Franklin Lakes BOE Candidate: Michael Ben-David

Michael Ben-David, 41, is a candidate for Franklin Lakes Board of Education.

The Fort Lee-native has lived in Franklin Lakes for 5 years. He received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers, his juris doctorate from Seton Hall Law School, and his master's of education from the College of St. Elizabeth.

He currently is the principal of Anthony Wayne Middle School in Wayne.

Ben-David is married to Amy, a medical education account manager. Their two children currently attend High Mountain Road School — Aden is 9 and Leah is 8.

Why do you believe you are a good fit for the Franklin Lakes Board of Education?

Educational and legal experiences which provide a unique and valuable understanding of educational policy, supervision and financing, and their respective impact on student growth and achievement.

If you could commend the current board on one thing they've recently done, what would it be?

As a member of the interview committee for the High Mountain Road School principal’s position, I was very pleased by the process put in place by the Superintendent and Board of Education.

Has the Franklin Lakes BOE done anything recently of which you feel it is appropriate to be critical?

The Board’s excessive use of substitutes to facilitate weekly professional development, coupled with a school calendar containing 13 half-days, is already having a negative impact on students/families in Franklin Lakes.

Should you be elected, what is on the top of your list of goals for the board of education?

To ensure that educational policy and leadership is maximizing student growth/achievement in the most fiscally responsible manner.

Why should Franklin Lakes residents should vote for you on Nov. 6?

Boards of Education matter! School districts account for a significant portion of our taxes, raise or lower our home values and, most importantly, educate our children. Today, the educational and fiscal landscapes are changing so rapidly that now, more than ever before, boards need members with significant educational and/or fiscal experience.  I am confident that my experiences as a school administrator and attorney will be an asset to the students, families and taxpayers of Franklin Lakes.

Look for more candidate profiles throughout the final weeks leading up to the Nov. 6 vote.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Joseph M. Gerace at Joseph.Gerace@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox every morning, sign up for our daily newsletter.