Meet your Secretary-Treasurer candidates

February 27, 2025 • / • 2 min read
February 27, 2025 / 2 min read

NJEA elections begin April 1

NJEA will hold its elections in April for NJEA’s statewide officers and county (and other unit) representatives. This year, approximately one-third of the Executive Committee and approximately one-half of the Delegate Assembly and Delegate Assembly Alternates will be elected. 

Information provided by the candidates running for NJEA secretary-treasurer appears below.

Balloting is conducted with the assistance of an outside vendor. A ballot and a postage-paid return envelope are sent to each member. The ballot will come via first class mail at the address currently on file. A paper ballot will be used. Complete instructions for voting will be contained in the ballot mailing. To be counted, voted ballots must be mailed to the address specified in the ballot mailing. Ballots sent to any other address will not be counted. 

Elections will be held between April 1 and noon of April 15. In order to be counted, ballots must be received at the address indicated in the ballot mailing no later than noon on April 15. 

Current NJEA vice president, Steve Beatty, was the only candidate for president and was declared elected to that position for the 2025-27 term. Current NJEA secretary-treasurer, Petal Robertson, was the only candidate for vice president and was declared elected to that position for the 2025-27 term. 

For complete elections rules and procedures, visit njea.org/njeaelections. 

Virtual candidate forum 

Get to know your secretary-treasurer candidates 

The NJEA Elections Committee cordially invites all members to attend a virtual forum for the secretary-treasurer candidates running in the 2025 election. During the event, NJEA Elections Committee Chair Joe Toma will pose questions selected by the Elections Committee addressing issues critical to NJEA members. Members can register and watch the forum individually or tune in via a forum “watch party.” 

Date: Thursday, March 27 
Time: 7-8:30 p.m. 
Location: Zoom  
Registration deadline: Friday, March 21 

 Preregistration is required and you must be a member to attend. Register below.

Register

When you register, you will need either your membership PIN (found on your membership card) or the email address at which you receive email from NJEA. You’ll also need your NJEA password, which is the last four digits of your Social Security number unless you have changed it. 

Can’t make it that night? Candidates’ written responses to the forum questions, as well as additional questions related to issues of importance to members, will be posted for members’ review.  

Hope to virtually see you at the candidates’ forum! 

Candidate for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer

Henry Goodhue 

“Serious challenges face members, including pension justice/security, safety, our dues structure, and educator shortage. As President of a diverse, inclusive local, I strive to engage and empower all members to cultivate ownership in their union. We cannot achieve success alone; we must build strong coalitions with other unions to uplift all NJ workers.  
If you share my belief in the power of unions and the promise of public education, I humbly ask for your support. Together, we WILL amplify our collective strength, confront challenges facing public education, and secure a brighter, more equitable future for students and every member.” 

Hillsborough Public Schools 

  • Special Education Teacher 

Education 

  • Rider University 
    • Masters in the Art of Teaching
    • Bachelors in Elementary Education and Psychology; Highly Qualified in Mathematics
  • Rutgers University: Gifted and Talented Certification

Hillsborough Education Association 

  • President 
  • Negotiations Team 
  • Grievance Team 
  • Municipal and Community Liaison 

Somerset County Education Association  

  • First Vice President 
  • MOC Officer Liaison 
  • Government Relations Co-Chair 
  • Legislative Action Team 
  • PEP/FAST Coordinator 
  • Media Liaison 

New Jersey Education Association 

  • Governor’s Educator Shortage Taskforce 
  • NJEA County Presidents Council President (formerly Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer) 
  • NJEA Evaluation Work Group 
  • NJEA Government Relations Committee 
  • NJEA Elections Committee Chair (2017-2019) 

National Education Association 

  • NEA Resolutions Committee (focus on group and human rights) 
  •  NEA Representative Assembly Delegate 

Other activities 

  • NJEA Union School Graduate 
  • Municipal Alliance Union Representative – coordinate mental health resources for community 
  • Mentor to Preservice Educator 
  • Maintain network with local retired educators 
  • Foster meaningful coalitions with local unions 
  • Rutgers Movement Builders Academy Graduate 

“The NJREA endorses Henry Goodhue for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer, knowing his dedication, integrity, and long record of service and expertise will ensure a strong future for our educators and students.” – Joan Wright, NJREA President 

“Seven years ago, I collaborated with Henry Goodhue on the Ch. 78 Task Force. His creative solutions and dynamic leadership set him apart. His organizing skills shine, making him the ideal candidate for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer.” – Sue Gentchos, Passaic County Ea President

Candidate for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer

Denise King

“As the Secretary-Treasurer I will work with all stakeholders to discuss the needs for the future of the organization. I am an inclusive leader who works collaboratively and honors the needs of all members. I believe in listening and implementing ideas that the team feels are beneficial to the organization overall.   
As president of a diverse county, I know that there is no “one size fits all” approach to supporting locals and members which is why I meet with members and leaders. I will use my experience and knowledge to protect school employee and support public schools.”  

