Meet The Gloucester Township School Board Candidate: Linda Gilch

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Nine candidates will pursue three open seats on the Gloucester Township K-8 Public School District Board of Education, and five candidates will pursue three open seats on the Black Horse Pike Regional School District's Board of Education in the Nov. 2 elections. Former Gloucester Township K-8 Board of Education member Linda Gilch is running for both.

Patch sent questions to all candidates in the race, and is running profiles for each candidate that returned a response. Responses run exactly as they were submitted, with minor edits for grammatical errors. Read below to learn more about Linda Gilch and her platform for the upcoming elections.

Name: Linda Gilch

Age (as of Election Day): 60

Town of residence: Glendora

Position sought: local and regional board of education.

Party Affiliation: I am running independently

Family: I am married and have two grown children. I have lived in the township for 36 years and both my children attended the Gloucester Township School System. My son received a great education here and now has his Masters in Education and his Masters in History and is currently teaching at a middle school in New Jersey. My daughter has also done very well going through Gloucester Township Schools. She has her Masters in Special Education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is currently a Director of an ABA program.

Does anyone in your family work or attend school in the district?: No one in my family work or attend any school in this district.

Occupation: I am currently employed with the Gardner Funeral Home and have been there for 25 plus years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: I was previously on the local board for 16 years.

Why are you seeking elective office?

After serving on the school board for 16 years, I feel am very qualified for this position. I have a passion for education and believe every child can and has the right to a great education. I have always taken my role as a board member serious.

The single most pressing issue facing our board is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There are many issues facing our district and the pandemic has caused our children to lose out on so much this past year. I am only one person and only one vote. I will work hard and always put the students and their interest first.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have experience and I am board certified. I have served on committees as a prior president and former board member. I have always taken my responsibilities serious and will continue to do so.

Experience: I was on the board for 16 years prior. I have and still attend all meetings and voice my opinions. I feel I have always had the best interest of the children and their parents. I feel I am very qualified after going through many certifications that the New Jersey School Boards Association has provided I have never given up my passion for education.

Equality in education: Every child can learn and has the right to a great education.

School funding: This is a tough topic and only hope the funding is always available to our district.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have served on this board for 16 years prior. I have received all the certifications as a school member available through the New Jersey School Boards Association. I have always educated myself in issues that have faced the schools and will continue to follow. I have always been in good standing as a board member.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Do your best. Remember you are only one person, but you can make a difference.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have always attended meetings, even after my tenure on the board. I try and keep up with all the issues facing education today. I will listen to the residents and their concerns and do what is right for the education of their children.