Board of Education

Full Name

Debra Franceschini 

Position Running For

Board of Education 

Professional & Community Background

Debra Franceschini, also known as Debra Franceschini-Gatje, is a lifelong volunteer and civic leader in Ridgefield, Connecticut. A proud mother of two Ridgefield Public School graduates, she has served on the Ridgefield High School executive PTA and led impactful initiatives with Meals on Wheels, doubling its annual meal deliveries from 10,000 to 20,000.

Her volunteer work spans school outreach, youth engagement, and community support—especially during COVID-19, when she shopped for at-risk residents, distributed tests, and created a Facebook hub for local community service opportunities.

As an active member of the Ridgefield Rotary Club, Debra champions “Service Above Self” through events like Taste of Ridgefield, RRRESTAFFLE, and Citizen of the Year, while helping award a $10,000 scholarship to a Ridgefield High School senior each year.

She currently chairs the Ridgefield Affordable Housing Committee, serves on the Commission for Accessibility, and has been involved with the Salvation Army Town Committee, Rides for Ridgefield, and the League of Women Voters.

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Though retired early for medical reasons, Debra continues to devote her energy to building a stronger, more inclusive Ridgefield.​

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Priorities If Elected

Modernizing Learning: Championing the thoughtful integration of AI in classrooms to enhance instruction and improve outcomes. Expanding access to dual-credits in high school classes and trade school pathways to offer students diverse post-graduation options.

Strengthening Life Skills & Equity: Ensuring graduates are well-equipped with life skills, from financial literacy to emotional intelligence. Promoting equity in education so that every student, regardless of background, has access to resources and opportunities.

Fiscal Responsibility: Advocating for transparent fiscal management and regular Tri-Board meetings to align goals and spending. Debra is committed to addressing unsustainable special education costs, pursuing more state and federal funding, and exploring alternative revenue streams.

State mandates continue to place unnecessary burdens on educators, students, and taxpayers, often in a fiscally irresponsible manner. She is committed to advocating at the state level to address and reduce the negative impacts of these mandates.

Student Health & Wellness: Confronting the very real issues of tech addiction, vaping, and substance use by proposing regular mental health workshops, peer support programs, and access to resources, not just during “wellness week,” but year-round. “Students don’t just need rules against bad behavior, they need support systems and strategies to stay well,” Debra noted.

Fairness in School Sports: Calling for equity and integrity in athletic programs, ensuring student athletes have a fair opportunity to participate based on effort, attitude, and skill, not favoritism or bias.

Work to Enhance Science Curriculum: Integrate climate science that speaks directly to our community’s values and concerns. This approach will empower our students to become active, informed citizens who are ready to responsibly tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing their generation.

Increasing Community Engagement: Reinvigorating the partnership between the Board and Ridgefield residents by encouraging greater public involvement and transparency in decision-making and strengthening the connection between schools and the wider community.

Debra’s vision is clear: a Ridgefield education system that’s forward thinking, inclusive, and defined by fiscal responsibility and community trust.

To learn more about Debra Franceschini’s campaign or how to get involved, please contact Debra’s campaign team below.

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Personal Background

Debra’s work has been recognized through community honors, and she is acknowledged as someone local residents turn to when in need of support or advice.

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Contact:
Debra Franceschini 

Candidate, Ridgefield Board of Education

Email Address: franceschiniforboe@gmail.com

Facebook Page: Facebook

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