Dr. Dennis Hopkins Jr., is seeking re-election to the Franklin Township Board of EducationPhoto Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Dennis Hopkins Jr.
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By Malik A. Lyons
Published October 31, 2024 at 11:31 PM
Last updated October 31, 2024 at 11:40 PM
SOMERSET, NJ—To help voters learn more about their candidates, TAPinto Franklin Township contacted all candidates running for local office in hopes of featuring them in our elections section.
One featured candidate, Dr. Dennis Hopkins Jr., is seeking re-election to the Franklin Township Board of Education. Hopkins, a 22-year resident of Franklin and an active volunteer with the Franklin Soccer Club, is running for his second term after already serving a full three-year term.
With a daughter who graduated from Franklin High School, Hopkins has a personal connection to the district and remains deeply invested in its success. Hopkins
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"My motivation for seeking re-election is the same as when I first ran," Hopkins shared with TAPinto. "It’s all about putting the needs of our students first by ensuring that teachers and administrators have the tools they need for a successful outcome."
During his first term, Hopkins championed initiatives to support students and expand programs that benefit the broader community. If re-elected, he remains committed to these efforts, focusing on educational excellence and fostering a positive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
In this Q&A, Hopkins provides his unedited responses to five out of 10 community-related questions asked of each candidate to offer voters insight into his positions.
2. How do you plan to address the achievement gap among students of different backgrounds?
The achievement gap is one of my top priorities. The first thing I will always encourage parents to take advantage of the abundance of resources that the district has to offer which help close the gap. Also, I will keep an eye on the information that comes out of the Curriculum Committee in regards to testing in the district. With this information seeing where the gap exists, then challenge tha administration to have measures to close the gap. Vote on resources needed to close the gaps.
4. How do you view the role of parents in decision-making within the school system?
Parents should play a key role in the decision-making which impacts safety, mental wellness, curriculum and athletics, just mention a few. Parents are an integral part in the success of their students and the school system as a whole. They should participate in surveys generated by the District as well as volunteer and engage with organizations such as PTO and Booster Club. Active and well informed parents can only make a positive impact on the District as a whole.
5. What are your plans for improving school safety?
Safety is the cornerstone of education wellness. I will continue to evaluate the monthly District Safety Reports to make certain any uptics are addressed expeditiously. Voting to ensure that resources are available to address safety concerns as they arise.
9. What is your stance on integrating technology into classrooms?
Technology is an important tool in any school district; used properly it is an essential and powerful instrument to assist our students in competing and accomplishing goals. I feel it is crucial for the success of our students and the community.
10. How do you plan to engage with the community and improve communication between the school board and residents?
The public Board Meeting is not only for parents of the District but also for the public as well. The entire community is welcome to those meetings and should have interest regarding the school district. Anyone can engage or express interest or concerns during open comments of the public meeting. I will encourage all to stay engaged via the school district website or School Board Public Meeting.
Read below for a full list of questions asked of each candidate:
1. What are your top priorities for improving education in Franklin Township?2. How do you plan to address the achievement gap among students of different backgrounds?3. What steps would you take to ensure mental health support for students?4. How do you view the role of parents in decision-making within the school system?5. What are your plans for improving school safety?6. How would you manage the school district’s budget effectively?7. What measures will you support to retain and attract quality teachers?8. How would you ensure that the curriculum reflects the diversity of the community?9. What is your stance on integrating technology into classrooms?10. How do you plan to engage with the community and improve communication between the school board and residents?