Willingboro Board of Education • 2026

Stronger Schools.
Stronger Community.

Our Vision for Willingboro Schools

Students at the center. Families at the table. Community working together.

Claude, King, and Williams believe Willingboro students deserve schools that prepare them not only to graduate, but to thrive. Our platform focuses on academic excellence, safe and supportive schools, strong educators, transparent leadership, meaningful family engagement, and responsible stewardship of our district's resources.

We are committed to listening, working collaboratively, and keeping students at the center of every decision.

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Election Day • Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Three Willingboro Board of Education candidates standing together in campaign shirts
2026 CampaignClaude • King • Williams
Community volunteers and campaign supporters gathered at an outdoor school event
About the campaign

Students at the center. Community in the conversation.

We believe every Willingboro student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Our campaign is rooted in stronger schools, meaningful community engagement, and a commitment to ensuring that every child is supported, prepared, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Together, we can continue building a school district where students come first, families have a voice, and our entire community takes pride in its schools.

Student AchievementHigh standards paired with support, enrichment, and future-ready opportunities.
Safe & WelcomingLearning environments that support safety, wellness, respect, and engagement.
Open CommunicationMore transparent communication with families, educators, students, and taxpayers.
Shared ResponsibilityPartnership among schools, families, local organizations, and businesses.
Meet the team

Three candidates. Three perspectives. One shared platform.

Campaign portrait of Nehemia Claude
Candidate

Nehemia Claude

Lifelong Willingboro resident, educator, elected official, and community advocate.

Nehemia Claude is a lifelong Willingboro resident, educator, elected official, and community advocate whose commitment to Willingboro is deeply personal. From a Twin Hills Superstar to a proud Willingboro High School alumnus, Nehemia is a product of the very school system she now has the honor of serving.

A graduate of Montclair State University, where she studied Medical Humanities, Nehemia has dedicated her career to empowering young people and strengthening communities. She currently serves as a Science Teacher in Camden, Chair of the Willingboro Youth Advisory Council, and Communications Co-Chair for the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network. Her faith also remains central to her service through her leadership with House of Bread Ministry.

As a member of the Willingboro Board of Education, Nehemia has championed equitable resources, academic excellence, student opportunity, and stronger support for educators and families. She currently serves as Chair of the Special Education Committee, Chair of the Curriculum/AI Committee, and a member of the Ad Hoc Onboarding Committee.

Nehemia’s “why” is simple: every student deserves the resources, opportunities, and support to become the best version of themselves. Willingboro raised me—and I am committed to helping ensure the next generation has even greater opportunities to learn, lead, and succeed.

Campaign portrait of DENISE KING, Ed.D.
Candidate • 2026 Board President

DENISE KING, Ed.D.

More than 30 years in public education, with experience as a teacher, administrator, mentor, coach, consultant, and educational leader.

Dr. Denise King brings more than 30 years of experience in public education and a proven record of educational leadership to the Willingboro community. Her career has included service as a teacher, professional development facilitator, director, consultant, mentor, coach, vice principal, and principal in diverse learning environments.

As a former principal, Dr. King championed student achievement, data-driven instruction, literacy development, school safety, and meaningful family engagement. Her leadership included the implementation of phonics instruction and guided reading practices, safety, security and anti-bullying initiatives.

Her accomplishments have earned significant professional recognition. Dr. King was named NJ Visionary Principal of the Year and received the National Distinguished Principal Award during the tenure of President Obama and the NJ Department of Education Visionary Elementary Principal award presented in the NJ historic state capitol by Senator Singleton and Congressman Conaway.

Today, Dr. King continues to contribute to education serving as a board member. She is focused on the success of every student and educator through teaching, learning and achieving excellence! Under her 2026 term as President of the School Board, the board format has improved with intentional professional development, a safety and civility policy, increased community engagement, expanded academic and career technical options for students and safe school buildings for student learning.

Dr. King holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University, a Master of Education from Cheyney University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

Her record reflects a commitment to strong educational leadership, student opportunity, safe and supportive schools, professional excellence, and community partnership—principles that continue to guide her continued service to Willingboro School District.

Campaign portrait of Debra Williams
Candidate • Board Vice President

Debra Williams

Proud lifelong Willingboro resident, Willingboro High School graduate, and 31-year educator.

