Cinnaminson School Board Election 2024: Toni Topps

CINNAMINSON, NJ — Election season for the Cinnaminson Board of Education is underway.

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.

• Related: Cinnaminson 2024 Elections: Candidates, Voter Info

Toni Topps, a school board candidate, sent Patch the following responses:

Toni Topps

• Age: 46
• Education: Bachelor's in Business Administration
• Occupation: Business Owner (Bookkeeping and Consultation)
• Campaign website: Facebook: Re-Elect Fitzwater, Evans and Topps for Cinnaminson BOE 2024
• Previous elected/appointed office: Currently (appointed) to the Board of Education

What drove you to seek public office?

I decided to seek public office after seeing an advertisement for an appointment to the Board of Education and noticing that the board didn’t equally represent the diverse community it serves. As a mother of two boys, one a graduate of Cinnaminson High School and the other a 6th grader, and someone who relocated here for the strong school district, I knew I could be part of the solution instead of just pointing out the problem. With my background as a former high school economics teacher, military veteran, and community organizer for veterans, I am deeply committed to inclusivity and making sure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

What sets you apart from the rest of the candidates?

What sets me apart from other candidates is the diverse range of experiences I bring to the table. I attended public inner-city schools, was a foster parent for several years, and have a father who is a retired public school educator. Having served my country both on foreign soil and at home, my mission has always been one of service, and it continues with a focus on helping children. As Frederick Douglass said, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." My experiences in education, foster care, and military service uniquely position me to understand and to advocate for programs that foster their development, strength, and character—ensuring every child has the foundation they need to succeed in life.

What's the biggest issue facing Cinnaminson schools, and how would you address it?

The biggest issue facing Cinnaminson schools is the teacher shortage, particularly the lack of diverse teachers. While this is a national problem, our district has made efforts to address it by casting a wide net, but I believe we need to cast an even wider one. To support diversity, equity, and inclusion, I would propose expanding our hiring practices by actively recruiting educators from diverse backgrounds. Hosting community hiring events, partnering with universities and organizations that prioritize diversity, and encouraging current teachers to connect us with their networks can help attract a broader pool of candidates and enrich our schools with a wider range of perspectives and experiences.

With New Jersey's school-funding formula (S-2) ending after this fiscal year, it's unknown how much each school district’s state aid will fluctuate thereafter. If Cinnaminson sees a significant decrease in aid, how should the district maintain its standard of education without overburdening local taxpayers?

As the newest board member, I have witnessed firsthand our business administrator’s rigorous process of thoroughly reviewing each line item to ensure that we maximize our budget without compromising the integrity of our school programs. I have full confidence that she will continue to keep us updated on any potential changes in state aid, and as a board, we will work collaboratively to address these challenges. Through careful analysis, open communication within our subcommittees, and the full board of nine members, we will ask the tough questions and explore all possible options to ensure we maintain our high educational standards without overburdening local taxpayers. Our priority will always be doing what’s best for "our children."

What's your favorite thing about the Cinnaminson school system?

My absolute favorite thing about the Cinnaminson school system is the genuine care and commitment the administration and staff have for the students. For example, my oldest son graduated two years ago, yet the high school staff still ask about him, and his coaches continue to check in on him. For my younger son, now in 6th grade, his New Albany counselor from K-2 still asks about him, and I was texting his 2nd-grade teacher until 4th grade, keeping her updated on his progress thanks to the support and IEP plans they put in place. Our kids aren't just numbers on a data sheet—they’re part of a caring community. We are all Pirates from day one and forever!