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Five Audubon residents are running for three available three-year terms on the Audubon Public School District Board of Education: Ammie L. Davis, Garrett M. Gouveia, Sara Joy Kuhlen, Joe Miller, and Stephen Wilson.
All candidates have been invited to reply to the same set of prompts, telling voters about themselves, their priorities, and their views of the current state of affairs in their community. Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
Ammie Davis (Incumbent)
An Audubon resident since 1995, Ammie Davis is a married mother of two children who have been educated in Audubon Public Schools.
She is a preschool music educator, and has taught general and choral music in a public-school setting.
Davis is running for a fourth term on the district Board of Education, and is its sitting president.
She presently chairs the board Human Resources Committee, serves on its Operations Committee, and volunteers with the district Special Education Parent Advisory Committee and Early Childhood Advisory Committee.
Previously, Davis volunteered with the district PTA and Band Boosters Association. She enjoys spending time with my family, reading, thrift shopping, and visiting the beach.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
DAVIS: We need to meet the individual needs of all learners, and we need to equip our educators with the tools necessary to help our learners reach their potential. This encompasses academic skills, social, and emotional skills.
Both of my children are very different learners, and I see firsthand the need for a diversified approach to education.
As a preschool teacher, I see firsthand the early stages of learning to manage emotions, learning to advocate for oneself, practicing empathy, and learning to manage conflict constructively.
These skills take practice, and I am encouraged to see our district incorporating them into its curriculum. In meeting both the academic and emotional needs of the child, we set our students up for success in whatever path they choose for the future.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
DAVIS: Personally and professionally, I am a teacher at heart, and my decisions are centered on a students-first approach. I genuinely care about the work our district is accomplishing, the challenges we are facing, and the progress we are seeing.
I listen openly to ideas and concerns. I work collaboratively to find solutions to challenges. This was most recently evident in my participation in the strategic planning process and contract negotiations.
I have furthered my professional development as a board member through workshops and trainings with the New Jersey School Boards Association, and in 2024, was recognized as both a Master Board Member and a Certified Board Leader.
My personal and professional commitment to education keeps my focus on our why — the children — and guides my advocacy for our students and staff.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
DAVIS: As a third-generation teacher, I believe volunteering on the board has allowed me to be of service to the community to the best of my ability. I am passionate about education, and my focus is to support the best programs in which our students can thrive.
We are just beginning our five-year strategic plan that I believe will bring meaningful change to the district. I am deeply invested in this process, and I would like to stay involved to see it through with progress checks and community input.
It has been an honor to serve on the board for the last 12 years, and I would be grateful to continue to serve.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
DAVIS: As with all school districts, funding is one of the biggest challenges facing Audubon. Currently, we spend almost 99 percent of our budget, which is less than ideal.
So many factors influence our budget including rising healthcare costs, out-of-district placements, and the rising cost of everyday items that we are all experiencing. It is a constant struggle to balance the needs of our students and staff while staying fiscally responsible.
Expansion of our preschool program is also challenge facing our district. We are a small community without the option to build additional facilities; however, the administration has been working diligently to find and secure more space. I’m encouraged by continued progress.
A lack of career training and/or trade education is another challenge for our district. Again, space is a limiting factor, and so is finding certificated staff to teach such programs. I am encouraged that our superintendent and administrative staff are thinking “outside the box” to meet this challenge, and to provide opportunities for our students to explore these paths.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
DAVIS: I will support any endeavors to expand the preschool program and make it available to more families.
I am committed to oversight of the strategic plan, “Wave of the Future.” Through forums and surveys, our community clearly stated their focus for our students. I will closely monitor the progress of this plan, and support any changes or adjustments needed to see us achieve the goals.
I am committed to supporting initiatives that broaden our students’ exposure to help guide their decisions for their future. Whether this takes the form of guest speakers, opportunities offered offsite, or programs we can host, our students deserve to be exposed to a variety of opportunities.
Garrett M. Gouveia, 36 (Challenger)
Garrett Gouveia is Lead Pastor at Audubon United Methodist Church and a married father of three.
