10 to run for 3 open seats on SOMA BOE

MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — With a few months to go until the November general election, it is shaping up to be an exciting time in South Orange and Maplewood, with 10 candidates running for three open seats on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education.

Incumbents Elizabeth Baker, the current board president, and Donna Smith are each finishing up their first three-year terms and are seeking re-election. Board member Maureen Jones is not running for re-election.

Baker and Smith will be facing off against Maplewood residents John Sarantakis, Avery Julien, Anthony Mazzocchi, Lucas Calhoun, Felisha George and Shannon Cuttle, and South Orange residents Robin Johnson Baker and Sheila Shidnia, according to records received by the News-Record from Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin.

This year’s group of candidates is rather diverse in race, age and background. Each is running for a three-year term on the board.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Editor’s Note: Candidates, please reach out to me and the News-Record at ykatzwer@thelocalsource.com to ensure I have your contact information for upcoming election coverage. Thanks!

  SOMA Board of Education, SOMA Election, South Orange–Maplewood School District