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October 17, 2025 (TAPinto Cranford)
Susan Shaw – Board of Education Candidate,
Ballot Position #4
Shaw 4 Students. Shaw 4 Teachers. Shaw 4 Community.
TAPinto Cranford Candidate Questionnaire (Click Here)
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October 9, 2025 (Channel 35 Interview)
Susan Shaw – Board of Education Candidate,
Ballot Position #4
Shaw 4 Students. Shaw 4 Teachers. Shaw 4 Community.
Channel 35 Interview -
When my husband Chuck and I moved to Cranford over 22 years ago, I was pregnant with my first child and hopeful about finding a place where we could build a life filled with community and connection. What I found here was so much more than a hometown—it became part of who I am.
Our three children grew up in Cranford’s schools—from Walnut and Bloomingdale to OAS and CHS—and along the way, I grew too. I grew as a parent, learning how much love and advocacy it takes to guide a child through the ups and downs of school. I grew as a teacher, discovering how every child learns differently and how powerful it is when educators and families work together. And I grew as a community member, realizing that what makes Cranford truly special are the people who show up—for one another, for our schools, for our kids.
My journey in this town has always been about giving back to the place that gave my family so much. Whether it was leading the PTA and PTC, helping shape district committees, or volunteering at community events, I’ve poured my heart into building the kind of Cranford I wanted my children—and all children—to grow up in.
And as a Board of Education member, I’ve carried that same passion into every decision I’ve made. From helping secure full-day kindergarten to supporting the modernization of our schools, to building stronger relationships between the board, teachers, and families—each step has been about strengthening the foundation of this community we all love.
Cranford has an incredible spirit. It’s in the teachers who give their all every day, the parents who volunteer tirelessly, and the students who inspire us with their curiosity and kindness. I’m proud to call this my home—and proud to continue serving it with heart, commitment, and gratitude.
You can watch my Channel 35 interview here -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVVWIKvhdb4
Vote Susan Shaw – Ballot Position #4
September 25, 2025
Susan Shaw – Board of Education Candidate,
Ballot Position #4
Shaw 4 Students. Shaw 4 Teachers. Shaw 4 Community.
When I think about the work of the Cranford Board of Education, one truth rises above all others: Every decision must begin and end with our students.That’s why my focus has always been — and will always be — students first.
-Students First – Every Pathway to Success​
Students first means making sure every child has a pathway to thrive. Whether a student is pursuing college credits through Advanced Placement courses, exploring engineering or the arts, or preparing for a career in the trades, we are building opportunities that honor every learner’s unique potential. Cranford High School offers 29 AP courses, providing a broad range of options to meet the needs of students across all disciplines, and 28 dual enrollment programs at universities including Rutgers, Seton Hall, Kean, Syracuse, and Fairleigh Dickinson, giving students a meaningful head start on college and career readiness. For students looking at the trades or other pathways, we’ve expanded vocational opportunities and built partnerships so they can explore what’s right for them.
As of 2025, the hard work of our teachers, students, and community has been recognized nationally: Cranford High School went from #94 in the state in 2024 to #65 in 2025, a 31% improvement, reflecting our dedication to academic excellence. My goal, along with the Board’s goal, is clear — to continue this upward trajectory and expand every opportunity for every student to succeed.
-Students first means giving our youngest learners the strongest possible start. Full-day kindergarten isn’t just extra hours in the classroom — it’s more time to build literacy, develop number sense, and grow socially and emotionally. It’s an investment in confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.-Students first means modern schools built for the future. Thanks to our community’s support for the referendum, our classrooms and facilities are being transformed into the most innovative learning spaces. When students and teachers walk into these schools, they know they are valued and prepared for the world ahead.
-Students first means supporting not only academics but also the heart and spirit of our children. That’s why the Cranford BOE is expanding counseling services, prioritizing wellness, and ensuring that every child feels safe, seen, and respected. Because a student who feels supported can reach their full potential.
-Students first means valuing the people who teach, guide, and inspire our children every day. We recently finalized a four year contract with our teachers that includes a 3.5% raise every year. Our teachers and staff are the backbone of our schools. By supporting professional growth, providing resources, and celebrating their impact, we empower them to do what they do best — ignite student success.
-Students first also means being wise stewards of our community’s resources. With over $9 million in energy-saving measures — solar panels, LED upgrades, and efficient HVAC systems — these upgrades are in addition to the referendum and come at no cost to the taxpayers. This is fiscal responsibility in action: sustainable schools that save money while creating healthier learning environments.
