Meet BOE Candidate Susan Depper Gittler

In advance of Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 6), Collingswood Patch will bring you information on each of the five Board of Education candidates seeking office for the upcoming term. First up: challenger Susan Depper Gittler, who provided the information below.

Susan Depper Gittler

Age: 50

Family: Married with two children (9 and 13)

Previous School Board Experience: First time running.

Community Service: Susan recently participated in the Mathematics Curriculum Review Committee that resulted in the selection of GO Math! for the Collingswood Elementary Schools.

She has also been involved with the Special Needs Family Support Group and the Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Additionally, she has volunteered in the Zane North library and is currently a member of the Zane North PTA Communications Committee and Special Projects Committee.

Susan has been involved with costuming for the Collingswood Youth Theatre, most recently Co-Chairing the Costume Committee for the summer 2012 production.

Reason for Running: “I believe Collingswood should have a great school district; one that our students can be proud to be a part of. We should have an environment where students can soar and not be satisfied with mediocrity.”

Changes Proposed: “I would like to see the BOE continue to pursue opportunities for cost savings and program enhancement through additional shared services and consolidation. I think that BOE should seriously consider participating in the IB (International Baccalaureate) Program and use that as a basis for participation in the NJ Interdistrict Public School Choice Program.”

Action Plan for Proposed Changes: “We need to look how we can innovate; to assess our current concepts and methods and find the best solutions for the 21st century.”