Ms. Williams is a proud lifelong resident of Willingboro, where she has lived for 43 years. A graduate of Willingboro High School, she began her career as an educator in Willingboro Public Schools and has dedicated 31 years to educating and supporting students.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and a Master of Arts from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her experiences as an educator and longtime member of the Willingboro community have shaped her belief that every student deserves a high-quality, equitable education and that strong public schools are essential to a strong community. These values inspired her to seek a seat on the Board of Education.

Ms. Williams currently serves as Vice President of the Willingboro Board of Education and previously served as Board President. She has held leadership roles as Chair of the Personnel Committee, Chair of the Levitt Renaming Ad Hoc Committee, and Chair of the WHS Alumni Hall of Fame Ad Hoc Committee. She has also contributed her time and expertise to the Operations, Curriculum, Special Services, Policy, and Referendum Ad Hoc Committees.

With more than four decades of roots in Willingboro and more than three decades in education, Ms. Williams brings a deep understanding of the community and a longstanding commitment to its students, families, and public schools.

Platform & priorities

The 6 Pillars

Six areas of focus for strengthening student outcomes, supporting educators, engaging families, and stewarding district resources responsibly.

Academic Achievement

Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.

  • Strengthen literacy and mathematics achievement at every grade level.
  • Expand tutoring, intervention, enrichment, and academic support.
  • Identify learning gaps early and provide timely support.
  • Expand opportunities in STEM, technology, the arts, college preparation, and skilled trades.
  • Use student achievement data to identify what is working—and where additional support is needed.
What success looks like

What Will Stronger Schools Look Like?

A stronger district means more opportunity, support, communication, accountability, connection, and a commitment to every Willingboro student.

Claude, King, Williams campaign graphic with ballot positions 4, 5, and 6

More opportunities for students.

Tutoring, enrichment, technology, arts, athletics, career pathways, and opportunities to discover their strengths.

More support for educators.

Resources, professional development, collaboration, and a voice in decisions affecting teaching and learning.

More communication with families.

Clear information, meaningful engagement, and opportunities for families to be heard.

More accountability.

Clear goals, responsible spending, transparent decision-making, and regular progress updates.

Stronger community connections.

Schools working alongside families, businesses, organizations, churches, alumni, and community leaders.

A commitment to every child.

Regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, every Willingboro student deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Our promise to the community

Our Commitment

We won't promise that every challenge can be solved overnight. We will promise to listen, ask questions, work collaboratively, and remain focused on what matters most: our students.

We believe strong schools don't happen in isolation. They happen when educators, families, students, board members, and the entire community work together.

Stronger Schools. Stronger Community.
Community voices

What Supporters Are Saying

Statements provided by campaign supporters.

“Denise as a retired long time resident of Willingboro I am excited to support the Stronger Schools Stronger Community campaign to re-elect #4-Claude #5-King #6-Williams

Within the last few years, we clearly see the positive changes in school board meetings and the climate of the schools are safer and more welcoming to visitors.

We need your continued effective leadership! So you have my vote”

SH
Sharita

“Though I don’t live in Willingboro, I have family and friends who do. I’m proud to stand behind my friend and retired principal Dr. Denise King and the full circle Claude, King & Williams ticket. I’ve seen firsthand the integrity, dedication, and vision they bring to serving their community, and Willingboro’s students and families are lucky to have leaders like them fighting for stronger schools. I fully support this campaign!”

TI
Tiffany

“Dr. Denise King’s dedication to youth, families, and the Willingboro community is undeniable. She genuinely believes in people and has a gift for encouraging others to believe in themselves. Dr. King shows up, she cares, and she gives her time, energy, and heart to helping young people and families thrive. Vote for Stronger Schools and a Stronger Community. Vote #4, #5, #6.”

GR
G. Robinson

“As a Willingboro resident of more than 20 years, I am proud to support Debra Williams and the Stronger Schools, Stronger Community ticket.

I have seen Debra’s dedication to Willingboro and her commitment to making a difference for our students. Her experience as an educator and her years of service on the Board reflect how deeply she cares about the future of our schools and our community.

Our children deserve leaders who will listen, work together, and remain committed to creating opportunities for every student to succeed. Keep up the great work!

Claude, King, and Williams have my vote!”

