Stacy Gray For Board Of Education

I’ve heard some buzz in the past regarding the fact that I am a teacher and that I may not be a good candidate or be there for the wrong reasons.  Although I understand why this question is posed, it still baffles me.  To me, it is like asking, “is it a good idea to have a doctor on the American Medical Association?”  First, I would not be able to be a part of contract negotiations because I am a teacher in another district.  Contract negotiations occur every 3 years.  The district just ratified a 3 year agreement with the DEA for this school year which makes this concern irrelevant as we will not be negotiation agin until long into my next term (if I am elected). I am always a parent first and my career as a teacher only gives me the benefit of asking the right questions and giving advise about what I have seen work and not work in a classroom.  I know that businessmen and women work with budgets, as do I for my classroom.  Therefore I know what’s necessary and not needed to be successful in the classroom and I am also able to understand and explain curriculum and the NJ Student Learning Standards adopted by the state.  Although teacher contracts are an important responsibility of the board, there are many other aspects of the job that I know I can impact in a way that other candidates cannot.  I am proud to be an NJEA member and have stood with other educations staff when I was not on the board and they were fighting for a contract. I have also served as a board member and stood firm against privatizing our paraprofessionals. As the only candidate with a background in education and an unwavering devotion to Deptford and my board duties I think I am the perfect candidate!