In New Jersey, Turkish Academician Burçin Öğrenir in the Election Race

US Election Day: Excitement over a Turkish candidate in Wayne

In the United States, voters in Wayne township, New Jersey, are heading to the polls for Board of Education seats as part of the midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The council overseeing local public schools is fielding six candidates for three-member positions, and voters may choose up to three on the ballot. Elected members will serve three-year terms.

One of the notable names in the race is Turkish academic Dr. Burçin Öğrenir. Öğrenir, who ranks second in the polls, told Özlem Özgüt Yörekli, ABDPost New York Representative, about the primary process, her education-related goals, and the works she intends to implement if selected.

Became a candidate after 25 years of love education.

Öğrenir, who has over 25 years of experience in university teaching, teacher training and research, and is also a mother and business person based in Wayne, draws attention to diverse needs in the education system and continues her campaign under the slogan "Every Child Matters".

Among Öğrenir's priorities are students receiving higher-quality education, teachers being supported, transparent management of school budgets, and parents having more say in education decisions.

I want to be the voice of every segment of society.

If elected, Öğrenir stated that he could not sufficiently reach some students in the region with different skills and capabilities, while highlighting the topics he would prioritize. He also indicated that there were complaints that society had not been sufficiently informed about how the school budget was allocated and used.

Öğrenir explained his approach to this matter as follows:

Among my priorities are fundamental problems in our region that demand solutions. A key challenge is the inability to adequately reach students with diverse skills and capabilities. Moreover, society is not sufficiently informed about how the regional budget is allocated and utilized. There are complaints regarding transparency. I aim to cooperate more closely with society and ensure that every voice is heard when important decisions are made.

Which problems does Wayne Schools want solved?

Öğrenir, an educator, stated that he focused on making better use of resources, also sharing an evaluation of priority topics seeking solutions in Wayne's schools.

Öğrenir expressed his goal with the following words:

"The answer to this question may vary for everyone. As an educator, what matters to me is that Wayne reaches a higher, exemplary level of education with the resources he has. I want to strengthen education by increasing support across all areas."

He explained his goals to voters instead of promises.

In his message to voters, Öğrenir highlighted a work ethic over concrete promises, stating he aims for a management based on open communication and cooperation.

"I can speak about my goals rather than promises. I want to establish open communication and act in cooperation. I aim to create a space where any issue or request can be raised and acted upon."

"I want families to know their children's rights."

Responding to the question of what a Turkish academic serving on a local education board would mean for Turkish society, Öğrenir said that representation matters not only for the Turkish community but for all groups who feel they cannot adequately express themselves.

Stating that he has lived with the local community for about 15 years, Öğrenir emphasized that he wants to help raise awareness of families' rights within the education system.

Öğrenir expressed his thoughts on the matter as follows:

"This situation is important both for Turkish society and for other segments of society who feel they have not been adequately informed and cannot make their voices heard. I have lived here for 15 years. Some families do not know the rights they have. If we can help each family learn their rights and what they can do for their children, and provide them with the knowledge to advocate for their own child when necessary, we would be taking an important step."

If elected, he will become the first Turkish person in Wayne.

Dr. Burçin Öğrenir will be the first Turkish person to serve on the Wayne School Board if he wins the election. His candidacy is also significant for the representation of the Turkish-American community in local government and educational institutions.

According to New Jersey's election calendar, registered voters in Wayne can choose among three candidates in the November 3 vote. Of the six candidates vying for a school‑board seat, the three who receive the most votes will be elected to the board for a three‑year term. Ballots will be open from 06.00 to 20.00 across New Jersey.

Reporters: Özlem Özgüt Yörekli