in the district forward on areas such as academic achievement, facilities, special education and all the things that we know we need to do to make our schools even better than they are right now,” she said.
Duckett, who was next to speak, said he would focus on making the school climate and environment more inviting to students and responsibly budgeting to allow students to have what they need.
“I want to turn school into not something that the students necessarily view as a seven-hour chore that they have to do every day, but rather a home away from home,” he explained.
Cummings’s goals would be to maintain and set even higher standards for academic achievement, increase teacher support and create lasting community partnerships.
” … Teacher support is a critical resource, training, respect and empowerment are all things that we really need to instill in our teachers,” she said.
Greenbaum plans to focus most on funding and fiscal responsibility.
“Every year our district doesn’t get our fair share, and every year we have to rise to the challenge to figure out, how do we best support our students with limited and diminishing funds each year,” he said.
On her Facebook page, Deveaux listed her top goals as ensuring timely and equitable support for special education, transparency and accountability from the board and handling the budget.
“I will work to protect critical programs in the face of budget cuts,” she said. “I will work to prioritize funding for essential programs.”
Questions touched on a variety of different topics that have been surrounding Cherry Hill schools as well as the educational landscape more broadly, with the community having the opportunity to send in questions before the beginning of the forum.
All candidates answered that they support the Freedom to Read Act that was passed into law last year. Each candidate also uniquely addressed concerns like AI in the classroom.
The Cherry Hill school district expects a 3% cut in state aid for the 2025-’26 school year that amounts to nearly $900,000.
State aid for fiscal year 2026 will be nearly $28.6 million, a decrease of $884,317 from last year. It marks the second consecutive cut for the district. The 3% figure is the maximum percentage cut currently allowed by state officials while creating a budget.
Last year, the district saw a cut in aid of $6.9 million, which was equivalent to almost 19% of that year’s budget. Following that decrease, the community advocated for a smaller reduction, and the state responded with $3.1 million in one-time supplemental aid.
Board of education President Gina Winters and school Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton Sr. released a statement to the community on the district’s website in the wake of the budget’s release.
“The unwavering advocacy of our community last spring ultimately led to the restoration of $3.1 million in one-time supplemental aid,” the statement noted. “However, that money is not included in this year’s allocation .. This decrease poses undeniable challenges, and difficult decisions will need to be made.
“We want to reassure our community that, despite these challenges, we remain committed to meeting our students’ needs and maintaining the high-quality education Cherry Hill is known for.”
The statement went on to assure the community that while the state-aid reductions will have an impact on the district’s budget, all projects planned and funded through the bond referendum approved in 2022 will not be affected.
“The successful bond will allow us to continue addressing critical improvements to our district facilities as planned,” the statement read.
Cherry Hill is one of 140 districts across the state preparing for aid decreases in the upcoming academic year. Another 280 are seeing increases of 6%, sometimes more, depending on what aid categories the district and individual schools fall into.
“We will be working with state and local leaders in the coming weeks to advocate for our district and plan the next steps, and will explore every available option to uphold our mission and advocate for equitable funding,” read the statement from Morton and Winters.
The township community is invited to a discussion of the aid cuts and their impact at the next board of education meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18. The session will be livestreamed, as was the first meeting about cuts on March 11.
Courtesy of Cherry Hill Public Schools Phase 1 of a four-phase plan is underway at Carusi Middle School and includes renovation of the A wing, gym, locker rooms and main office area.
Renovations and additions funded by the 2022 bond referendum of $363 million are continuing at township schools.
During a recent board of education meeting, Lynn Shugars, assistant superintendent and business/board secretary, shared project updates. The biggest initiative at the moment, she said, is the addition of all-purpose rooms at numerous schools.
“For the most part, we are moving indoors into the buildings and starting some of the work,” Shugars explained.
Work most recently began at Joseph D. Sharp Elementary, including a new roof on the building and the finalizing of brick and waterproofing. Upgrades at Clara Barton Elementary are a little farther along, with an almost-complete roof. Upcoming work includes wall panels, the installation of windows and bathroom tile and outside painting.
Work is still being completed outside of Horace Mann Elementary, including storm drainage and fencing. Once that’s complete, interior renovations such as wall painting will be underway. James Johnson Elementary is also coming along, with painting and bathroom tile being installed while wiring, ceiling grips and bathroom accessories are in the works. Wiring is also being worked on at Knight Elementary, where a drop ceiling, HVAC and gym equipment, bathroom accessories and interior doors are forthcoming.
Work at Kingston Elementary is the farthest along. The playground area has been turned over to the school; bathroom tiles are being put in; and finishing touches are going on the electric, drop ceilings, HVAC, bathroom accessories and interior doors. Kingston is also the first building to see the installation of theatrical equipment, including stage lighting and curtains.
“So we’re moving right along with those projects,” Shugars noted at the board meeting.
