Voter apathy and a lack of candidates weaken many elected offices everywhere.
But, in Medford, voters are fortunate to have four candidates running in next Tuesday's election for three seats on the school board.
In partnership with the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University and NJ Spotlight News, 70and73.com surveyed Medford's four candidates about the issues and their backgrounds.
Three candidates responded to our request for information, which included a follow-up request when the first request went unanswered. We edited for grammar or errors in their submissions, but what you read below is what they submitted in their own words. One candidate did not fill out the questionnaire, but provided a brief comment through email.
Your job? Make your choices and show up at your polling place next Tuesday.
REVIEW MEDFORD'S FULL SAMPLE BALLOT HERE.
Select three candidates.
Dawn Cappello
Bainbridge Court
Candidate did not respond to the survey.
In an email to 70and73.com, Dawn Cappello wrote: I have been a Medford resident for about 15 years. I currently work in a local school and as a private mental health counselor in Medford. I have four children that are all products of Medford schools. I believe in providing the best service to children possible. I also believe in supporting staff in their endeavors to provide an excellent education. This is in no way a political move for me but rather a way to volunteer and give back to Medford.
Peyton Ebbeson
Gristmill Court
Building Excellent Education
Age: 39
Bracketing with other candidates? I am bracketed with Kenyette Jones. We were both selected by the board of education to fill two open seats, and because we were chosen together, we decided to run for the remaining one-year term last year. Now, we are running together again for a full term. Kenyette and I both have children in the district and share the same priorities in our commitment to serving the board and ensuring our schools continue to thrive.
Occupation: Public high school teacher, specializing in film, broadcasting and digital media
Peyton Ebbeson
Personal background
I am a lifelong resident of Medford, where I went through the district and graduated from Shawnee High School. I hold a degree in television, radio and film from Syracuse University and have dedicated nearly 17 years to teaching film, broadcasting and digital media at a local high school. Coming from a family deeply rooted in public education, with several family members working as teachers and educators, my commitment to community involvement includes coaching youth sports and participating in local programs. My wife and I met in college, and she followed me back home to Medford, where she works locally as a public-school educator. We are proud parents of two daughters: Emma, age 8, who is a third grader, and Isla, age 5, who is just starting her journey in kindergarten. I have always been passionate about our schools, and with my children now entering the district, I felt it was the right time to step up and make a difference.
Public service background
I have a strong commitment to public service in the community. Currently, I serve on the Medford Board of Education, where I collaborate with fellow board members to address the needs of our district. As a high school teacher, I also advise various clubs and activities and have served as a class advisor, fostering student engagement and leadership. In addition, I’m involved in several local organizations and am currently coaching my daughter's third-grade soccer team.
Reason for running
As a lifelong Medford resident and proud graduate, I have a deep connection to our schools and community. My wife and I chose Medford for its exceptional education and welcoming community and natural beauty. Now, with two daughters in the district, I’m committed to ensuring all students receive the same high-quality education I experienced. Serving on the board of education has been a privilege, and I'm running for an elected seat to continue my work. As a public-school teacher, I bring a valuable perspective and am dedicated to helping our schools thrive.
Candidate's biggest issue
The biggest issue in this school board race is the S2 state funding bill, which aimed to change the way state education funding is distributed, leading to significant cuts for many districts, including ours. Over the past seven years, our district has faced cuts that have impacted programs, staffing, and the support needed for our students. It’s crucial that we advocate for equitable funding to ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve.
Campaign slogan and meaning
Building Excellent Education We chose this to emphasize that, as newly elected board members, Kenyette Jones and I are committed to working together with the community to maintain and enhance the high-quality education in Medford. We’re just getting started and are excited to continue this work, building on the progress we've made and focusing on what's best for our students and schools.
Approach to budget cuts and spending
To cope with any cuts in state aid to our local school district, I will prioritize advocating for equitable funding and actively engaging the community in supporting our schools, similar to the collaborative efforts seen during the recent strategic planning meetings, which successfully laid the groundwork for a strong strategic plan. My spending priorities will focus on not only maintaining current programs and staffing levels but also restoring previously cut programs and supporting student services to ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education. By working collaboratively with the community and exploring innovative solutions, we can navigate these challenges and continue to meet the needs of our students.
