Moorestown Resident Voices Support For BOE Candidates

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Resident Stefanie Vajapey writes that she supports Billie Danielle Thomas, Melissa Arcaro Burns, and Joe Horwitz for school board. Her letter to the editor can be found below:

To the Editor:

There is a clear choice in the race to fill three open Moorestown Board of Education seats this November. Three candidates have the experience, leadership credentials, and dedication to non-partisan, fact-based discourse: Billie Danielle Thomas, Melissa Arcaro Burns, and Joe Horwitz.

While other candidates have engaged in divisive partisan debates about face masks, vaccines, and even which books should be used in our schools, these three candidates have demonstrated the character, temperament, and experience to lead our schools.

Billie Danielle Thomas has a solid grounding in all aspects of education — from classroom experience and program evaluation to policy. As an educational leader who has worked extensively with diverse student populations, she has worked to promote policies and practices that ensure all students have access to the instruction and support they need to succeed.

Most people know Melissa Burns for her leadership in Home & School and SpEAC, but she also has professional experience in complex negotiations and bringing together stakeholders with opposing perspectives. She will be both discerning and fair and will ensure the district provides concise and effective communications.

Joseph Horwitz knows how to get the most out of large organizations from his decades in Fortune 500 accounting and his experience managing a multi-million dollar business in the finance and healthcare industry. He will bring a much-needed business perspective to the Board and help guide fiscally responsible plans that will ensure a bright future for our schools.

Thomas, Burns, and Horwitz are at the bottom of the ballot, but they should be at the top of your list. Whether you are the parent or grandparent of a Moorestown student or a taxpayer interested in wise management of our schools, you have a stake in this election. Please vote early, by mail or in person on Nov. 2.