Cherry Hill School Board Election 2024: Dean Drizin
CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill has 10 candidates running for three positions on the Board of Education.
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.
Dean Drizin, a school board candidate, sent Patch the following responses:
Dean Drizin, MD, MBA
What drove you to seek public office?
I am running because I believe I can contribute a fresh perspective to Cherry Hill's Board of Education and our community. I am deeply invested in the future success of our school district, as my children are early in their educational journeys. My son is in first grade (he had a fantastic Kindergarten experience, and first grade is off to a great start, too!), and my daughter is in pre-K. My family and I value education. My grandmother and aunt were public school English teachers, my Mom recently retired as the principal of a public elementary school, and my sister-in-law is a speech therapist. My mom, in particular, served as principal of a public elementary school for over 25 years, ultimately leading her school to achieve recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School. I witnessed day after day how my Mom's hard work, commitment to data-driven continuous improvement, and tireless support of her teachers contributed to the school's success. If I have the opportunity to serve on Cherry Hill's Board of Education, I similarly commit to working hard and collaboratively to support our students, teachers, and administrators.
I believe all children have the ability to learn and reach their best potential. Education should foster curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility, teaching our children how to show kindness and understanding of each others' points of view.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I bring a background in medicine and management. I earned my undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College (Salutatorian Class of 2006), my medical degree (MD) from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and an MBA in Health Care Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. I lead the corporate development office of a national nonprofit home health care organization and serve as a flight surgeon in the United States Navy Reserve. My prior experience spans investment banking, venture capital, and military service as an active-duty flight surgeon in the United States Navy, during which time I deployed to Japan and El Salvador as the sole primary care provider to over 300 Naval aviation personnel. My strong communication skills allow me to connect with diverse stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in decision-making. I am committed to fostering a collaborative atmosphere that encourages innovation and continuous improvement within our schools.
What do you see as the biggest issue facing Cherry Hill Public Schools?
The biggest issue facing Cherry Hill Public Schools is academic preparedness in literacy and mathematics. The upcoming election is particularly important for Cherry Hill, as next year's Board of Education will be responsible for setting the school district's five-year strategic plan. None of the school district's current (i.e., 2024-2025) goals focus on academic excellence (2024-2025 ). If elected, one of my top goals would be to focus on developing and implementing targeted strategies to boost reading and math proficiency, including supporting the Cherry Hill School District's professional staff and providing culturally relevant instruction.
This year, Cherry Hill faced one of New Jersey's biggest decreases in state equalization aid. What do you think are the best ways for the district to address reductions in state funding?
The best ways for the district to address reductions in state funding include:
My spending priorities include:
What is your favorite thing about the Cherry Hill school system?
My favorite thing about the Cherry Hill school system is the teachers and other professional staff. They are our greatest asset. I would prioritize professional development programs and competitive salaries to retain top talent and support their growth.