Additional information about candidate
I want voters to understand the vital role public education plays in our community and in my life. It has shaped who I am, influencing my passion for teaching and commitment to our schools. I believe that a strong public education system is the foundation for a thriving community, and I am dedicated to advocating for its continued success and growth.
Alexa Folsom
Westmont Drive
Children First
Age: 36
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
Alexa Folsom
Personal background
I attended Monmouth University and received my degree in business management. Upon completing my degree, I worked as a corporate recruiter in the healthcare and finance sectors.
Public service background
I am heavily involved as a volunteer within the Medford school system, both within my child's school as well as the HSA. I also serve as a founding member of our neighborhood Homeowners Association.
Reason for running
My family and children are at the center of everything I do. I am a dedicated community member, and I understand the importance of engaging with parents and families. I'd like to ensure that every child in Medford receives the quality education they deserve. Medford has a long history of providing top-notch education and I would like to continue to preserve that tradition while providing transparency to families.
Candidate's biggest issue
With the growing mental health crisis affecting our children, the safety of our schools has never been more critical. I believe that creating a secure environment for students means addressing not only their physical safety, but also their emotional and psychological well-being. To this end, I will support and advocate for comprehensive measures that make our schools safer environments. These measures include the following key areas: mental health professionals, reduction in bullying, enhanced security protocols, parental involvement and staff training.
Campaign slogan and meaning
Children First This reflects the commitment to prioritize our students in every decision we make. This means ensuring their academic success by providing high-quality education, supporting teachers, and offering resources that meet diverse learning needs. It also means focusing on school safety, creating secure environments where students can learn without fear, and where their well-being is protected. Finally, "Children First" is about transparency — making sure that parents and the community have a clear voice in the process, know how decisions are made, and trust that everything we do is in the best interest of the children.
Approach to budget cuts and spending
As a candidate for the Board of Education, I understand the devastating effects that budget cuts in school aid can have on our children's education. When funding is slashed, it is not just about the numbers on page — it directly affects the resources available to our students and their teachers. As your representative on the Board of Education, I will fight to protect the funding that supports the academic success, safety, and the future of our students. We must work with the state and local governments to advocate for full funding and ensure that our schools remain equipped to meet the needs of all students.
Kenyette Jones
Bennington Drive
Age: 52
Bracketing with other candidates? Peyton Ebbeson and Kenyette Jones are the only current board members running for reelection. They were both voted in to fill vacancies on the board in the summer of 2023 and ran together in the November 2023 election.
Occupation: Attorney
Kenyette Jones
Personal background
I earned my undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Yale University and law degree from UC Law San Francisco (formerly Hastings College of the Law). I began my career in San Francisco as a public defender and then opened my own law practice which I ran for 20 years. In 2018, I moved to Medford and currently am employed as an environmental and toxic tort litigator at a firm in New Jersey. I am married with three children in Medford schools (kindergarten, fourth and sixth grades).
Public service background
I worked for the public defender's office for three years following law school. While in private practice, I continued to accept court appointments on indigent cases in San Francisco until 2018. I have been a member of the school board since 2023, when the Medford Township School Board voted to have me fill a vacancy.
Reason for running
I have previously volunteered with various nonprofit organizations. Before moving to New Jersey, I served six years on the board for of a performing-arts nonprofit organization. Having school-aged children, my primary focus is on helping to ensure that our community can provide quality public education for all children. I have spent just over a year on the board and am just getting started. I am running for a full-term seat so that I can continue with my work.
Candidate's biggest issue
I do not see a particular issue in this school board race. Important issues for the upcoming term include school funding, mental health resources, facility expansion, coping with increasing enrollment numbers, and providing professional development and support for our teachers.
Campaign slogan and meaning
Building Excellent Education
Approach to budget cuts and spending
It has become increasingly difficult to cope with the cuts in state aid. Our district worked very hard this past year to balance a $5M budget deficit. Spending priorities include staffing, curriculum and student services.
