Stacy Gray For Board Of Education

I am currently waiting for the board to come back from executive session. They have no time of return (Sunshine Law) so it’s anybody’s guess. Here is what I have from the presentation for returning to school.

First, this plan is tentative and subject to change. The end of the marking period is is 11/9. The new MP starts the week of 11/16. On 10/26 165 special education students will return to school. On 11/9 transition students- Pre-k, kindergarten, 2nd, 7th, and 9th will start. All other students will start 11/16. There will be no lunch at school. Monday will be remote. The days will be shortened and follow an A, B, A, B rotation. A parent committee may be started to discuss concerns. A lot of unknowns are still being worked out. The teacher PPE arrived in the last 2 weeks and a grant was received which helped purchased individual HEPA filter units. The board took questions but perhaps not everyone was able to ask. I was at the front so I didn’t see behind me but at a given point it was a “we will take one more question” so maybe some did not get to ask. The questions and problems that were asked 2 weeks ago at the last meeting were not specifically discussed. For example, social emotional learning and communication was not directly addressed. That’s the sum of it. Please let me know if you have any questions.

I’m Stacy Gray (Kern) and I am a candidate for a seat on the Deptford Township Board of Education. I am a lifelong resident of Deptford Township and a 1991 graduate from DTHS!  After graduating from DTHS I attended Rowan University and earned my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a coordinate major in psychology.  I have been teaching in East Greenwich Township since I graduated Rowan in 1995.  I spent the first 12 years as a 3rd grade teacher and the last 13 as a K-6 technology teacher.  I am currently the district technology coach and ELL teacher for my district. Education is truly my passion and I could not envision myself doing anything different!  I was Teacher of the Year for my school and also nominated for the national Disney HAND teacher award.  I am an active volunteer on several educational committees and participate in an annual 5K in Washington DC to raise money and awareness for brain cancer awareness.  I am on a 24/7 mission to raise awareness and find a cure for Fragile X Syndrome and Autism.  I married my high school sweetheart, John (also a DTHS grad and lifelong resident) who is a retired police officer  and Vice President of the DTHS Football Booster Club. My biggest accomplishment is being a mom to 2 wonderful boys.  My oldest is a junior at Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in cybersecurity and received an excellent education throughout his schooling in the Deptford Township School District. He was a member of the first cohort of the STEM Academy and graduate of the DTHS Class of 2017. My younger son is differently-abled (he has Fragile X Sydrome-which is similar to Autism) and is now a junior at Deptford High School. I have always been very involved with my children’ s education and have loved volunteering when I can in their classrooms or chaperoning field trips. I consider myself to be honest, loyal, and passionate, especially when it comes to education. I have been a part of various new initiatives and programs that have vastly improved our district, provided new opportunities for our students, and benefitted our community at large.  I am a fierce advocate for children, parents, and teachers. I am a proud member of NJEA, NEA, and BATS. I was elected to the Board of Education in 2012 for a 3 year term and again in 2017. I pride myself on being fully engaged in my board duties, keeping up to date on educational law and policy, and understanding the needs and wants of the school district. In my free time I love spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, traveling, keeping up to date with technology and shopping!  I have roots in Deptford and as a mom and a teacher, I have a vested interest in the educational experiences and opportunities of all of the children in Deptford!

My wonderful family!

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!

Education and Training

• Member of Deptford Township School’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
• Past instructor for East Greenwich Township Senior Citizen Group in basic and advanced computer skills classes.
• Member of Deptford Township Alumni Association (chair of scholarship committee)
• Member of DTHS Football Booster Club
• Actively involved in fundraising for Fragile X Syndrome and Brain Tumor/Cancer Awareness.

Deptford Board of Education

• Assisted with creation Deptford STEM and Bio-Med Academy, formed Parents Lead the Way Committee to assist with academy projects and communication
• Served and supported Spartan School of Business, Carpentry, Art, and Music as well as High School Options Program and partnership with RCSJ
• Served on all board committees
• Currently serve on policy committee and chair of curriculum committee
• Google Chromebook 1:1 initiative
• Vice President of Deptford Board of Education 2014-2015
• Alternate delegate for county and state NJSBA 2014-2015
• 24 Academy Credits for NJ School Board Association trainings
• Understanding of budget process
• Well versed in all policies, procedures and educational mandates/laws
• Established board goals
• Assisted with Superintendent search and interviews for interim and permanent candidates