My Priorities
The Students and Parents
Kyrene needs leadership that will advocate for students. While tough decisions cannot be avoided, I will always ask, “how will this decision affect children in the classroom?”
Teachers and Staff
As a Kyrene school Board member, I will always treat teachers and staff with the respect they deserve and the professionalism they have earned.
The community
Kyrene has the responsibility to educate all children within its boundaries. Board members in turn have a responsibility to taxpayers to ensure the district uses funds in a proper manner. When differences of opinion arise, I will strive to find common ground whenever possible.
About Franklin
Franklin, a proud product of Kyrene Schools (Kyrene del Norte, C.I. Waggoner, and Kyrene Middle School), grew up in south Tempe. He graduated as valedictorian of his class at Marcos de Niza High School. Franklin pursued his undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies at the American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., and later earned a Master of Public Policy degree from AU.
Franklin’s professional experience includes working on local, state, and national campaigns at a nonprofit advocacy organization. He also served as a junior policy staffer in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, he recently graduated from the Tempe Leadership Program’s Class 40. Currently, Franklin works as an analyst at Salt River Project.
During his time at Kyrene schools, Franklin actively participated in student council and was later appointed to the district’s Student Superintendent Council. In high school, he represented his peers on Tempe’s Mayor’s Youth Advisory Commission. Franklin’s family has a strong educational background. His grandmother, who retired from the Flagstaff Unified School District after teaching at the elementary level for over 35 years, began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in western Nebraska and later worked for Head Start in northern Arizona. Franklin’s grandfather, who served as the President of Northern Arizona University (NAU) from 1979 to 1993, started his career as a math professor and school bus driver.
In his free time, Franklin engages in various activities. He sings in his church’s choir, plays in a recreational basketball league, and actively participates in volunteer work with the Kiwanis Club of Tempe. Additionally, he is an avid fan of various sports, including the NFL, college football, college basketball, and baseball. Franklin also maintains the tradition of reading an old-fashioned print newspaper during his breakfast each morning.
Franklin recognizes the significance of providing every child with the necessary tools and environment to excel in the classroom. If elected to the Kyrene School District Governing Board, he will be committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn and reach their full potential.
