Franklin Lakes elects incumbent, pair of newcomers to school board

Marsha A. Stoltz, NorthJersey.com
Updated ·2 min read

FRANKLIN LAKES — An incumbent trustee and two newcomers were elected to the three three-year seats on the nine-member grade school Board of Education in Tuesday's contested election.

Newcomer Se Whan Kim was the top vote-getter with 1,196.

"I am genuinely touched by the overwhelming support from parents and our community," Kim said this week. "I want to assure everyone that we will do all we can to create the best educational environment for our children. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my wife, who not only encouraged me to run but also spearheaded our incredible campaign. Thank you for placing your trust in me, and I eagerly anticipate being part of this fantastic team!"

SeWhan Kim won a three-year term on the Franklin Lakes Board of Education in Tuesday's election
SeWhan Kim won a three-year term on the Franklin Lakes Board of Education in Tuesday's election

Trustee Ryan Richman won a new term with 895 votes. Carolina Severino placed second with 960 votes.

"I am honored and looking forward to serving another term on the Board of Education for our community," Richman said. "I want to thank the community for re-electing me, every candidate for their willingness to serve and congratulations to Mr. Kim and Mrs. Severino. I want to especially thank my wife, Anastasia, for supporting me and running my campaign."

Ryan Richman, Franklin Lakes Board of Education Trustee, won a new term in Tuesday's election
Ryan Richman, Franklin Lakes Board of Education Trustee, won a new term in Tuesday's election

Severino ran as part of a slate with Gina Levy, who received 786 votes, and Anna Marchuk, who received 725 votes.

More: Second wrong election results file posted to Bergen County Clerk's site. What went wrong?

Severino was appointed to the board in August to fill out the unexpired term of Trustee Peter Koulikourdis after he resigned to assume an appointment as a judge with the Division of Workers' Compensation.

Carolina Severino won a three-year seat on the Franklin Lakes Board of Education in Tuesday's election.
Carolina Severino won a three-year seat on the Franklin Lakes Board of Education in Tuesday's election.

Severino did not respond to requests for comment.

The district serves 1,151 Pre-K to eighth-grade students in four schools. Trustee Yemi Benedict-Vatel did not run for reelection. High school students attend either Ramapo or Indian Hills High School with students from Oakland and Wyckoff. Neither Franklin Lakes seat on the separate high school board was up for reelection this year.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Franklin Lakes elects incumbent, two newcomers to school board