YV
YvonneCommunity Member

“With pride, I believe Debra Williams is a candidate who is needed to continue to make positive changes for families in our school community as a member of the Willingboro Board of Education. As a dedicated educator, Ms. Williams will continue to bring an invaluable, first-hand perspective in understanding daily school operations, student challenges and opportunities in our classrooms and the real-world impact of board policies on teachers and learners. Through her open communication between families and taxpayers in the community, Debra Williams will continue to ensure responsible stewardship of our community’s resources. So, the only way to go is to support the Stronger Schools, Stronger Community Campaign to re-elect #4- Claude, #5- King and #6- Williams!”

SH
SherylEducator

“As a former Willingboro teacher, I’m proud to support the Stronger Schools, Stronger Community campaign. Having spent many years serving the students, families, and community of Willingboro, I understand the importance of strong leadership and a continued commitment to our schools. I wholeheartedly support the campaign of Claude, King, and Williams, and I wish them continued success in their efforts to serve our school community.”

CA
CarlaEducator

“I’m proud to support Claude, King, and Williams for the Willingboro Board of Education. Their leadership and commitment to the people around them are a true reflection of what public service should look like. You can tell that serving their community is something that is genuinely in their hearts, and that passion shows in the work they continue to do for Willingboro students and families. I’m proud to stand behind leaders who lead with purpose, care, and a genuine commitment to their community.”

BA
Brianna ArmsteadBoard of Education Commissioner, Linden Public Schools • Secretary, NHAEON Executive Board

“I've known Ms. Williams for over 25 years. As a teacher, she has been a highly valuable resource to me, our school and the district community as a whole. Debra Williams has supported us with her knowledge, skills, and capabilities as an energetic & creative educator. She modeled excellence in every scope of her responsibilities and volunteer assignments culminating in a positive school culture.

Today, I continue to admire her resilience and leadership as a more than competent & steady school board member. Ms. Williams remembers who she is in how she respectfully represents us in this highly challenging position. Please vote for her. You'll have no regrets.”

VA
ValerieEducator

“I am excited to support the Stronger Schools Stronger Community campaign to re-elect #4-Claude #5-King #6-Williams. With this team, there is proven leadership and a track record that students have access to a great public education.”

JA
Jasmine

“Nehemia is a proud 2019 graduate of Willingboro High School and a 2023 graduate of Montclair State University. She is a born leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to her community.

Now, Nehemia is ready to give back to the school system that helped shape her.

Together with King and Williams, Nehemia will bring new energy, strong leadership, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to the students, families, educators, and future of the Willingboro School District.

“Our children deserve leaders who will listen, lead, and work tirelessly for their success.”

Nehemia for Willingboro Board of Education — Leadership. Commitment. Change.”

LM
L. Marty JohnsonLMJ Grand Travels

“I proudly endorse #4,#5,#6 Claude, King and Williams for the school board because of their proven dedication to our students, families, and the Willingboro community! Now that I have children of my own, nieces and nephews in the Willingboro school district, I want the best people on the board! People who have ethics and standards and don’t just vote for their friends and jump on any bandwagon.

Why Claude, King and Williams Earn My Support
• Proven Leadership: All 3 candidates have shown that they listen to teachers, parents, and residents to make smart choices for our children, our schools and our community.
• Focal Priorities: They know that stronger schools, stronger communities go hand in hand to help every child succeed.
• Student Well-Being: Their clear plan ensures that schools are safer and welcoming for all students and staff every single day. Please join me in voting for #4, #5 and #6 to keep our district moving forward.”

SD
Sarah DavisLong time Willingboro resident

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events — Meet. Learn. Share. Support. We look forward to seeing you!
Meet. Learn. Share. Support.

Past events

Campaign Videos

Watch the Campaign in the Community

Short clips from campaign and community events in Willingboro.

Get involved

Stronger Schools, Stronger Community.

Vote on November 3: Claude number 4, King number 5, Williams number 6 for Willingboro School Board

We believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, every family deserves to be heard, and every decision should strengthen our schools and our community.

Together, we will lead with integrity, invest in student success, support our educators, and build a brighter future for Willingboro.

Electronic donations: Use the Donate button below.

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Checks can be sent to:
135 Torrington Lane
Willingboro, NJ 08046