She then highlighted the four-phase upgrades at Carusi Middle School. The district is in the process of wrapping up Phase 1, which includes the renovations of A wing, along with the gym – which will also get insulated panels – locker rooms and the main office area.
Carusi is now preparing to begin Phase 2, which entails abatement and renovation of the school’s B wing, along with the renovation of C wing spaces between the cafeteria and gym. That work is set to begin in June and run through May of 2026. Next steps include the purchase of TCUs (temporary classroom units); installation plans for those are still being discussed.
Other work includes: additions and renovations at Rosa International Middle School (bid awarded Dec. 17); renovations to the front entrance at Beck Middle School (anticipated completion is February); lighting and ADA accessibility at the Cherry Hill High School West stadium (work to start after July 7); and upgrades to the J.F. Cooper Elementary front parking lot, Beck Middle School west parking lot, auditoriums at both high schools and the F wing at Cherry Hill East over the next two years.
Shugars also highlighted upcoming preschool additions that will be funded through a ROD grant that is separate from the bond referendum. Project work includes an eight-classroom pre-K addition at both the Estelle V. Malberg Early Childhood Center and Joyce Kilmer Elementary, along with the conversion of 13 individual toilet rooms at Malberg to preK-suitable facilities. The Kilmer site will also get two new playgrounds.
Further bond referendum project updates will be presented by Shugars at the first board of education meeting of each month.
In other board news, public information officer Nina Baratti presented findings from a recent communications audit and subsequent updates to the district’s strategic communications plan. Parents and guardians can expect stronger transparency regarding inclement weather announcements, health emergencies and similar events, and they will also receive weekly newsletters from both Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton and school principals.
There is also now a Superintendent Spotlight on social media, highlighting individuals who are doing great work across the district.
Looking ahead, Baratti promised there will be listening opportunities to gather feedback from the public on what is and isn’t working, especially regarding the newly-launched district website. She’s also updating communications around the referendum projects that will eventually include fresh photos, videos and digital tours, both on a dedicated webpage and social media, to show how the work is coming along.
Other goals for the near future include the implementation of a district branding guide (standardized logos, colors and fonts) and enhanced engagement with non-English-speaking families.
The board also discussed the possible extension of the district’s Wireless Communications Device Policy – which bans cell phone use in the classroom – to its members during meetings. The goal is to set an example for students. A vote is expected to take place during the next meeting.
Cherry Hill Township School District Bridget Palmer, Dean Drizin (top right) and Kurt Braddock won their seats in the November election.
The township board of education kicked off the new year by swearing in its three newest members: Bridget Palmer, Dean Drizin and Kurt Braddock, who were victorious in the November general election. All took the oath of office during the Jan. 2 board meeting.
Palmer – a Cherry Hill resident for more than a decade – is the director of government affairs for Bancroft, the Haddonfield provider of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her twins currently attend Carusi Middle School.
Drizin is a physician executive, veteran and father of two township students. He leads the corporate development office of a national home health-care organization and is a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Braddock, who plays hockey throughout South Jersey and trains locally in kickboxing, has 20 years of experience as a teacher and researcher. He is an assistant professor in the school of communications at American University in Washington, D.C.
When it came time to nominate a new president at the board meeting, Joel Mayer wasted no time in putting forth Gina Winters’ name. But first he acknowledged outgoing president Miriam Stern, who held the leadership position for two years.
“The last couple of years have been among the most impactful that I can recall, not just on my time on the board, but before I was a board member, going back from the successful bond initiative,” said Mayer. “Now, we’re seeing a lot of that construction come to fruition. The successful transition to our new and highly qualified and effective superintendent, and so many other things that we have done here under the leadership of Mrs. Stern, who has been a stalwart supporter and protector of students and staff, those that need the most protection.”
“That said,” Mayer concluded, “it’s time for new leadership. It’s time for some new ideas and new passion.”
Winters’ election as board president was unanimous. Then, in a vote of 7-2, Adam Greenbaum was named vice president over Kimberly Gallagher, who was appointed district representative of the Camden County School Boards Association’s Executive Committee and the New Jersey School Boards Association. Renee Cherfane was named to the Camden County Educational Services Commission.
Also during the meeting, the board announced revisions to its committee structure, a project that was launched by Gallagher under the previous board. A major change involves moving all committee meetings to Tuesday nights, instead of having them spaced out over Monday and Tuesday. The policy and legislation committee, chaired by Mayer, will meet first at 5 p.m.; followed by curriculum and instruction, chaired by Winters, at 6 p.m.; and business and facilities, chaired by Greenbaum, at 7 p.m.
The purpose of the change, Winters explained, is to make it easier for more people to attend meetings.
“Committees will also have three members this year, with a fourth position open, so that members can rotate among committees and they can see what’s happening in the other committees,” she added.
In the public comment portion of the board session, one resident expressed concern with the meeting restructure, noting that the 5 p.m. start time doesn’t take into consideration those who work, nor does it “bode well for transparency.”
