By Stefanie Branham and Malik A. Lyons
PublishedNovember 4, 2023 at 11:36 PM
SOMERSET, NJ - As the 2023 Franklin Township Board of Education election approaches, it is important for voters to hear from candidates running for office.
This year residents seven Franklin residents will run for three seats, in the Nov. 7th general election. Each seat holds a three-year term.
All BOE candidates were reached out to by TAPinto Franklin Township with a list of questions, and some responded. All answers will be published, unedited, along with any biographical information provided by candidates in the order in which they were received.
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Stefanie Branham Candidate Bio:
TAPinto Question: Why should Franklin residents vote for you?
Branham Answer: I am a strong advocate for student success for all Warriors including those from underserved and minority communities in the district.
"Every child deserves a champion: someone who won't give up on them. "
My desire to run was inspired by the difficulty I faced in advocating for my daughter. I understand that all children are uniquely different and every child needs someone to support, encourage, and believe in them. I want to be an advocate for all children, despite their unique challenges.
"I want to help close the gap in communication between the Board of Education, parents, and students.”
Whether I’m the team mom alongside my children or serving individuals with hearing loss during the day, I have a vested interest in the district and the decisions that affect the families within it.
TAPinto Question: What will be your highest priority as a BOE member?
Branham Answer: If I were to win the election, my highest priority would be to grow our school district’s efforts in diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for all students! Education is our top priority and, to be a successful district that wins in education, we must have a strong understanding of the diverse communities that receive it. We have to grow our understanding of the full range of diversity we are serving in our district. We must approach education with the thought in mind that there is a culturally, and socio-economically diverse community invested in the learning experience.
Diversity acknowledges that differences exist; however, inclusion creates safe spaces for diversity to exist and thrive! We need to identify in what ways the diverse communities lacking in representation need support.
Moreover, opportunities that represent diverse backgrounds are also extremely vital to the academic success of our students, teachers, parents, and community at large! So, we must leverage our stake as a prominent school district to invite opportunities that will help all Warriors win, based on our understanding of the diverse landscape of our student body.
Fostering Collaborative Partnerships. I aim to strengthen partnerships between the school district, parents, teachers, and the local community. By fostering open communication and collaboration, we can create a unified support system that prioritizes the well-being and educational success of our students. One area of focus will be overturning the policy that was put in place, eliminating the need for parental consent in various situations. I firmly believe that parents should be involved in every decision regarding their children. Building trust between our staff and parents is essential for the well-being and success of our students. This also includes reviewing and ensuring the compliance of the bussing contract, it is essential to guarantee the safety as no child should be at risk due to neglected contracts or compliance. Also providing after-school bussing for all students to attend clubs, activities, and athletic practices, and supporting our local charter schools by reinstating their opportunity to join athletic teams and clubs with provided busing. I firmly believe in the power of school choice and school vouchers, as they empower parents to make choices for their children based on their unique needs, interests, and learning styles.
Branham Answer: This year, I will celebrate 15 years at a hearing aid manufacturer local to the Somerset County area. Beyond the dedication I’ve exemplified in this role, my service to individuals with hearing loss directly aligns with my compassionate and noble character. For more than a decade, I have demonstrated a vested interest in the district and the decisions that affect the families within it.
TAPinto Question: What do you think of Franklin Township Public School taxes?
Branham Answer:
TAPinto Question: What program(s) would you enhance or add to Franklin Township Public Schools?
Branham Answer: I thoroughly understand how the success of a student requires a healthy relationship between, parents, teachers, and administration and is highly affected by our approach toward academic achievement, student success, and safety. These top three issues are areas worth further exploring throughout the next term. As a school board member, my goal is to effectively work with the other school board members to implement strategies that can effectively assist in growing our holistic educational efforts for all Warriors.
I will work to improve the learning experience for students beyond the classroom, closing the gap between students and teachers, and addressing challenges for underserved students so we all can reach high academic achievements. With my background experience as a team mom, I have understood the importance of championing initiatives on the field that support student success. I would like to apply that same approach in this new arena as I grow in this new role as a board member. There is always room for innovation and growth in all aspects of our school including safety which does not directly correlate to additional security staffing and/or security machinery but to the mental health efforts explored within the schools. I believe that, as a school board, we can effectively work towards initiatives that cultivate environments wherein students’ mental health is addressed.
TAPinto Question: What are your thoughts on banning books who some may find objectionable from school? Is there a book you would ban?
Branham Answer:
TAPinto Question: Do you have children who attend Franklin Township Public Schools?
Branham Answer: As a proud mother of three and former student of the Franklin Township Public School system, I have directly observed the challenges my children and others have faced in seeking opportunities for success beyond the classroom. My oldest son, Zaire, is a proud graduate of Franklin High School and gave me her first opportunity to become known as the team mom when he participated in baseball, football, and basketball. My youngest son is a rising 5th grader at Claremont Elementary School with a history of success in athletics with Pop Warner football, tennis, basketball, and soccer. My daughter is a high achieving rising 7th grader at Sampson G. Smith., who has been named MVP of the basketball team and been nominated for the National Junior Honor Society.
TAPinto Question: What do you think is the best thing about Franklin Township Public Schools?
Branham Answer: Franklin Township Public Schools is a district of innovation, pride, and community! Whether you're in the grocery store or walking around Colonial Park, blue and gold flow throughout the community. This pride directly affects every student's desire to succeed. It encourages a community of winners and that mentality promotes excellence. It incentivizes students to engage in extracurricular activities, which hold students accountable for their academic standing. It naturally invites inclusivity among students within this culturally, and socio-economically diverse community. For years, we have done an outstanding job at having our community reflect the melting pot of America at large. However, I understand that all children are uniquely different and every child needs someone to support, encourage, and believe in them. I want to be an advocate for all children, despite their unique challenges.
TAPinto Question: What’s something great about Franklin Township Public Schools that you want people in other communities to know?
Branham Answer:
TAPinto Question: What is the one thing you would like the public to know that was not in the list of Candidate Questions?
Branham Answer: Franklin Township Public Schools is a district of innovation, pride, and community! Whether you're in the grocery store or walking around Colonial Park, blue and gold flow throughout the community. This pride directly affects every student's desire to succeed. It encourages a community of winners and that mentality promotes excellence. It incentivizes students to engage in extracurricular activities, which hold students accountable for their academic standing. It naturally invites inclusivity among students within this culturally, and socio-economically diverse community. For years, we have done an outstanding job at having our community reflect the melting pot of America at large. However, I understand that all children are uniquely different and every child needs someone to support, encourage, and believe in them. I want to be an advocate for all children, despite their unique challenges
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