Four candidates, including two incumbents, will vie for the three board seats on the Medford Board of Education in the election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The candidates are incumbents Peyton Ebbeson and Kenyette Jones and Dawn Cappello and Alexa Folsom.
Name: Dawn Cappello
Age: 45
How many years have you lived in Medford? About 15 years
Family: Married with four boys – all the boys went to or are going through Medford Public Schools.
School and degree: UPenn – masters in mental health.
Profession: School counselor and LPC at Emrace Counseling
Is this the first time you have run for a board seat? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? I work in the community as both a therapist and a school counselor. I am looking to give back to Medford.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I want to give back to those who gave so much to my children. Keeping strong services for students who need support in their educational endeavors. Working with teachers to create and maintain curriculum and staffing to meet the needs of the students.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? Maintaining the high educational standards that Medford is known for statewide.
Name: Peyton Ebbeson
Age: 39
How long have you lived in Medford? 35 years
Family: Married with two daughters, 8 and 5. My oldest is in 3rd grade and my other daughter is in kindergarten at Chairville Elementary School.
School and degree: B.S. Television, Radio and Film from Syracuse University
Profession: Public High School Teacher (specializing in Film, Broadcasting and Digital Media)
Is this the first time you have run for a board seat? I am currently on the Board of Education. I was selected in July 2023 to fill a vacant seat and was elected last fall to serve the final year of the unexpired term. I am excited to potentially serve on the board for my first full term if elected this year.
What is your involvement in the community? In addition to teaching at a local high school, I have children involved in local sports and Girl Scouts. I am currently a volunteer head coach for my oldest daughter’s MYAA soccer team.
Why are you running for an elected seat? 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 sense of belonging. 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.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? As educators, my wife and I know how essential it is for teachers to have the support and resources they need. Our district’s success depends on this. I will work to ensure teachers have the tools to meet students’ diverse needs and help implement our strategic plan, focusing on facilities, inclusivity, and a whole-child approach. I will also continue advocating for fair state funding so that we can maintain our district’s high standards. Every Medford student deserves the chance to thrive, and supporting educators is key to achieving that.
Name: Alexa Folsom
Age: 36
How many years have you lived in Medford? 3.5 years
Family: Married, two kids ages 7 and 4
School and degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Monmouth University
Profession: I am a stay-at-home mom. Previously worked as a recruiter in the healthcare space.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for BOE? Second
What is your involvement in the community? I am an active member of my HOA board and a frequent volunteer at my children’s schools.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for this seat because my family and children are at the center of everything I do. As a dedicated member of the Medford community, I understand the importance of engaging with parents and supporting families to create a positive environment for our children. I am committed to preserving the strong tradition of excellence in Medford. At the same time, I will work to improve transparency and communication, ensuring that families are always informed and involved in the decisions that impact their children’s future.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If elected, one area I want to concentrate on is addressing the growing mental health crisis affecting our children and ensuring the safety of our schools. I will advocate for comprehensive measures that make our schools safer by focusing on key areas such as increasing access to mental health professionals, reducing bullying, enhancing security protocols, promoting parental involvement, and ensuring that staff receive the necessary training to support students effectively. By addressing these critical areas, we can create a safer and more supportive learning environment for all students.
Name: Kenyette Jones
Age: 52
How many years have you lived in Medford Township? Six years
Family: Three children (5, 10, 12 years old)
School and degree: Yale University, Chemical Engineering, BA, UC Law SF, JD
Profession: Attorney
Is this the first time you have run for a board seat? No. Have served one-year partial term.
What is your involvement in the community? I currently serve on the school board.
Why are you running for an elected seat? It is a great way to serve my community while doing something I value and enjoy.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? As a school board member, I do not believe there can be a single primary focus. I believe it is essential to address multiple areas simultaneously, as they are all interconnected and equally important for the success of our students and community. On a personal level, I can say one matter closest to my heart is finding ways to support the mental health and wellness of the students. I would like to hear more from our community and its thoughts on school-based mental and behavioral health services in the schools.
