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Francisco Santiago Jr.

Francisco Santiago Jr. is running for the Vineland School Board. A 23+ year educator and administrator with deep experience in Special Education and Multilingual Learner (ML) programs, he currently serves as Supervisor of Special Education and Multilingual Learners (K–12). His platform centers on improving educational quality across ability and language groups, building community partnerships for career readiness, modernizing curriculum, and increasing transparency with families and staff.

Santiago highlights hands-on leadership: launching Community-Based Instruction (CBI) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs, creating school–business partnerships, and founding Project PIEDRA to support displaced Puerto Rican families after Hurricane Maria. He frames his outlook as student-first, equity-driven, and solutions-focused.

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Rating Explanation

Francisco Santiago Jr.

Relative to the Cumberland County status quo, Santiago’s initial submission is above average. He provided structured content covering background, agenda pillars, specific issue approaches, and an ideological orientation tailored to a nonpartisan school race.

The submission is a good starting point towards substantive information on Special Education and Multilingual Learners, and seeds concrete approaches to partnerships and readiness (CBI/WBL). We plan to unpack those ideas in an upcoming interview. With these steps and a few more like scheduled meet n greets, social media updates, and a campaign site, Francisco is on pace to present a fully transparent campaign.

Click the red x at the top of this box and then scroll down for more in-depth information and sources.



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Francisco Santiago Jr.

Running for:
Vineland School Board
Incumbent
Challenger
Candidate photo of Francisco Santiago Jr.

Websites

This election is on November 4th, 2025


Videos

Long-form Interviews

Coming soon.



Transparency/Accessibility Rating: Average to Above Average (trending upwards)



Events
  • Campaign Events
  • No formal campaign events submitted at this time.
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Agenda

  • Quality of Education

    Every student—regardless of ability, language, or background—should have access to quality learning. Santiago plans to review special education services, identify alternative career pathways, strengthen multilingual learner supports, and ensure all programs are accessible.


  • Community Partnerships & Career Readiness

    Building on experience launching Community-Based Instruction (CBI) and Work-Based Learning (WBL), he aims to expand partnerships with Vineland businesses, vocational programs, and community organizations to prepare students for real-world success.


  • Curriculum Innovation & Student Achievement

    Support evidence-based curricula, expand digital tools, and promote differentiated instruction so Vineland students remain competitive and diverse needs are met.


  • Transparency & Collaboration

    Advocate for open communication, regular forums, and strong parent–teacher partnerships so families, teachers, and the community feel heard and informed.

Issues

  • Special Education & Student Services

    Issue: Special education needs are rising while resources remain limited.
    Approach: Expand staffing, streamline IEP support, and advocate for increased state/federal funding—ensuring individualized pathways to success.


  • Multilingual Learners (ML)

    Issue: Vineland has a growing population of multilingual families.
    Approach: Ensure fully implemented ML curriculum, provide translation resources, and engage families directly—supporting language acquisition while valuing cultural identity.


  • Workforce & College Readiness

    Issue: Students need pathways beyond high school aligned with today’s economy.
    Approach: Expand vocational training, internships, and early-college opportunities to strengthen post-secondary readiness.


Background and Experience

  • Educator & Administrator (23+ Years)

    Deep expertise in Special Education and Multilingual Learner programs; currently Supervisor of Special Education and ML (K–12), overseeing faculty, curriculum, and district-wide initiatives.


  • CBI/WBL Program Leadership

    Proven leadership in launching Community-Based Instruction and Work-Based Learning, connecting schools with local businesses to create real-world opportunities.


  • Project PIEDRA (Founder)

    Founded Project PIEDRA to support displaced Puerto Rican families and schools after Hurricane Maria—demonstrating community partnership building and rapid resource mobilization.


  • Equity & Partnerships

    Track record of securing resources, fostering equity for all students, and growing partnerships across the community.

Party Affiliation & Ideology

While the Vineland School Board race is non-partisan, Santiago describes his outlook as student-first, equity-driven, and solutions-focused—centered on ensuring every child has the support and opportunity to thrive. He emphasizes that his run is about serving students, supporting families, and strengthening Vineland Public Schools.

Comparison to Other Candidates

Santiago points to a dual background—classroom experience and administrative leadership—as a differentiator that bridges policy and practice. He highlights plans for expanded Special Education and Multilingual Learner services, stronger community partnerships, and transparent, student-focused leadership.

Source Material

Original Candidate Questionnaire Submission (September 2025)

Relevant Background and Experience


Over 23 years as an educator and administrator, with deep expertise in Special Education and Multilingual Learner programs. Current Supervisor of Special Education and Multilingual Learners (K–12), overseeing faculty, curriculum, and district-wide initiatives. Proven leadership in launching Community-Based Instruction (CBI) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs, connecting schools with local businesses. Founder of Project PIEDRA, supporting displaced Puerto Rican families and schools after Hurricane Maria. Experience building partnerships, securing resources, and fostering equity for all students.



Overall Agenda


Quality of Education. Every student—regardless of ability, language, or background—deserves access to quality learning. Plan: Review special education services, identify alternative career pathways, strengthen multilingual learner supports, and ensure all programs are accessible.


Community Partnerships & Career Readiness. Schools should prepare students not just academically, but for real-world success. Plan: Build on experience creating CBI and WBL programs by growing partnerships with Vineland’s businesses, vocational programs, and organizations.


Curriculum Innovation & Student Achievement. A strong, adaptable curriculum keeps Vineland’s students competitive. Plan: Support evidence-based curricula, expand digital tools, and promote differentiated instruction to meet diverse needs.


Transparency & Collaboration. Families, teachers, and the community must feel heard and informed. Plan: Advocate for open communication, regular forums, and parent–teacher partnerships.



Issue Positions


Special Education & Student Services. Issue: Special education needs are rising while resources remain limited. Approach: Expand staffing, streamline IEP support, and advocate for state/federal funding—so students with disabilities have individualized pathways to success.


Multilingual Learners. Issue: Vineland has a growing population of multilingual families. Approach: Ensure a fully implemented ML curriculum, provide translation resources, and engage families directly—supporting language acquisition while valuing cultural identity.


Workforce & College Readiness. Issue: Students need pathways beyond high school that match today’s economy. Approach: Expand vocational training, internships, and early college programs.



Party Affiliation and Ideology


While this is a nonpartisan race, I bring a student-first, equity-driven, and solutions-focused approach. My philosophy centers on ensuring every child has the support and opportunity to thrive, regardless of background. Moreover, as a lifelong educator, my decision to run is not about seeking a political position—it’s about serving the students, supporting families, and strengthening Vineland Public Schools.



Campaign Events


At this time none have been created.



Comparison


If you vote for me: You’ll see expanded services for special education and multilingual learners, stronger community partnerships, and transparent, student-focused leadership. I offer both classroom experience and administrative expertise, bridging the gap between policy and practice.