-And students first extends beyond the classroom. In Cranford, our kids shine on the stage, on the field, and in countless clubs and activities. Over 95% of the students surveyed at the high school indicate being involved in at least one extracurricular activity. These experiences build teamwork, discipline, friendships and creativity — shaping not just successful students, but well-rounded human beings.
I want to be clear — my sole purpose is putting students first and it has never and will never be politically motivated for me. Our children come from families with many different perspectives, and my focus is on ensuring that every student has the support, opportunities, and environment they need to succeed. I am proud to serve with a BOE team that shares this commitment, leaving politics at the door and keeping the needs of our students at the center of every discussion and decision. That’s how we continue to make Cranford schools a place where every child can thrive.For the past three years, I have been proud to serve with one of my guiding principles: putting students first. And as I seek a second term on the Cranford Board of Education, I pledge to keep students at the center of every conversation, every decision, and every vote.Because when we put students first, we’re not just strengthening schools — we’re shaping the future of Cranford itself.
Please support my re-election to the Cranford Board of Education, Ballot Position #4
Shaw 4 Students. Shaw 4 Teachers. Shaw 4 Community.
September 18, 2025
I’m Running for Re-Election – Board of Education, Ballot Position #4
Shaw 4 Students. Shaw 4 Teachers. Shaw 4 Community.
My name is Susan Shaw, and I am honored to be running for a second term on the Cranford Board of Education, Ballot Position 6. Serving our schools, our children, and our community over the past three years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. As both an educator and a parent, I bring a unique perspective, years of experience, and deep relationships across our district. I am running again because I believe in the power of our schools to shape futures, and I remain committed to ensuring every student in Cranford feels supported, valued, and prepared for what lies ahead.
A little bit about myself…
When my husband and I moved to Cranford in 2002, we were like so many young families—searching for that perfect town to raise our children. We were drawn to the schools, the downtown, the sports, and the strong sense of community. I was pregnant with my first child, working as a teacher after years in advertising, and life felt full of promise.
But when my first child was born with seizures, everything changed. My world shifted from one of certainty to one of unknowns. Suddenly, my days were filled with doctors, therapies, and a constant determination to fight for her future. I went back to school to earn my Master’s in Special Education—not because it would help my career, but because I needed knowledge to be the best advocate I could be for her. I didn’t know if I’d ever return to the classroom, but I knew I had to be strong and informed for my child.
When we enrolled her in Cranford’s SNAPPY preschool program, I found myself surrounded by other parents who understood our struggles. We leaned on each other, learned from one another, and became each other’s support system. Those early relationships showed me the power of community and gave me the courage to use my voice.
That courage was tested when the District announced plans to eliminate a math program for children with special needs. I will never forget sitting in a room with my husband and me on one side, and on the other, the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent, the principal, and the head of Special Education (all are no longer with the District). We started at 10 a.m. and did not leave until after 2:30 p.m.—no breaks, no lunch, just hours of conversation and determination. By the end of that meeting, the math program was restored.
Walking out of that room, I felt an overwhelming mix of relief, gratitude, and purpose. It meant the world to me that my daughter—and children like her—would continue to receive the education they deserved. It was also the first time I thought, maybe someday, I should run for the Board of Education. But I also knew I wasn’t ready yet. I had more to learn, more relationships to build, and more experience to gain before I could take on that responsibility.
The years that followed were filled with exactly that. I served as Orange Avenue School PTA President, then on the Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) as Vice President and President, deepening my relationships with administrators, teachers, union leaders, and families across the district. I sat on interview panels for principals and department heads, gaining insight into the care and thought that goes into hiring the right leaders. I joined the Strategic Planning Committee, working with parents, students, clergy, teachers, and township officials to help shape the district’s vision.
During the pandemic, I served on the COVID Response Committee, witnessing firsthand the extraordinary compassion and commitment of our teachers, custodians, nurses, and administrators as they put the health and safety of our children above everything else. I later served on the Referendum Committee, where the community turned its focus to modernizing our schools and bringing full-day kindergarten to life. I was invited to the Joint Action Committee on Underage Substance Abuse, where I was able to witness how much these advocates truly cared about the youth in this town. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster children I had firsthand knowledge about how important it is to meet the needs of these children before challenges follow them into adulthood. I also served on the Police Advisory Board, gaining a deep respect for how tirelessly our officers work to keep students safe.
It was only after these experiences—after years of listening, learning, and serving—that I finally felt ready to run for the Board of Education I knew I had the knowledge, the relationships, and the perspective to step into the role prepared to lead on day one.
