Every election season, NJ Pen invites candidates running for local office to tell voters a bit about themselves and their priorities before the ballots are cast.
We produce these profiles in the public interest, but our journalism is possible only through small, regular contributions from our readers — so if you’re reading this for free, it’s because other readers have made it possible for us to offer it to you.
To support our ability to keep doing this work year-round, please become a subscriber.
Three Haddonfield residents are running for three available three-year terms on the Haddonfield School District Board of Education: Gregory Esemplare, Jaime Grookett, and Linda Hochgertel.
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.
Jaime Grookett, 48 (Incumbent)
Jaime Grookett is a lecturer in the College of Education at Rowan University, a married mother of two, and the sitting president of the Haddonfield Board of Education.
Her favorite hobbies are cooking, traveling, and reading.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
GROOKETT: I believe education should inspire students to think deeply, not just recall information.
Learning is most powerful when students are encouraged to question, connect ideas, and apply knowledge to real-world situations.
Critical thinking and curiosity are at the heart of meaningful education. When students see relevance and purpose, motivation follows naturally.
As an educator, I value classrooms that promote inquiry, creativity, and reflection, where teachers guide students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
GROOKETT: I attended the University of Pennsylvania to earn my master’s degree in education before beginning my teaching career as an English teacher at Audubon High School.
I stayed home when my children were young, and served the community in many volunteer roles, such as PTA President.
When I returned to work, I taught English Composition at Camden County College and Drexel University, where I earned my master’s degree in Creative Writing. This is my fifth year teaching in the Content Area Teacher Education Program in the College of Education at Rowan University.
In addition to serving as the President of the Haddonfield Board of Education, I also serve as the Vice President of Legislation for the Camden County School Board. I advocate for school funding reform as well as other issues facing schools today.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
GROOKETT: I’m running because I care deeply about public education and about Haddonfield’s tradition of excellence. I want to make sure our schools continue to give every student the opportunities they deserve.
Over the years, I’ve worked hard to support our teachers, strengthen our programs, and plan responsibly for the future. I’d like to keep that work going and ensure Haddonfield remains a model of what strong public education can be.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your district faces?
GROOKETT: Right now, our biggest challenge is overseeing the massive projects of the bond referendum, which passed last year by a nearly 80-percent margin.
I want to ensure that the work we promised the community is completed within budget and as promised.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
GROOKETT: It’s hard to pick only three, but if I had to, I’d say the bond referendum construction, advocacy for school funding reform, and guiding the use of AI in classrooms during a time of frequent change and development, which can be both a blessing and a curse to students and teachers.
Linda Hochgertel (Incumbent)
Information technology executive Linda Hochgertel is 26-year Haddonfield resident, and the sitting vice-president of the Board of Education.
A married mother of two, Hochgertel is a long-time soccer fan and a newly minted Florida State University Seminoles fan.
Her favorite pastime is traveling with family, whether exploring the world abroad or spending time together in Bethany Beach, Delaware.
She also enjoys working out, practicing yoga, and has a deep appreciation for the arts.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of education?
HOCHGERTEL: I believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education that challenges them academically while supporting their individual growth and well-being. Schools should nurture curiosity, creativity, and resilience—preparing students not only for college or careers but to be thoughtful, engaged citizens.
Public education should reflect the values and priorities of the community it serves, focusing on academic excellence, student development, and preparing students to be thoughtful, contributing members of a global society.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a school board member?
HOCHGERTEL: Professionally, I bring more than 25 years of leadership experience in information technology, where I’ve managed complex budgets, teams, and long-term strategic initiatives.
I previously served on the Board of Governors of the Haddonfield Civic Association, and have been deeply involved in our schools as a parent, PTA leader, volunteer, and advocate for fair state funding.
What I bring as a school board member is a history of listening to community feedback and advocating for what I believe reflects both the community’s values and the best interests of the district’s future.
During my two terms on the Board, including in leadership roles, I’ve helped guide policy decisions, oversee capital projects, and maintain a focus on both educational excellence and fiscal responsibility.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
HOCHGERTEL: I’m running because I believe deeply in giving back to the district that gave so much to my family. Our schools are the heart of Haddonfield and central to the strength of our community.
I was a champion of the bond referendum that passed in December 2024, and I feel a strong sense of responsibility to oversee those projects and ensure we deliver on the promises made to the community. Serving on the Board has been an honor, and I want to continue ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges your district faces?
HOCHGERTEL: Our biggest challenges include:
- updating, expanding, and maintaining our facilities while staying mindful of taxpayers and their current tax burden
- continuing to provide an education that achieves high academic excellence amid shrinking budgets
- addressing enrollment growth and evolving educational needs.
Balancing these priorities requires thoughtful planning, transparency, and collaboration among all stakeholders.
NJ PEN: What are three key issues on which you will focus if elected?
HOCHGERTEL:
- Bond Referendum Implementation. Ensuring the successful, on-time, and on-budget completion of the capital improvement projects approved by voters.
- Academic Excellence and Student Support. Maintaining the Haddonfield tradition of academic rigor amid shrinking budgets.
- Fiscal Responsibility and Long-Term Planning. Promoting data-driven decision-making, transparent communication, and responsible budgeting to sustain educational quality and community trust.
