Raised in the Philippines by His Aunt

Joshua Harrington’s journey began in the Philippines, where he was raised by his aunt, learning the values of hard work, family, and community. Growing up in a tight-knit environment, Joshua developed a deep appreciation for education and the opportunities it can create. His upbringing shaped his strong commitment to giving back and helping others thrive.

Business Owner, Community Member, & Father

Joshua’s life experiences have given him a broad skill set. He holds an Associate Degree in Automotive and has extensive experience in real estate, bringing valuable management and planning expertise to his work. As a business owner and active community member, Joshua understands the importance of building strong partnerships and fostering growth.

But what drives Joshua most is his role as a father. Like any parent, he wants the best for his children and the community’s children. His personal experiences—both as a parent and as someone who has had to navigate the school system—fuel his desire to improve education. Joshua believes that every student deserves a strong academic foundation and equal access to opportunities.

Joshua is passionate about enhancing transparency in the district, strengthening partnerships between schools and families, and ensuring every child has a high-quality education. His leadership is grounded in his personal story and his unwavering belief that, together, we can create a brighter future for all students.

The Challenge We Faced

Like many parents in Franklin-McKinley, we only want the best for our children’s education. However, we were faced with a difficult decision when it became clear that the quality of education in our daughter’s school wasn’t meeting her needs. The lack of communication from the district, combined with academic standards that fell short, made us feel like our concerns weren’t being heard. After exhausting all options, we had no choice but to move our eldest daughter to a different school district, which was not an easy decision.

A Call for Change

This personal experience opened our eyes to the gaps in our school system, especially for families who feel powerless in the face of an unresponsive district. It was in this moment that Joshua knew things had to change. No family should have to move their child to another district just to receive the education they deserve. This is why Joshua is running for the Franklin-McKinley School Board—so that parents don’t have to face the same frustrations we did, and every child in the district can thrive. We believe that with the right leadership, we can create a school system that truly listens to families and puts students first.

Champion for Transparency and Parental Involvement

Joshua believes that parents deserve to be fully informed and actively involved in their children’s education. Too often, parents are left out of critical decisions, and communication between schools and families is lacking. Joshua is committed to changing that. He wants to create a system where transparency is the standard, and families are partners in shaping the educational experience. His goal is to give parents a stronger voice in the district’s decisions, ensuring that their concerns and ideas are heard and valued.

Improving Academic Standards

Our district’s academic performance has room for improvement, and Joshua is determined to raise the bar. He knows that every student deserves access to the best education possible, which means better programs, more resources, and strong support for teachers. Joshua’s focus is on creating an environment where students can excel academically and be prepared for their future, whether they choose college, a career, or another path. By raising academic standards, we can ensure that no student is left behind and that every child is given the tools to succeed.

Creating a Responsive and Inclusive School System

Joshua Harrington is committed to building a school district that listens to and serves the needs of parents, students, and teachers. His vision is to create a responsive, inclusive environment where every voice is valued and respected. Joshua is focused on ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, receive the education they deserve, one that meets their unique needs and helps them thrive. By working closely with families and educators, Joshua will push for a system that adapts to the real challenges faced by our community.

Building a Stronger Community

Joshua believes that strong partnerships between schools and families are the key to lasting, positive change. He is dedicated to bridging the gap between the district and the community, fostering open communication and trust. By strengthening these relationships, Joshua will work to create a more connected, supportive environment for all students and their families.

While Joshua leads this mission, he is not alone. His ally, Josue Gonzalez, who is also running for the Franklin-McKinley School Board 2024, shares this same vision for a better school district. Together, they are working toward a common goal: improving transparency, raising academic standards, and making Franklin-McKinley a district that empowers every child and family.