After 50 years on Oaklyn school board, this will be William Stauts’ last term: ‘I hate to quit’
Oaklyn school board member William Stauts has served on the board for more than 50 years, among the longest-serving in New Jersey. He plans to step down in January. "It's just not fun anymore."

Nudged by his wife to attend an Oaklyn school board meeting, William Stauts not only voiced his concerns about a delayed construction project, but he also decided to throw his hat in the ring as a write-in candidate.
That was 1973. After winning one three-year term and losing his reelection bid, Stauts rejoined the board and went on to serve for more than 50 years, becoming one of the longest-serving school board members in New Jersey.
“I hate to quit,” Stauts, 82, said in an interview. “Once I start something, I tend to stay forever.”
Stauts, a retired insurance broker, said the same issues that concerned parents and taxpayers 50 years ago remain a problem today: school property taxes and inadequate state aid. He believes parents are less involved in their children’s education.
“You don’t get the support from home,” he said.
Married and the father of three, Stauts never intended to seek political office in the working-class South Jersey town of nearly 4,000 residents. His wife, Lee, encouraged him to attend a meeting after residents were up in arms about construction delays at Oaklyn Elementary, the one school in the now pre-K-5 district. Older students attend nearby Collingswood middle and high schools.
“I sat and listened. I thought, ‘I could do better than this,’” recalled Stauts.
Stauts has served eight terms as president of the nine-member board. He has also served for years as the board’s chief contract negotiator with its teachers union. After he lost his first reelection, the board hired him for $1 to keep him as its negotiator until he returned to the board in the next election.
He serves with the board’s youngest member, newcomer Aidan DiMarco, 19, who was sworn in last month. DiMarco, a Rowan University student, has known Stauts for several years.
“He’s a great person. I just think it’s incredible he’s been on the board for 50 years,” said DiMarco.
Stauts said the admiration was mutual, but noting the age differences quipped, “We don’t hang out at the same bars.” (Actually, DiMarco is too young to drink in New Jersey, where the legal drinking age is 21.)
For 16 years, Stauts was selected by the Oaklyn board president to represent the district on the 11-member Collingswood school board, which has a shared services agreement with Oaklyn.
“Fifty years of service to your local community is nothing to laugh about,” said Fred McDowell, who serves as school chiefs for Collingswood and Oaklyn. “It’s to be commended.”
Stauts has shared with the board concerns from Oaklyn parents about the climate in Collingswood schools, which have struggled to address long-standing racial inequities. Several years ago, Collingswood High students staged a weeklong walkout to protest alleged discrimination.
McDowell said board members are passionate about some issues, and Stauts has been no exception. Because of his business background, Stauts had strong opinions about the district’s finances that sometimes clashed with others, he said.
“We honor his commitment,” McDowell said.
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Stauts estimates that he has worked with at least 10 school superintendents and two interim chiefs over the years. He has watched generations of children move through the school system. He has earned a reputation as a stickler for details.
During a visit to Oaklyn Elementary, Stauts gazed nostalgically at photos on the wall. He peppered staff in the media center with questions about books students carried out.
“He has made me a better administrator,” said Jennifer Boulden, who has been principal at Oaklyn Elementary for 15 years. “He keeps me on my toes.”
‘I just wanted to solve all of their problems’
Born in 1942, Stauts grew up in nearby Collingswood and graduated from Collingswood High in 1960. His father insisted that he obtain a college education, so he enrolled in Drexel University as a business management major.
After he married his wife in 1964, the couple moved to Oaklyn and raised their family. She died in 2019.
Stauts believes he won election in his first run because of anti-incumbent sentiment. Residents were frustrated by the construction delays and wanted a change in leadership. Back then, the district was K-9. His only promise to voters was to keep his word.
“I just wanted to solve all of their problems, and then I could leave. I’m still working on that,” he joked.
Stauts said the board elections became easier as residents got to know him. He was a Little League umpire, coach, and manager for 30 years. He was honored at a ceremony last month at the school board meeting and officials announced that the Oaklyn school library would be named for him.
In a surprise to some observers, Stauts has decided not to seek another term in January when his current term expires. He was last elected two years ago.
“Someone else has to have all this fun,” he joked.
Without citing specifics, Stauts said he has become frustrated by conflicts with the administration. He worries that the stress could cause health problems down the road.
“It’s just not fun anymore,” Stauts said. “I’ve always enjoyed this. At this point I don’t feel I should continue beating my head against the wall.”
A grandfather of six, Stauts said he plans to stay close to home with his 12-year-old Labrador, Ruby. A car enthusiast, he may take his 2007 red Mustang convertible out on the road.
“Old age is tough,” he said. “But I think it’s better than the alternative.”