Cherry Hill School Board Election 2024: Ava Friddell

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill has 10 candidates running for three positions on the Board of Education.

Patch sent questions to all candidates in the race and will publish responses as they're received. All candidate profiles will be re-shared closer to Election Day, which is Nov. 5.

Ava Friddell, a school board candidate, sent Patch the following responses:

Ava Friddell

• Age: 19
• Education: I currently have a diploma from Cherry Hill High School West and will be graduating from Rowan College of South Jersey in the spring with my associates in psychology with the hopes of going in to Rowan University and further my education.
• Occupation: I currently teach swim lessons to both neurological as well as neurodivergent students, I was a lifeguard at local pools for the past 3 summers and have been babysitting for local families since the age of 13.
• Previous elected/appointed office: This is the first time I am running for an elected position and I have never been appointed to a position.

What drove you to seek public office?

I am running for a seat on board to help be the change I want to see in the district. While ensuring that our staff and students have a voice and are included on conversations that will help make decisions affecting them.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

As a long standing member of the Cherry Hill community I have attended Clara Barton elementary school, Carusi middle school and graduated from Cherry Hill High School West class of 2023 as a recent graduate and a student who had an IEP (individual education plan) I believe I can bring new perspectives to the board that other candidates cannot. I have seen first hand how current policies have been enforced in our schools and how they affect our students.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing Cherry Hill Public Schools?

I feel that the biggest issue Cherry Hill public schools are facing right now is inclusion for all students (academically, socially and emotionally) students who have IEP’s should be able to take honors and AP classes while ensuring their families are not only included in the conversation but listened to and respected.

This year, Cherry Hill faced one of New Jersey’s biggest decreases in state equalization aid. What do you think are the best ways for the district to address reductions in state funding?

Nobody knows what our budget will look like in following years. I believe that the possibility for decreased funding should be taken into consideration while making plans and decisions for following years. I believe our first concern should always be student safety and teacher retention.

What is your favorite thing about the Cherry Hill school system?

My favorite part of the Cherry Hill school system is that we’re a melting pot with so many different cultures, religions, political views, ethnicities and that is something highlighted through clubs and school events however I do still believe that we have more room for improvement.