Now, as I seek a second three-year term, I bring not just experience, but a life shaped by advocacy, resilience, and service. My story is personal—rooted in the struggles and triumphs of raising my own children, in the relationships I’ve built across our district, and in the lessons I’ve learned from standing side by side with our teachers, administrators, parents, and students. I am running not just because I believe in Cranford schools, but because Cranford has given so much to my family, and it is my privilege to give back.I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students, families, teachers, and staff a successful and safe school year. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and I look forward to the year ahead!
For additional information please visit: https://www.susanshawofcranford.com
Facebook & Instagram: Susan Shaw for the Cranford Board of Education
September 16, 2025
My name is Susan Shaw, and I am honored to be running for a second term on the Cranford Board of Education, Ballot Position #4.
It has been an honor to serve on the Cranford Board of Education over the past three years. The work of supporting our students, educators, and community has been deeply meaningful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of Cranford schools.
I hold a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Special Education. After nearly a decade in advertising as a media negotiator, I followed my passion for education and became a first-grade teacher in the New York City Public Schools, where I discovered a deep commitment to advocating for children. In 2023, while serving on the Board, I returned to the classroom as a Special Education teacher—an experience that has given me firsthand insight into the challenges educators face and the support students need.
Cranford has been home to my family for over 20 years. My husband and I chose this town because we knew it was where we wanted to raise our children. We now have three children who have each walked their own unique paths through Cranford Public Schools. My oldest graduated from Cranford High School in 2023 and is currently studying to become a teacher herself. My son is a sophomore at Rutgers University, and my youngest just graduated from Orange Avenue School and is now a freshman. One of my children has an IEP, and advocating for their success has shown me how essential it is that every family feels heard, supported, and empowered throughout their child’s education. That experience has deeply informed my approach to board service.
Over the years, we’ve immersed ourselves in many parts of the Cranford community—from cheering our children on in soccer, baseball, basketball, and track, to volunteering with the Cranford Alliance Church, St. Michael’s Mom’s Group, Girl Scouts, the Cranford Soccer Club, Newcomers, and the Jaycees. We feel very fortunate to call Cranford our home.
Before joining the Board, I served as Vice President and President of the Orange Avenue School PTA and then Vice President and President of the Cranford Parent Teacher Council (PTC). These roles gave me a valuable opportunity to listen to families and advocate for students. I’ve also had the privilege of serving on the following committees: CPSD Strategic Planning Council, CPSD Referendum Exploration Steering Committee, Cranford Police Department Community Advisory Board, Joint Action Committee on Underage Substance Abuse, two CPSD Pandemic Response Committees, and The Equity and Inclusivity Initiative. In addition, I’ve served as the parent representative on CPSD hiring committees for multiple leadership positions, including principals, vice principals, the Director of Special Education, and several department heads.
As I seek re-election to the Board of Education for another three-year term, I understand firsthand the importance of meeting the needs of every learner and ensuring every student feels supported and valued. I treasure the relationships I’ve built with parents, students, teachers, administrators, and union representatives, which guide my decisions for our schools. I remain committed to strong academics, social-emotional well-being, and enriching extracurricular opportunities. I also work to balance school improvements with fiscal responsibility, as reflected in the recent referendum, which advanced full-day kindergarten and updated school facilities while being mindful of the community’s investment.
Serving on the Board has been a privilege, and I would be grateful to continue this work—advocating for every student, supporting our educators, and partnering with the community to ensure that Cranford schools remain a place where every learner can thrive.
For additional information please visit:
September 7, 2025
I’m Running for Re-Election – Board of Education,
Ballot Position #4
4 Students. 4 Teachers. 4 Community.
My name is Susan Shaw, and I am honored to announce that I am running for a second term on the Cranford Board of Education.
Serving our schools, our children, and our community over the past three years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
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When my husband and I moved to Cranford in 2003, we were drawn here by the same things so many families are—our schools, our town, and our strong sense of community. Over the years, raising three children in this district, I’ve come to know firsthand the challenges, triumphs, and opportunities that shape a child’s education.
As both an educator and a parent, my story is deeply rooted in advocacy, resilience, and service—and I remain committed to ensuring that every student in Cranford feels supported, valued, and prepared for their future.
As we begin a new school year, I want to take a moment—first and foremost—not as a candidate, but as a fellow parent, educator, and neighbor, to wish all of our students, families, teachers, and staff a wonderful year ahead. The beginning of the year is filled with promise, possibility, and excitement, and I am grateful to walk alongside this community as we support our children in every step of their journey.
I look forward to continuing the work we’ve started together and to the opportunity to serve this community once again.
With gratitude,
Susan Shaw