Gouveia describes himself as a family-oriented person who is happiest spending time with his wife and children, whether tending to their backyard chickens, working in the garden, or cheering from the sidelines at youth soccer.
He enjoys hiking, birding, and collecting comics.
As a pastor, Gouveia seeks to unify his personal interests in storytelling, community building, and creativity with his ministry, connecting to his faith in everyday life.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
GOUVEIA: I believe education is about far more than filling minds with information — it’s about forming character, nurturing compassion, and helping each student discover their God-given potential.
For me, education is the sacred work of shaping the whole person: heart, mind, and spirit. I see every classroom and learning space as a place where belonging is cultivated.
Every student should feel seen, valued, and safe to explore who they are and what they can become. Learning happens best in relationship — through mutual respect, empathy, and collaboration — not competition.
As both a pastor and a lifelong learner, I’ve come to see that education and faith share the same heartbeat: transformation. Whether it’s in a church pew, a classroom, or a community event, the goal is the same: to help people grow into the best version of themselves so they can serve others and shape a better world.
For me, real education doesn’t end with graduation. It’s a lifelong journey of curiosity, kindness, and purpose, where knowledge meets heart, and learning becomes a way of life.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
GOUVEIA: As both a pastor and a parent, I bring a blend of leadership, empathy, and community-minded experience to the table. I’ve spent my career helping people grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally, and I believe those same skills are essential in supporting the growth of our students and the success of our schools.
In my role as a pastor, I manage expectations, hopes, and dreams across a wide range of personalities and situations. That experience has taught me how to listen deeply, communicate clearly, and build consensus, even when opinions differ.
My work as a hospital chaplain strengthened my ability to meet people where they are, offering compassion and perspective during both challenges and change.
As a parent with children in the Audubon school system, I understand firsthand the joys and challenges families face. I coach youth sports, lead community programs, and stay actively engaged in local events.
These experiences keep me grounded in the day-to-day realities of our community and help me see education not just from a policy perspective, but from a personal one.
I believe effective school leadership starts with relationships — with students, parents, teachers, and the community.
My goal is to help foster an environment where every child feels supported and every educator feels valued, so together we can make our schools places of belonging, growth, and opportunity for all.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
GOUVEIA: My wife and I have children in the district, and like so many families, we want them — and every student — to have every opportunity to thrive.
I want to help ensure that every decision we make puts students first, supports teachers, and strengthens the connection between families and schools.
I believe we focus too much on change for the sake of change, or feeling better about ourselves and the decisions we make that “help” our district.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
GOUVEIA: As both a parent and a community leader, I believe the biggest challenges facing the Audubon School District aren’t just numbers on a report, they’re the lived experiences of our students, teachers, and families.
One of our most pressing issues is academic achievement, especially in math. We have so many bright, capable students, but too many are struggling in key areas. I’d like to see us invest in more targeted support, tutoring, and creative teaching approaches to help close those gaps and give every student the confidence to succeed.
Another major challenge is student mental health and emotional well-being. The district has made great strides with programs like Care Solace and on-site mental health counselors, but the need continues to grow.
As both a pastor and a parent, I’ve seen how much difference it makes when kids know they’re supported, heard, and cared for. We need to keep building systems that make mental health care accessible, proactive, and stigma-free.
Finally, I see the need for continued attention to facilities, resources, and college-and-career readiness. Our students deserve schools that are well-maintained, technologically equipped, and forward-looking. As they prepare for life beyond graduation, they need strong guidance, mentorship, and opportunities that connect their learning to real-world purpose.
At the heart of all this is a simple belief: our students are capable of amazing things when they’re given the right support.
I want to be part of a school board that listens, collaborates, and works to ensure every student in Audubon has what they need to thrive — academically, emotionally, and personally.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
GOUVEIA: If I’m elected, I’ll focus on three key areas that I believe will make the greatest impact on our students and our schools:
1. Real-World Readiness
I want every student in Audubon to graduate confident and prepared for real careers, whether that means college, the trades, public service, or creative industries. We can do this by strengthening career and technical education, expanding internships and mentorships, and building partnerships that connect learning to life beyond the classroom.
