Patch Candidate Profile: Debra Franceschini For Ridgefield Board Of Education

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing their towns.

Candidate's Name: Debra Franceschini

What office are you seeking? Board of Education

What town do you live in? Ridgefield

Party Affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Senior Enterprise Account Executive

Family: My Husband Tom, and 2 children Matt and Nina who’ve graduated from the Ridgefield Public School system. My son is now 33 and my daughter is a senior in college.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: I was appointed and reappointed to the Commission on Aging for a 4 year term; appointed and reappointed to the Affordable Housing Committee for a 4 year term; and appointed to the Commission for Accessibility as well for a 4 year term.

Why are you seeking this office? Our students are navigating an increasingly complex world. It’s our responsibility to make sure they have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive, not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and practically.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: Strengthening ties with parents to ensure they have a regular voice at the table is a priority. I will advocate to revive the Outreach subcommittee we once had and support ongoing parental involvement and outreach sessions. Our town is fortunate to have highly educated parents and residents, and creating a stronger partnership with them is crucial to achieving our goals as a community.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I’ve been a Ridgefield resident for nearly 25 years. I’ve been on various town commissions and committees. I’m the current chair of the Affordable Housing Committee and sit on Commission for Accessibility. In addition I’ve held board roles with the High School Executive PTA, Meals on Wheels, Rides for Ridgefield and the Commission on Aging.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? I will advocate for smart, forward-focused leadership to Ridgefield’s Board of Education because today’s students need more than status quo thinking. They need a system that prepares them for their future.

POLICY & OPERATIONS

-Enforce fiduciary responsibility
-Advocate for quarterly Tri-Board meetings
-Demand transparency in all decision-making

SPECIAL EDUCATION & FUNDING

-Address unsustainable special education costs
-Lobby for more state funding
-Explore alternative funding sources
-Work with our legislators

EDUCATION & STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

-Expand trade school & dual credit options
-Increase preparedness for life after high school
-Advocate for equitable education & transitional housing
-Promote AI integration for modern learning

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

-Strengthen ties with Ridgefield parents in the decision making process
-Encourage their participation in BOE meetings

STUDENT WELLNESS

-Advocate for electronic addiction and reduction support
-Tackle student drug use with real policies with community involvement.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have established a trusted and proven track record of strengthening partnerships with town government and successfully achieving key milestones as chair of the Affordable Housing Committee. I have expertise in cultivating town relationships, leveraging local resources, and building strategic partnerships.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? You’ll never know the answer unless you ask.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? As a result of my extensive civic engagement, I bring diverse perspectives and unique points of view to the board that others may not have.