Election 2024: Washington Twp. School Board Candidate Melanie Bratton

LONG VALLEY, NJ — In the 2024 general election, Washington Township residents will be voting for local school board seats and Town Council members, as well as some Morris County offices. They'll also see candidates for the presidential race, and for their representatives in Congress.

Patch has asked local candidates in contested races to answer some questions about their campaigns, which we've included below.

As a quick note, early voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 26, and the general election is on Tuesday, Nov 5.

Here is the candidate profile of Melanie Bratton, candidate for the Washington Township Schools Board of Education.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out the same questions to all candidates, using the email addresses listed for their campaign on the county clerk’s office. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 5 general election; any questions that the candidate did not answer will be left out. Local candidates who would like to participate but did not receive an email (for whatever reason) can contact Michelle.Rotuno-Johnson@patch.com.

Name: Melanie Bratton

Town of residence: Califon, Washington Township

Occupation: Currently, I am a full-time mother and teach classes part-time through the CARES Program. Before becoming a mother, I worked as a professional head coach (dance & gymnastics). I also have experience in accounting, management, and running my own business.

Candidate website or social media page: www.brattonforboe.com

What inspired you to seek public office?

I am a very involved volunteer, and I have developed a deep understanding of our schools over the last 7 years. I believe the things we do well as a district should be highlighted. I also want to help overcome the challenges we face through partnership and communication. I am very passionate about our district, and I want to be sure that the people who sit on our school board are there to support all students, teachers, and families in our district.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have made a conscious effort to not focus on other candidates. I am focused on what I can bring to the board and learning what people in our community have to say about our schools. Based on that information alone, I think my determination, willingness to find common ground, my understanding of our district's strengths and weaknesses, and my connection to Washington Township's unique community would all make me a valuable asset to the board.

In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing the Washington Township School District, and how would you address it?

I think there are two issues that are equally important. The first is partnership. We need to improve the communication and working relationship between teachers, parents, and administrators. We can't answer the call to improve things like test scores if we don't first strengthen the partnership between all of the adults involved with the process of educating our children. We must ensure that all lines of communication are open and parents are working alongside teachers to best serve our students. This starts with accountability from all parties. Parents, teachers, and administrators all must search for ways they can do better, or share what is working well with those who might struggle in this area. We are a team and a respectful dialogue should be ongoing through a student's entire time in our district. I have found that some teachers, parents, and administrators embrace this idea better than others. One thing I would love to see implemented would be a yearly Washington Township School District Conference where teachers and parents can share their concerns and best practices with one another.

The other major concern for me personally is our new K–5 math program. It is imperative that there is strong oversight and teacher support this year as our schools navigate this new program. Ensuring all teachers are being heard and supported and parents are provided resources to help at home is of vital importance if our students are going to find success in this area. The board's role here would be to make this priority number one when meeting with the Superintendent. Whether I am elected or not, I hope to see the board pay close attention and monitor the progress and concerns of any teacher or parents when it comes to this new math program.

Name one thing about Washington Township/Long Valley that always makes you smile.

The people. I know the last few years have been difficult for many. I have heard the complaints that this is no longer a town filled with kind people. I wholeheartedly disagree. I have lived all over our country, and I stand by the fact that Washington Township is the type of place people dream of moving to. It isn't just the open space or hiking trails; it is the people that make this town an amazing place to live. I know this election season will likely bring out the worst in people. For anyone who is reading this now, please remember we are all one community of people, and we are blessed to live in such a beautiful place with an incredibly supportive community.

Finally, do you want to tell voters anything else about you or your goals for this position?

My top goal is to help create a cohesive experience for everyone in our district. Regardless of which school a child, teacher, or family is a part of, everyone should have the same exceptional experience. My family has been blessed to have had a wonderful experience at Old Farmers Road School. Even with challenges, we have always been supported by the people who work in the school, and my children's needs have always come first. No school will ever be perfect, but having access to a team of people who are determined to do right by my children has helped us overcome the challenges we have been faced with so far. I want every family that goes through our district to be able to say they felt supported by our schools. I am committed to representing all of the residents of Washington Township. If you have any thoughts on our district, please reach out to me at bratton4boe@gmail.com.

More info on election deadlines and early voting

For new voters, New Jersey’s deadline to register for the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 15. This is also the deadline for people who need to update their registration to change their name or their address on their voter record.

In-person early voting for the general election will be Oct. 26 through Nov. 3. Hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.

Here's where to vote early in Morris County.

If you are already registered to vote and want to check your registration status or see where your polling place is, you may do so online.

Any New Jersey voter may apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by completing the application by Oct. 29, and returning it to their county clerk's office.

Then, they may return their ballot by mail, in a secure ballot drop box, or at the county Board of Elections office.

New Jersey voters will also select a U.S. Senator to replace Democrat Bob Menendez, who resigned from office after being convicted in a high-profile bribery trial. All of the state's seats in the House of Representatives are also on the ballot, and you can look up which district you live in here.

Related articles:

• See Early Voting, Candidate Info For Election Day 2024 In Long Valley
• Contested School Board Races Kick Off In Long Valley