2. Supporting Teachers and Staff
Our teachers and staff are the heartbeat of our schools. They’re the ones in the classrooms, the hallways, and the lunchrooms making a difference every day. I believe we must prioritize their voices, give them the resources they need, and show them that they are valued and trusted. When we support our educators, our students thrive.
3. Student Well-Being and Belonging
Education isn’t just about grades, it’s about growth. I’ll continue to champion mental health resources, positive school culture, and programs that help students feel safe, included, and cared for. When kids know they matter, learning follows naturally.
Sara Joy Kuhlen, 43 (Incumbent)
Born and raised in Audubon, Sara Joy Kuhlen is a married mother of two school-aged children whom she’s raising in her childhood home.
They attend the borough public school district.
The family enjoys playing games together, watching their favorite television shows, and spending time with the family dogs.
Kuhlen is an active local volunteer.
She served on the Audubon Board of Education since last May, and has lent her time to the Audubon Celebration Committee for the past four years.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
KUHLEN: I believe that any quality educational system provides academic, arts-based, and social-emotional learning in an equitable and effective manner to a diverse community of learners.
This includes those of all ability levels, regardless of what career path they choose to follow post-graduation.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
KUHLEN: The majority of my career has been spent in mental health settings, including correctional environments as well as community treatment programs.
I have experience working with children and teens in a partial hospitalization program, and have seen first-hand how anxiety, depression, and ADHD have impacted their learning and school engagement.
Working in the mental health field has helped me develop good listening skills, have an open mind, and take multiple perspectives into consideration when facing decisions and challenges.
I have been on the Governance Committee since joining the board in May 2024, which has given me a good understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members and has familiarized me with our district policies.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
KUHLEN: I have honestly enjoyed my time on the board this past year-and-a-half, and find it deeply rewarding to do my part to further the education and well-being of our students by supporting impactful programs and initiatives.
I originally wanted to join the board to provide a mental health perspective, and that continues to be a primary focus of mine.
I also see where there are opportunities to build better rapport between the board and the community at large, and this is something I hope to pursue.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
KUHLEN: Recent results from the NJSLA state assessments demonstrate that there are deficits in meeting state learning standards, particularly in high-school math and science. Additionally, when comparing racial/ethnic groups, there is a disparity in scores that is especially concerning.
I do believe that some recent changes will be beneficial, such as the re-structuring of teacher assignments and professional development to facilitate staff collaboration, the addition of a Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, who will have the opportunity to provide more direct feedback and resources; and an emphasis on the creation of pacing guides that will help identify any gaps in necessary instruction.
With that said, a primary task of the board is to ensure fiscal responsibility, which includes examining the effectiveness of various interventions and staffing decisions. When multiple changes are made at once, it can be very difficult to determine the impact of each change, and as such, this is an area that will require close attention and consideration.
Additionally, from speaking with members of the Audubon community, it is clear that there is some feeling of disappointment and mistrust towards the Audubon Board of Education and school district.
Some primary areas of concern have related to the Mental Health Assistance Counselor position, school drop-off procedures, and the passing of the Tax Levy Incentive Aid program.
I believe in frequent and transparent communication, and am hopeful that some trust can be rebuilt.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
KUHLEN: My main areas of focus include student mental health, fiscal responsibility, and improved communications and rapport.
Joe Miller, 29 (Challenger)
Joe Miller is passionate about community volunteerism, having presided over the joint Audubon, Haddon Township, and Oaklyn Rotary Club, and having founded the Audubon Neighborhood Watch to enhance local safety.
Miller enjoys spending time outdoors, and takes pride in his South Jersey roots, where he and his family were born and raised.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
MILLER: I believe education should empower students with the tools to think critically, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to society.
I’m an advocate for a back-to-basics approach, prioritizing core academic skills such as reading, writing, math, and science while fostering discipline and personal accountability.
