Cranford Board Of Education General Election 2025: Susan Shaw

NEW JERSEY - The general election season is in full swing in the Garden State and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before Nov. 4.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Contact edward.callahan@patch.com with any questions regarding coverage.

Name: Susan Shaw

Age: 52

Town of residence: Cranford

Position sought: Cranford Board of Education Member

Party affiliation: Nonpartisan

Family: My husband, Chuck, and I have three children — Katelyn, Connor, and Matthew.

Education: B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University; M.A. in Special Education

Occupation: Special Education Teacher

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Current member of the Cranford Board of Education (2023-present)

Why are you seeking office?

I moved to Cranford 22 years ago, and from the very beginning, I knew this community was special. As my family grew, so did my commitment to our schools and our community.

Through volunteering in classrooms, leading as OAS PTA President and Parent Teacher Council President, participating on district committees, and advocating as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster kids, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication of our teachers, the needs of our students, and the tireless commitment of community volunteers who make Cranford so special.

Over the past three years, I’ve been actively involved in initiatives such as the $75 million referendum that secured full-day kindergarten and school modernization, and the $9 million Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP), which will deliver eco-friendly upgrades at no cost to taxpayers while saving the district money each year.

My work on the Board has allowed me to champion programs at the high school expanding career pathways, Advanced Placement and college experience opportunities, and social-emotional supports throughout the district, reflecting both my professional experience as a special education teacher and my longstanding dedication to our children.

With a new superintendent beginning to lead the district, I am committed to using the knowledge and insight I’ve gained over decades of service to support this transition, ensuring continuity, stability, and that every decision remains focused on our students, teachers, and families. This is more than a role, it is my life’s work, my passion, and my commitment to this incredible community we share.

The Board is currently in the middle of its 2023-2028 Strategic and Action Plans Initiatives. What do you feel has been a missed opportunity so far, and what do you feel has gone better than anticipated?

As Parent Teacher Council President, I was honored to serve on the 2018–2023 Strategic Planning Committee, an experience that opened my eyes to just how much care, intention, and long-term vision it takes to move a district forward.

It made me even more determined to contribute at a deeper level, which is one of the reasons why I initially chose to run for the Board and help support the 2023–2028 Strategic Plan from the policy side, with the voices of parents, teachers, and students at the center of every decision.

On the Board, I have fought for exactly what I believe every student deserves, a true pathway to success, whether that means special education support, AP and dual-enrollment college credit, or a trade and technical route that leads directly to a career.

I am proud to have supported tax-neutral energy upgrades, the referendum that modernizes our schools, and the rollout of full-day kindergarten, not as abstract projects, but as promises kept to Cranford families about preparing our children for the future.

Every vote I have taken reflects one core belief: public education must serve every single child, no exceptions.

As we welcome a new superintendent and enter the next stage of this plan, I believe our greatest opportunity now is communication with heart and clarity, making sure every community member not only hears what we’re doing, but truly understands the “why” behind it and feels respected and included in the process.

That is the kind of leadership I will continue to bring, rooted in experience, fueled by gratitude, and driven by a deep love for this community that has given my family so much.

What's one opportunity you would like for students to be able to have within Cranford Public Schools that they don't have now?

I believe we must continually examine how we can support our students at every stage of their education, ensuring that each year builds a strong foundation for growth and success. That’s why I am so proud that Cranford is finally bringing full-day kindergarten to life.

A full day gives teachers the time to truly understand each child, to see who may need extra support and who is ready to be challenged further. It allows us to intervene early, before small gaps become bigger barriers, and to make sure every student begins their formal education with a strong, supported foundation.

That is the bedrock of a true multi-tiered system of support and enrichment built in from the start.

That commitment must follow our students through every grade. I want to expand the programs and services that allow more of our special education students to stay right here in Cranford, instead of being placed out of district, because when they are able to stay in their home community, they keep their friendships, their sense of belonging, and their connection to the place they call home.

As students reach high school, I’m incredibly proud that they can choose from 29 AP courses, 28 dual-enrollment opportunities, and growing trade and career pathways, because every path to success matters. Whether a child dreams of college, entrepreneurship, or skilled trades they should feel seen, supported, and prepared right here.