Holmdel Township Public Schools 

  • Art Teacher 

Education  

  • M.A. in Art, William Paterson University 
  • B.A. in Art and Elementary Education, Goucher College 

Holmdel Township Education Association 

  • President (2005-14; 2018-24) 
  • Past President (2024-25) 
  • Vice President (2004-05)  
  • Negotiations Committee (2001-present) 
  • Grievance Committee Chair (2001-04) 
  • Legislative Action Chair 

Monmouth County Education Association 

  • President (2014-present) 
  • Budget Committee 
  • Scholarship Committee 
  • Collective Bargaining Council 

New Jersey Education Association

  • UniServ Consultant (2007-present) 
  • Delegate Assembly 
  • County Presidents Council 
  • PAC Operating Committee  
  • Congressional Contact Committee 
  • Health Benefits Committee 

National Education Association 

  • NEA Representative Assembly Delegate (2005-present) 
  • NEA Health and Safety Symposium Representative

Other activities 

  • Artist: drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking and art history 
  • Traveler 
  • Avid reader 
  • Time with family 

“Thank you for always being supportive and looking out for members’ best interests. You go above and beyond to help everyone! We are lucky to have you in our corner.” – Robin Watts

“I have many great memories of my experience with Denise as HTEA president, especially her support for paraprofessionals. I appreciate being treated as an equal to teachers and other staff members. Denise fights hard for the rights of all union members.” – Anne Puccio

Candidate for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer

James Frazier Jr. 

“I am a proud 27-year educational support professional from Union Township. I am proud to ask for your vote to be the next NJEA Secretary-Treasurer. I am a proven leader with a track record of representing our members in all areas of advocacy. I ask you to check out my website, frazier4njea.com, to learn more about why I am your choice to represent you as a member of the NJEA leadership team. Let’s Make History by Electing James Frazier to be the 1st Education Support Professional elected to NJEA Leadership!! ”  


Township of Union Public Schools 

  • Security Officer 

Education 

  • Kean University – presently attending 

Union Township Education Association 

  •   Former:
    • President 
    • Vice President 
    • Government Relations (GR) Chair 

Union County Education Association 

  •  President 
  •  Past 1st Vice President 
  •  GR Chair 
  •  Legislative Action Team 
  •  Budget Committee 

New Jersey Education Association 

  • Committees:
    • Executive  
    • Congressional Contact  
    • Youth Services  
    •  Union School graduate 
    •  GR/Organizational Development Consultant 

National Education Association 

  • Board Director 
  • NEA Board Black Caucus – Parliamentarian 
  • Strategic Plan – Budget Committee, Senior Director 
  • Racial and Social Justice Equity Language Task Force 
  • Leaders for Tomorrow Redesign Team 
  • Read Across America Committee 
  • Minority Leadership Training Planning Team member 

Other activities 

  • NAACP: Tri-City Branch – Vice President 
  • National Council of Negro Women: Associate Member/ Vauxhall Branch 
  • Union Township 
    • Community Development Board – Chairman 
    • Board of Health 
    • Drug Alliance 
    • Democratic Municipal Committee – 3rd Vice Chair 
    • Democratic Club – Former President 
  • Union Township Community Action Organization – Board 

“When elected, James will be a great NJEA Secretary-Treasurer. James is for all members. He ALWAYS takes my calls when I need him. James will always take your call and will lead NJEA in the right direction!” – Michael Byock, President; Irvington EA. 

“James Frazier is an experienced leader on ALL levels. He is there when you need him and knowledgeable. Love my mentor and union Brother!” – Marquisha Jackson-Reynolds; President, Hudson County EA

Candidate for NJEA Secretary-Treasurer

Tina Dare

“I’m a leader who believes actions speak louder than words. I’ve prioritized equity, advocacy, and political power from the local to the state level. As local president, I fought for marginalized members at the bargaining table. As chair of government relations, I’ve led efforts on key legislation, including ESP Job Justice and Sick Leave expansion. I’m committed to fighting to fix pension tiers and amplifying our political influence. By organizing and empowering members, I will continue strengthening our union and securing a fairer, stronger future for all. Together—we continue the work! Let’s DARE to believe and DARE to achieve!” 

Educational Position – Delsea Regional School District 

  • High School Chemistry Teacher 
  • Past Swimming Coach 
  • Past Key Club Advisor 

Education – Rowan University

  • B.S. in Chemistry 

Delsea Education Association 

  • President 
  • Negotiations Team 
  • Past Vice President 
  • Past Pride Chair 
  • Past Grievance Chair

Gloucester County Education Association 

  • Treasurer 
  • Webmaster 
  • NJEA Delegate Assembly Representative 

New Jersey Education Association

  • Government Relations Committee Chair 
  • Organizational Development Consultant 
  • Government Relations Consultant 
  • PAC Operating Committee 
  • Summer Fellows Lead 
  • Union School Participant

National Education Association

  •  NEA Representative Assembly (NEA RA) Delegate 
  •  NEA RA PAC Captain  

Other activities 

  • NJEA PAC Fundraising Committee  
  • Lobbied Legislators in Trenton and Washington, D.C.  
  • Organized Member-Led Pension Justice Campaign  
  • Undoing Racism Attendee  
  • Initiated Statewide Legislative Action Team 
  • Initiated Statewide Grade-In  
  • South Zone Chapter 78 Steering Committee  
  • South Jersey Anti-Privatization Coalition  
  • Served on Screening Committees for State and Federal Candidates  
  • Presented at NJEA State Conferences 
  • Organized “Women for the Win” to engage women in politics
  • Organized endorsed candidates’ campaigns

“Tina has vision for what could and should be. She has always been in the forefront statewide on issues affecting our contracts, members, and schools”  – Marie Blistan (Past NJEA President)  

“Tina has fearlessly advocated across the state for members, fighting for pro-public education legislation.” – Patty Kebrdle (NJEA Congressional Contact Chair)

“Given my involvement in ESP and MOC community, Tina is always a reliable ally and supporter.” – Cori Burton (Gloucester County ESP of the Year) 

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