Cranford School Board Election 2022: Christine Bradley

CRANFORD, NJ — Eight candidates are running for four open seats on Cranford's Board of Education this November.

There are three open seats on Cranford's board for three-year terms and one open seat for a two-year unexpired term. This seat is vacant due to the recent resignation of Maria Loikith from the board.

Incumbents Brett Dreyer and Patrick Lynch are running again to maintain their current seats on the board. Nicole Sherrin Kessler, whose term is also up this year, did not file to run again.

Candidates Brian Lopez, Susan Shaw, Thomas Grasso, Francis N. Riccio III, Christine Bradley and Jessica Soltys are also running for seats this year.

Brian McCarthy, who previously filed to run, withdrew from the race.

Patch asked all the candidates a series of questions ahead of the November election. (All of the candidates were given the same questions).

Here are candidate Christine Bradley's answers below:

Christine Bradley

What office are you seeking?

2 year Unexpired Term

Educational Background

I am a graduate of Westfield High School, class of 1986. I attended Vanderbilt University and Glassboro State College, now Rowan University.

Occupation

Account Manager, Software Sales

Do you have a family? Tell us about them.

My husband Mark and I have been married for 18 years and have a daughter, Ella, who is a
senior at Cranford High School. Having grown up in the area, Mark and I moved to Cranford
after Ella was born. We wanted to give her the opportunities our childhood afforded us – a
quality education, good values coming from living in a town with a strong sense of community,
and a day-to-day life involving extended family.

Why did you decide to run for the Board of Ed this year?

I decided to run for BOE to give back to Cranford. Many friends & acquaintances suggested I run and that I would make a difference. I thought my experience and skills as a mother, resident, and business professional were assets that can help drive the district forward as we face today’s various challenges. The make-up of our BOE hasn’t changed much in the past few years. I believe that being a new member with a fresh perspective will add value.

Have you previously run for the Board of Ed or served on the board before?

I’ve never run for BOE or have served on the board before.

What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected to serve on the Cranford Board of Education?

These past few years, I’ve seen CPS’ state ranking slip toward the wrong end of the top 100 school districts in NJ. I believe a fresh voice is required to turn that trend around, especially in context of the continued development planned for the area.

What do you think is the most pressing issue for the Cranford School District?

The ongoing development in Cranford is certain to bring an influx of students to our district. I want to do everything I can to ensure that no child’s education is compromised because we didn’t plan accordingly. All children deserve the best advantage possible.

What will you do to ensure that students feel safe at school?

The safety of our children is paramount. Cranford has excellent programs & resources that I will continue to improve and adapt as needed if elected. Our Township departments and agencies work together successfully to keep our children safe. They do an amazing job.

What is your stance on the new sex education curriculum that has been introduced by the state?

We need parent feedback to help determine how to implement this new curriculum properly. I believe Cranford parents have a very clear understanding of what topics and levels of detail are age-appropriate for their individual children. I don’t believe in the politicizing of our children to further any party or organization's agenda. Further conversations with parents are essential.

What is something new that you will bring to the Board in the coming year?

Given that our daughter graduates CHS this year, I have no agenda going forward other than my passion and love for Cranford. I believe good schools are the foundation for any thriving community and Cranford is proof of that. I’m confident that my set of skills will be an asset to the BOE in these ever-changing, trying times. I believe a fresh voice and new ideas are required to ensure our district continues to achieve excellence and be successful for our children, our teachers, and our community.

Anything else voters should know about you?

Anyone that knows me knows that I am honest and hard working. I’m not afraid to say I don’t know something and then go track down the answer. I’m quick to learn and excellent at getting the job done, done well, and on time.

If elected, I’ll represent all children in the district – the ones with IEP’s, the ones in accelerated
programs, the average students, and all the others in between. Each child needs an advocate
and the right set of resources to help them achieve their potential. I’ll do my best to ensure that
our BOE is that advocate and provides those resources for all of them.