Linda Byrnes

November 3, 2022

A simple question: Why? Why would you want to sit on the Board? What is motivating you to run for this position?

As a sitting member of the Board of Education and having taught in the Hammonton school district for 38 years, It is my desire to serve the community that gave me some of the best years of my teaching career. I wish to continue to be a part of many new and exciting projects as we continue to move our district forward and stay competitive with other schools in South Jersey. One such project is the addition of 8 classrooms to be built at the current ECEC slated to begin in summer of 2023. This expansion is very much needed and will facilitate with enhancing programs at both ECEC and WES.

2. How well do you feel like you know the town and the school community? In other words, have you lived here long? Did you attend school here, or do you have children in the community?

As a 1972 graduate of HHS, I have lived in Hammonton all my life. I graduated from Rowan University, formerly Glassboro State, in 1975 and was very fortunate to begin teaching in Hammonton right after graduating. Over my 38 years of teaching in Hammonton, I taught many students and by the end of my career, I was teaching the children of my former students! I always considered my students as “my kids” and tried to bring educational experiences to the classroom that would enhance the learning of all students at any level. As an educator, I recognized our diverse community is reflected by our students and I embraced and respected those differences.

3. What qualities and expertise do you have to offer in this role?

As a former educator, meeting the needs of students on a daily basis has informed my perspective as a Board member and has enabled me to offer insights into educating the whole child. Whether it be in the classroom, on the stage, or on the athletic fields, I support offering our students a variety of opportunities to enhance their experience in the Hammonton school district.

4. What is the Hammonton school district doing right for its students? Are there areas that may be in need of improvement?

The Hammonton school district has made significant strides in bringing new course offerings, new athletic programs, and improving our student/teacher ratio. Of course, there is always room for improvement. For myself, I would like to see more offerings in the area of the Visual and Performing arts. Especially at the elementary level, I hope to see students have more class time in these areas.

5. Are you open to the ideas and suggestions that students of Hammonton High School may bring to Board of Education meetings? If so, do you believe student involvement will improve our education system and environment?

I whole heartedly welcome Student input. With the start of the new school year, it has been very exciting and enlightening to have a student representative joining our monthly school board meetings. As student council President, our student rep brings a student’s perspective to the table and reminds us all of our mission and why we are there. Student input has played an integral part in the recent decision to add certain athletic opportunities like volleyball and, hopefully, lacrosse.

6. In your opinion, what are the most important skills a student should possess in order to be successful when they graduate high school?

Upon graduation, there are a variety of skill sets that students have been groomed to possess in order to be successful at work and a productive member of society. However, if students only learn one important lesson that schools have to offer let that lesson be accountability. This is a lesson that will always serve students well in life no matter what.

7. Tell us about something in your life that fostered a passion for schools and education.

My favorite teacher!

8. What else would you like us to know? Are there any questions we should have asked but didn’t?

I want students who read this to know that I value the role of public education. I truly believe that our society as a whole needs each and every person to cultivate their talents and strengths in order to contribute to the well being of our community and that a sound public education is the ticket to make that happen.

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