Cherry Hill School Board Election 2024: Harvey Vazquez

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.

Harvey Vazquez, a school board candidate, sent Patch the following responses:

Harvey Vazquez

• Age: 60
• Education: Federal Law Enforcement Academy, Supply Chain Security
• Occupation: Director, Customs and Border Protection (Retired)
• Previous elected/appointed office: None

What drove you to seek public office?

With my role as an Executive Member of the Cherry Hill Special Education PTA and my previous experience as a Director at Customs and Border Protection, I bring a deep understanding of communication and a strong dedication to special education advocacy as well as other challenging topics our district is facing such as redistricting, budget and closing the opportunity gap. My understanding of these topics, combined with my enthusiasm for collaborating with others, shapes my approach to addressing these issues. I am confident that my ability to facilitate meaningful conversations will help create an effective platform for engagement with our community, board members and school administrators.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My extensive experience in negotiation and advocacy, coupled with my deep understanding of special education policies and other challenges facing the district, sets me apart. I am an experienced communicator with a passion for working with people who are dedicated to making our education system fair and representative of our diverse community. I am not just running for a position; I am running to make a real difference in the lives of our students and their families.

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

Goal #1: Education: Investing in our local public education is paramount. Our future goals must include providing a curriculum that is above the state average, with a quantifiable database to measure success. Quality education is the cornerstone of a prosperous community, and I am determined to make this a reality for Cherry Hill.

Goal #2: Proper redistricting of students should be top priority to alleviate overcrowding in some of our schools. Special emphasis must be placed on children with IEP's that are obligated to attend different home schools than their siblings because of open enrollment. A balanced enrollment will ensure equitable access to outcomes with a focus on our most vulnerable learners. Bussing must be planned to where minimal travel is needed for students attending schools outside their home area.

Goal #3: Establish a well-functioning Special Education department that collaborates effectively with staff and parents, fosters positive relationships with families, and strives for the best outcomes for students while developing streamlined programs. This begins with adequately staffing SPED classrooms in particular our self-contained classes to give teachers the best opportunity to focus on curriculum.

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?

The school district budget should be representative of our student population. A detailed report based on statistical data should accompany any request for additional funds from the state. This may include revamping the current curriculum by ensuring first that all core classes required for graduation are included and a deep study on those clubs or courses that are not required for the purpose of funding. The bottom line is that we receive the proper funding to begin with by engaging in budget talks early on in the school year in order to be prepared to present a detailed report to the state for funding if the budget is cut short again. Also, as we all know the state issues these numbers in October based on the previous year enrollment and unfortunately if an increase in enrollment takes place the district has to provide the additional funds. I also would like to mention based on the percentage of the budget allowed for special education which is approximately 15.9% I would like to see the entirety of that amount earmarked towards what it is intended for and that is in support of our special education students rather than redirecting for other projects. 15.9% is already short of our special education target as this particular disadvantaged group hovers around 20% of our total student population and I’m being broad in these numbers because I believe these numbers to be under reported.

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

My family and I relocated to Cherry Hill because of our school districts reputation of being one of the top districts in the State of New Jersey. I have an immense amount of respect and appreciation for the educators that have been a part of my children’s education. As a devoted advocate for education and a committed parent of a child with special needs, I am dedicated to fostering our community's success through progressive and effective policies. As a Board Member, I would prioritize innovation and the development of new approaches to enhance our education system.