I support a curriculum that respects diverse perspectives, but emphasizes objective truth and practical life skills, preparing students for real-world challenges.
I value parental involvement, believing families should have a strong voice in shaping their children’s education.
I am committed to fiscal responsibility, and seek to ensure that resources are used efficiently to support teachers and students, creating a balanced environment where every child can thrive.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
MILLER: I bring a wealth of relevant experience to the school board. As a real-estate consultant, I have honed skills in negotiation, financial management, and community engagement, all of which applies to educational governance.
Previously, I served one term on the Audubon Board of Education, giving me direct insight into district operations, budgeting, and policy-making.
Additionally, I represented Camden County on the New Jersey School Boards Association Board of Directors, collaborating on statewide educational initiatives and advocating for local needs.
As president of the Audubon, Haddon Township, and Oaklyn Rotary Club and founder of the Audubon Neighborhood Watch, I am committed to community service and safety, fostering strong connections with families and stakeholders.
These experiences equip me to make informed, practical decisions, prioritizing student success and community trust.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
MILLER: I’m running for the school board to bring practical, results-driven leadership to the district while respecting the community’s diverse values.
I am committed to improving test scores and restoring focus on academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and parental involvement to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Drawing from my prior term on the board, I will address local concerns, such as rising costs and uneven resource allocation, through transparent, common-sense policies that bridge divides and prioritize student achievement in a way that resonates with our town’s inclusive spirit.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
MILLER: I recognize that the school district faces significant challenges, including the need to improve state testing scores, which have lagged in recent years, impacting student readiness and district accountability.
Additionally, maintaining fiscal responsibility is critical, as rising operational costs and limited budgets strain resources, leading to tough choices about staffing, facilities, and programs.
These issues require strategic planning and community collaboration to ensure equitable access to quality education while managing taxpayer funds effectively.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
MILLER: I will focus on three key issues to strengthen the school district while aligning with community values.
First, I’ll prioritize improving state testing scores by supporting targeted academic programs and teacher training to boost student performance without sacrificing well-rounded education.
Second, I will emphasize fiscal responsibility, advocating for transparent budgeting and efficient resource allocation to maximize support for classrooms and student services.
Third, I will enhance parental and community engagement, fostering open communication to ensure diverse voices shape district decisions, reflecting Audubon’s commitment to collaboration and equity.
Stephen Wilson, 44 (Incumbent)
Eleven-year Audubon resident Stephen Wilson is a married father of two school-aged children, and works in sales for a family-owned, New Jersey-based food importer.
Wilson has served on the Audubon Board of Education since 2022, and is a member of its Human Resources and Operations Committees.
In addition to his work as a board member, Wilson coaches a 12-and-younger girls softball team with his wife, and teaches cheese classes to students at Cathedral Kitchen in Camden City.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
WILSON: Students learn best when they are actively engaged in their educational experience, when teachers are given the tools and resources to do what they love to do, and when the administration supports the individuality, growth, and development of the student body and staff, while maintaining a fiscally responsible budget.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
WILSON: My professional experiences come from both working in the private sector and as an entrepreneur.
I understand the challenges of managing an organization as large and complicated as the Audubon Public School district (to be clear, the Board itself does not manage the day-to-day operations of the District, but oversees the Superintendent in her role doing this), and so I am comfortable having a big-picture perspective.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve done the work of recruiting and hiring good people, and although that is not the responsibility of the Board, the Human Resources committee provides oversight for this at the district level.
The business I currently manage at work is similar in size to the district budget, so I am comfortable working with the inevitable challenges that arise in organizations of this size. I have an entrepreneurial mindset, look to solve problems in an efficient and scrappy way, and believe I am good at listening, distilling information, and making the best decisions based on the information I have.
My personal experience is rooted in being a parent to two kids in the district, one at Audubon High School, and one at Mansion Avenue School. As both a parent and a community member, I bring a personal understanding of how our schools shape families’ daily lives. That experience has given me insight into the strengths of our district, as well as the challenges families face.
