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Franklin School Board Member/Miembro de la junta escolar de Franklin {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The Franklin School Board The Franklin School Board is the policy-making body for the school system, selected by the electors of the school district to represent and act for the state in providing the district with educational programs and facilities. The board consists of seven at-large members who serve staggered terms. Voters elect school board members to a three-year term in non-partisan elections.La junta escolar de FranklinLa junta escolar de Franklin es el cuerpo de formulación de políticas para su sistema escolar, seleccionado por los electores del distrito escolar para representar y actuar por el estado en la provisión de instalaciones y programas educativos al distrito. La junta está formada por siete miembros “at large” (representan al distrito en general, N. del T.) los cuales sirven términos escalonados. Los votantes eligen a los miembros de la junta escolar por un período de tres años en elecciones no partidistas.

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    Kathryn J. Eckhardt
    (Non)

  • Candidate picture

    Denise Groniger
    (Non)

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    Mary Yank
    (Non)

Biographical Information

What do you see as the role of a school board member and what should be the board’s priorities?

Public school funding in many communities depends heavily on property taxes and often requires local referendums to raise enough money. If you were elected, how would you address the challenge of ensuring sufficient funding for public schools?

What do you see as the role of education and mental health professionals in determining curriculum and school policies?

What steps has the district taken or should it take to prevent and/or prepare for potential violence in schools?

Where do you see the role for parents in determining curriculum?

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Campaign Phone 4145524280
Campaign Mailing Address 5731 W. Cascade Dr. Franklin
Campaign Email mary.yank010305@gmail.com
The role of a board member includes representing the views of our community relating to the education of all our students. The board sets educational standards and goals, approves the budget and authorizes curriculum development and revision. We appoint and set the salaries of the Superintendent and district staff. Setting education policy is a crucial role but most important is prioritizing the educational and individual needs of each student to maximize their academic and personal success.
Franklin passed a referendum in 2025 which I supported by going to businesses, senior communities, school events and more. I met with lawmakers to advocate for adequate public school funding. I have approved the budgets crafted by our Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance that resulted in a bond rating that saved many thousands of dollars and a reduced tax levy. I will continue to be a voice for adequate funding for public schools in general and Special Education in particular.
As the parent of a child with mental health challenges I am proud to say Franklin has a robust mental health focus and resources available to students. Since school is where students spend much of their time, it is crucial they feel they belong, that their identity is acknowledged and respected and that bullying of any kind is not tolerated. We work closely with our public health department and just opened a free clinic available to staff that includes access to holistic services and supports.
Our Director of Buildings and Grounds is passionate, knowledgeable and committed to always improving school safety. All schools now have secure entrances. There are active-shooter drills and evacuation plans in place. We work closely with the police department to ensure communication is seamless. Students can access a confidential way to identify concerns about a classmate. The importance of kindness, respect and acceptance starts in elementary school so every student feels that they belong.
As someone who met with school administrators to advocate for more music programming, I know that enrollment drives many aspects of what is offered. Each student has unique needs, interests and strengths as does each parent. It is imperative that we respect, listen to and offer opportunities for classes that meet these needs and interests as much as possible. Parents are routinely surveyed to provide feedback and suggestions and their involvement in our district is essential to its success.
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