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.
My Priorities
Students and Teachers
Kyrene needs leadership that will advocate for all students. When tough decisions cannot be avoided, I will always ask, “how will this decision affect children in the classroom?
Innovation
Kyrene Kids need to know how to use the latest technology so they don’t fall behind. I will explore opportunities to create partnerships with industry and Arizona State University to expose students to new fields and career paths.
One Kyrene
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.
Contact Franklin
Dear Neighbor
My name is Franklin Zyriek, candidate for the Kyrene School District Governing Board.
I am running for the Governing Board to give back to the community and district that provided me the skills to succeed in high school, higher education, and the workforce. In this era where public schools face serious challenges related to funding and red-tape, Kyrene needs leadership that will advocate for students and staff. While tough decisions cannot be avoided, I will always ask, “how will this decision affect children in the classroom?”
I learned this from my Grammie, who worked in public education for decades. Public schools have the responsibility and duty to serve all children and cannot turn children away who may require more specialized attention, such as those with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans. Just because these students need additional resources does not mean that they do not deserve the same opportunity to learn and grow as their peers. This also includes gifted students and others who are ready to tackle more challenging material.
If you hear my name, I hope you think of three words. Responsibility. Innovation. Community.
As noted above, 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.
The current Kyene leadership team has done an excellent job innovating by creating specific programs located at different Kyrene elementary and middle schools. I look forward to continuing that work, and exploring ways to incorporate new technology in the classroom and district operations to remain a best in class district.
Finally, I want to do right by every Kyrene Kid and family. I look forward to hearing from Kyrene families and community members about their experiences in Kyrene. I want to listen to and learn from you. I recognize that speaking out does not come naturally to everyone, but I hope to hear from as many Kyrene families as possible.
Thank you for your time. If you want to get in touch, sign my petition, or have any questions, please email franklinforkyrene@gmail.com.
Very Sincerely,
Franklin