Rita Black

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

What has motivated me to want to run for this position, I have three children ages 16, 14 and 9 in the Hammonton Public School System. I love coaching softball and field hockey. The age gap between my kids gives me a great perspective of how different the curriculum and culture is for children in all of our schools. In addition, the parents of children I coach were also a motivation. Parents share more with a person that is on their same level as and enduring the same challenges their kids face. I am by nature a problem solver and a talker, two traits that will be well served on our board.

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?

I am A 1995 Hammonton Graduate, a lifelong resident, and, as stated in the first question, a parent of three dynamic kids.

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

I hold a Bachelors in Marketing Communications and have held previous positions in patient relations for a healthcare system. I have dealt with sensitive situations and also currently sit on the Hammonton Little League Board as the Vice President of Softball. I have experience working in a group setting collaboratively for a positive outcome.

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

There are many areas that I feel I need to familiarize myself with so it may be premature for me to answer this question. However, I believe there could be more time spent on the curriculum. I would Like to see more marking periods of economics, additional resources for the home economics and cooking programs and a change to the middle school lunch periods.

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?

Absolutely, you are the most mature of the Hammonton school population, and student involvement will only enrich the boards agenda and challenges with your valuable input.

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

A sense of accomplishment and a clear understating of the path they are choosing. If they are college bound or preparing for trade school, I would want them to know their options and how to pursue them.

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

My children and my own educational journey. But the passion for school board and running has always been that I enjoy teaching childrenm not as an educator but fundamentals in sports. I have gained so much from working with kids.

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

I think your questions were on point, and I am humbled to have been asked to answer your questions for the school paper.