Seven candidates are vying for three seats on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education.
They recently met collectively for a candidates’ forum sponsored by the South Orange-Maplewood School District Presidents’ Council and the League of Women Voters of Maplewood-South Orange.
The forum is the first of three planned candidate nights, with the second forum sponsored by the Hilton Neighborhood Association on Oct. 23, at The Woodland, and the third sponsored by the South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race on Oct. 29 at a location to be announced.
This years’ candidates are Jeff Bennett, Deirdre Brown, and Bimal Kapadia running together; Bethany Joseph, Qawi Telesford, and Arun Vadlamani running together; and Paul Stephan running solo.
Joan Sturm of the League of Women Voters was the moderator. Questions were prepared by the President’s Council and the League of Women Voters but questions were also submitted by voters in a Google forum online. The questions were not shared with candidates in advance. Each candidate had one minute to respond. Topics included budget, special education, and transportation.
During opening statements, Vadlamani said, “We have work to do and I’m here to do it.”
Telesford, who has been on the Board since 2022 said, “I joined the Board because I want kids to have a great education. I’m committed to continue to make sure every student thrives.”
In response to what they’d consider the biggest issue in the schools today, Brown said, “Getting the budget right. Getting our district back to academic excellence.”
“The need for stability. In the last 10 years we had six superintendents. They bring new ideas and that means change. We need to be stable to move forward,” said Telesford.
In response to a question about handling conflict, Stephan said, “It starts with listening. How you show up. We need to work on how we listen to each other and relate to each other.”
“I never come from a perspective of trying to get over on a person,” said Kapadia “Both can come out winning. