Board of Education election

Looks like a total of 9 candidates have filed before today's deadline for the November 3rd Board of Ed election.

While it is great to see so many people running, I am especially excited about incumbents Wayne Eastman and Madhu Pai, running with Peggy Freedson to fill the seat being vacated by Jeff Bennett: http://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/eastman-pai-team-newcomer-boe-race/

Lots of luck to the candidates!

Yes, it's truly a tribute to our two towns that so many are interested in serving on the Board of Education. Another slate of candidates that filed today that I am especially excited about are Elissa Malespina, Marian Raab, and Shannel Roberts.

http://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/malespina-raab-roberts-enter-south-orange-maplewoodboard-ed-race/

Cheers to all and thank you for putting your hats in this ring!

Here's a summary of candidates who have filed. http://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/nine-vie-three-seats-south-orange-maplewood-boe/

A forum for all BOE candidates will be held on Sept 24: http://villagegreennj.com/towns/government/hna-sponsors-board-education-candidates-forum-thursday-sept-24/

For anyone who wants to meet Madhu Pai, Wayne Eastman and Peggy Freedson, they are holding their campaign kickoff on September 19 at 6pm:

Tonight is the HNA debate for Board of Education Candidates.

http://villagegreennj.com/towns/government/hna-sponsors-board-education-candidates-forum-thursday-sept-24/

Do you know if it will be recorded?

Too bad it's Marshall School's Back to School night.

mod said:
Tonight is the HNA debate for Board of Education Candidates.
http://villagegreennj.com/towns/government/hna-sponsors-board-education-candidates-forum-thursday-sept-24/

mrincredible said:
Too bad it's Marshall School's Back to School night.

mod said:
Tonight is the HNA debate for Board of Education Candidates.
http://villagegreennj.com/towns/government/hna-sponsors-board-education-candidates-forum-thursday-sept-24/

Clinton's too. Is it all the Elementary schools?

No, South Mountain was a couple weeks ago.

Tuscan school is tonight though.

http://www.tuscanpta.org/home/back-to-school-night-info-including-childcare

Anyone in the Clinton or Marshall areas who won't see the debate and would like to come to a coffee in Academy Heights this Saturday afternoon for Pai-Eastman-Freedson, please PM me and I'll send an invite or call you with info.

sprout said:
Do you know if it will be recorded?

Given the significant conflicts with BTS nights, one would hope so. Is it that hard to check a BOE calendar before scheduling these things?

To be fair, between Jewish holidays and all the Back to school days at all the schools it must be hard to find a day

Debate was recorded and will be available for viewing

Great. Thanks for the info.

mod said:
To be fair, between Jewish holidays and all the Back to school days at all the schools it must be hard to find a day

I recently was trying to arrange an event and WAS consulting the BOE calendar in the process, but still could not come up with a date that avoided all BTSNs and met other criteria for the particular event. It is hard at this time of year!

I was at the debate last night and I would say it is a must watch. Look for the link to the recording on Village Green and don't miss it

Video was just posted:

https://youtu.be/N7stHc6dLw4

Interesting debate.

All seem to be in favor of the Access and Equity policy. All want to improve areas of weakness of the district (especially communication).

Differences between the candidates seemed to be in their priorities, areas of expertise, and personalities. After watching, I'm leaning towards two candidates who are on different slates. Not yet sure who would be my third choice.

I thought the debate highlights which candidates have answers with specificity and "meat on the bone" and which do not. Also , personality and demeanor were highlighted. Important to note that the Board is a collaborative body and there is a steep learning curve to be an effective board member

Agreed.

Interesting post by Madhu Pai on "What Does a Board of Ed Member Do (and Why Should You Care)?"on the Village Green.

FYI: The Presidents' Council of the SOMSD PTA and the League of Women Voters will be co-sponsoring a Board of Education candidate forum in the Maplewood Middle School auditorium on Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. All 9 candidates will be participating; the event format includes an opportunity for members of the audience to pose their own questions. SOMAtv will record and rebroadcast the event (Comcast Channel 35 and FiOS Channel 22 in Maplewood; Cablevision Channel 19 and FiOS Channels 22 & 44 in South Orange).