Cherry Hill School Board Election 2025: Candi Cummings Election Profile

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill has five 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. 4.

• Read more: 5 Candidates Running For School Board In Cherry Hill

Candi Cummings, a school board candidate, sent the following responses:

Candi Cummings

• Age: 50
• Education: Rutgers University
• Previous elected/appointed office: N/A

Why are you running for school board?

I believe in the promise of public education. It is the foundation of a strong community and a vibrant democracy. Each child deserves access to an excellent education; one that challenges them academically, supports them emotionally, and empowers them to become capable, compassionate citizens. Achieving that requires shared responsibility: families, educators, and the community working in partnership to ensure each student has the opportunity to thrive.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I lead with purpose, inclusivity, and a genuine commitment to finding common ground. My longstanding PTA service, both at the school at district level, has helped me develop a unique ability to connect voices across every corner of Cherry Hill. I don’t just represent families; I bring them together. I approach challenges with the mindset that progress comes through partnership, and I work hard to ensure that every voice, whether parents, teachers, or administrators, is heard and valued in the process.

Where many may focus on internal district governance alone, my vision is deliberately outward-looking: ensuring our community gets its fair share, securing the resources our teachers and students deserve, and enabling our board to operate not just with care and collaboration, but with strategic impact.

What past accomplishments or experiences make you qualified for this position?

Since 2016, I've been deeply involved in school communities, serving on PTA executive boards at both Joseph D. Sharp Elementary School and Henry C. Beck Middle School. Because of my successful leadership at both Sharp and Beck, I was tapped to be the chair of the Cherry Hill Zone PTA, representing 19 PTAs and nearly 11,000 students. Through this work, I have seen firsthand the power of families, teachers, and students working in true partnership.

I’ve built the relationships and experience needed to strengthen our schools, and I know how to blend community voices with district-level policy. Real progress happens when families, teachers, and administrators work together. I have first-hand knowledge of whom to connect with, how to navigate district processes, and how to collaborate toward common goals. My advocacy comes with both compassion and determination.

My recent 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.
• Testifying for increased school funding at the NJ Assembly budget hearings (2025) and NJ Senate budget hearings (2024).
• Speaking before the NJ Department of Education on updating the school funding formula.
• Serving on the district's Strategic Planning Committee, contributing to the five-year plan and Portrait of a Graduate.
• Participating in community focus groups on topics like elementary redistricting, as well as the Bond Referendum Key Communicators group.

If elected, what will be your top priorities during your elected term?

When elected, I will prioritize three commitments:

• Academic excellence: Students should be challenged, supported, and inspired to reach full potential while feeling a sense of belonging. This includes 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 always champion the tools and teamwork that help every child succeed.
• Support for teachers and staff: Educators are the backbone of our schools. They know that 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.
• Family and community partnership: Strong partnerships with families and our broader community keep our schools rooted in the values we all share. As a board member, 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 when elected to the board.