I bring the perspective of a parent who had to seek out private preschool when my kids were little, before the district program expanded. That experience helped me understand how important access to early education is, and why it needs to be available to every family. My primary goal of a second term would be to have a space at the preschool for every family that wants to be there.
In the past three years on the Board of Education, I’ve learned the value of listening, collaboration, and transparency. Whether serving on the Operations or Human Resources committees, I’ve focused on practical solutions that made a real and positive impact for our students.
I believe in building bridges among families, schools, and the community, so that every child, no matter where they come from or how much their family income is, feels supported and has the opportunity to succeed.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
WILSON: I’m running for re-election because I believe in the power of public education, especially in a community like Audubon, where our schools are the glue that holds our community together.
It’s where we meet fellow parents, where our kids make lifelong friends, and where the community engages in connections that create the social bonds that have suffered in the last few decades.
During my first term, I’ve seen how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and transparency can make a real difference for students and families, and I want to continue the work that we’ve started.
Expanding access to the preschool, improving communication between Audubon and Mt. Ephraim, expanding opportunities for AP and Dual Enrollment courses, building strong pathways, whatever they may be, after graduation; and deepening collaboration with parents, staff and community partners are what’s important to me. and why I’m running.
As a parent of two children in the district, I care deeply about the quality of education they and their classmates receive, and I’m running to keep moving our district forward responsibly, inclusively, and with the students at the center of every decision.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your school district faces?
WILSON: As a member of the Operations committee, I’ve come to understand how difficult the budget is every year, not because of waste, fraud, and abuse (we are audited every year by an independent certified public accountant, whose report is publicly available online), but because running a district where the community has expectations of excellence is expensive.
Our biggest challenge is maintaining a responsible budget that keeps up with student and parent needs while balancing rising costs, unreliable state funding, and increasingly limited federal funding.
Like all districts, Audubon faces fixed expenses, such as energy costs, healthcare, and special education services that continue to increase faster than our funding does. Healthcare alone has gone up approximately 15 percent or more every year since I’ve been on the board.
At the same time, we want to protect the programs and opportunities that make our schools strong, from preschool expansion to extracurriculars and student support services. The bulk of the budget supports the wonderful teachers and staff that make the district excellent, and rightfully so.
Each year, we have to make careful decisions to stretch every dollar while keeping class sizes reasonable and facilities safe and functional. It’s a constant balancing act between being fiscally responsible and ensuring every student has access to a well-rounded, high-quality education.
As a taxpayer and parent, I take this balancing act very seriously. Even though it’s our biggest challenge, the budget is something that I will continue to take seriously, and look forward to managing in a second term.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
WILSON:The Board facilitated and recently completed a community-driven strategic planning process, which has provided a clear roadmap for how we can continue to strengthen the District.
If re-elected, I will focus on making meaningful progress on three key areas that reflect both the priorities of the plan and my experience as a board member: serving the community, supporting our teachers, and meeting the needs of our students.
Serving the community means keeping families informed, engaged, and involved in the decisions that affect their children. I believe strong schools depend on strong partnerships among the Board, families, local organizations, and neighboring districts.
By fostering open communication and collaboration, we can ensure that every voice is heard and that our schools reflect the values and priorities of the community.
Supporting our teachers is equally important. Teachers are the backbone of our schools, and they need the resources, professional development, and working conditions that allow them to do their best work.
During my first term, I served on the team that negotiated the most recent teacher contract. It was a collaborative, constructive process that resulted in an agreement supporting our educators while keeping the district financially responsible.
It was not easy, but the communication was good and both sides kept the needs of the kids at the forefront so we were able to find consensus. By investing in our teachers and maintaining a positive working relationship, we create a strong, stable environment where students can thrive.
Finally, meeting the needs of our students is at the heart of everything I do. From expanding access to preschool and easing transitions for Mt. Ephraim and choice students, to providing inclusive, enriching experiences that support academic and social-emotional growth, I am committed to ensuring that every child has the tools and opportunities to succeed.
These priorities guide my work on the board, and will continue to be the focus of my efforts if re-elected.
