Moorestown School Board Election 2024: Ruchika Arora

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Election season for the Moorestown 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: Moorestown 2024 Election: Sample Ballots, Candidates, Voter Info

Ruchika Arora, a school board candidate, sent Patch the following responses:

Ruchika Arora

• Age: 47
• Education: BA in education
• Occupation: Teacher at Burlington County Institution of Technology
• Campaign Website: Ruchika Arora for Moorestown Board of Education
• Previous Elected/Appointed: None

What drove you to seek public office?

I’m driven by a passion to enhance the quality of education for every child in our district. As a parent and community member, I’ve seen the positive impacts our schools have, but I also recognize areas for improvement. By running for the Board of Education, I want to be an advocate for students, teachers, and families, ensuring that our schools continue to provide a high-quality, equitable education. I believe as an educator who is in it day in and day out and a parent to three teens, I can bring a fresh perspective and collaborative approach to addressing the challenges our district faces.

What sets you apart from the rest of the candidates?

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to collaboration and data-driven decision-making. I believe in listening to all stakeholders—parents, teachers, students, and community members—before making critical decisions. My background in education and a small business owner has equipped me with the skills to analyze complex issues, build consensus, and implement sustainable solutions. Additionally, my focus on long-term planning and accountability ensures that I’ll advocate for decisions that benefit our district both now and in the future.

A bond referendum is projected to take place in March. According to district administration, the referendum would put Moorestown in a position to reduce class sizes, upgrade antiquated equipment such as HVACs, and offer free, full-day kindergarten. How should the district address these issues if voters reject the referendum, as they did in 2019?

If the referendum is rejected again, it’s important that we first engage with the community to understand their concerns and make adjustments. Transparency is key—we need to ensure voters fully understand the stakes and how these improvements would benefit students and the community at large. If it’s still rejected, we must prioritize critical infrastructure needs like HVAC repairs and class size reductions, exploring alternative funding sources such as state grants, public-private partnerships, or phased projects to address these needs over time. Full-day kindergarten is essential, and finding creative ways to offer this, even on a limited scale, would be a priority.

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

My favorite thing about the Moorestown school system is the dedication of our teachers and staff. Their passion for student success and their commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment truly stand out. It’s inspiring to see how much they care for their students, going above and beyond to ensure they have the tools and support needed to thrive academically and personally. Additionally, the sense of community within our schools and the way parents and families are engaged is a real asset.