From kindergarten to graduation, my goal is simple: that every student can grow, thrive, and if possible, remain in Cranford every step of the way.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I bring a unique combination of educator insight, parent perspective, and decades of deep community involvement. As a parent with 18 years immersed in our schools, I have seen firsthand the journey of students at every stage: two of my children recently graduated from CHS, and my youngest, an OAS graduate, is now a freshman.

One of my children had an IEP, which gave me firsthand understanding of the importance of individualized support and the challenges families face navigating the system. My years of volunteering, leadership, and advocacy have given me a deep understanding of our students, the district, and the needs of our community.

When I first ran for the Board, I felt confident that I had achieved a level of experience and knowledge of the district to provide meaningful oversight and contribute in ways that truly benefit our students.

What sets me apart now is that I am running independently, guided by my principles, experience, and dedication to our students. Serving on the Board requires knowing who you are, standing firmly in your values, and advocating for what’s right for our children.

Over the past three years, I’ve seen that the most effective Boards are made up of members who bring distinct voices grounded in experience and principle. When independent minds come together, the decisions are stronger, reflecting thoughtful debate, honest discussion, and a shared commitment to every student and family.

My independent perspective allows me to focus on what truly benefits our students and community while maintaining strong relationships with teachers, administrators, and families. I encourage voters to evaluate each candidate individually side by side.

My many years of experience, understanding of our district, dedication, and independent approach allow me to put the needs of our children and schools above all else, and that is what I will continue to do every day on the Board.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I bring a combination of professional, educational, and community experience that has prepared me to serve effectively on the Board. Early in my career, I spent nearly a decade in business, developing skills in strategy, communication, and problem-solving, before transitioning to become a special education teacher: a role that gives me firsthand insight into the unique needs of students.

Over the past twenty years, I have also served as OAS PTA President, Parent Teacher Council President, and a CASA, building strong relationships with administrators, teachers, and volunteers while gaining a deep understanding of our community and its students. Over the last 3 years on the Board, I have worked to implement energy-saving initiatives, support school modernization, expand career pathways at the high school, champion programs that support social-emotional growth, and ensure a multi-tiered approach to meet the needs of every learner.

These experiences have given me the perspective, knowledge, and determination to continue serving our district with care, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our students.

What's a motto you live your life by?

“You can tell what a person truly values by where they spend their time.”

For me, that time has been spent in classrooms, at school events, and alongside families and volunteers who make Cranford such a special place. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by the dedication of our teachers, the creativity and resilience of our students, and the generosity of neighbors who come together to support one another.

Being part of this community has given me a deep appreciation for the people who shape it: the families, educators, and students whose lives are intertwined with our schools. I hope to continue giving back by using what I’ve learned, the relationships I’ve built, and the insight I’ve gained to support our schools, strengthen our connections, and help ensure that the students and teachers feel seen, supported, and valued in the place we all call home.

What does it mean to you to represent Cranford?

Representing Cranford means being part of a community that has shaped my family and my life for over twenty years. This election cycle, meeting so many in the community has reminded me how deeply people care about our schools and our children. Our schools are filled with incredible teachers, staff, and families who give their all every day, and it’s those relationships and shared values that make Cranford so special.

Serving this community has been my life’s work, and it has given me purpose and joy. From volunteering in classrooms to advocating for children with special needs, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and passion that surrounds our students.

Representing Cranford isn’t just a role, it’s a privilege to give back to a community that has given so much, to support every learner, and to continue work that truly matters. The opportunity to help shape the education, growth, and well-being of our children fills my heart, and it would be an honor to continue this meaningful work for the families, students, and teachers I hold so dear.

THESE STATEMENTS ARE MADE IN SUSAN SHAW’S CAPACITY AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN, AND NOT IN HER CAPACITY AS A BOARD MEMBER. THESE STATEMENTS ARE ALSO NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CRANFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION OR ITS INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS, AND SOLELY REPRESENT SUSAN SHAW’S OWN PERSONAL OPINIONS.

Union County Votes 2025: Your Guide To Submitting A Ballot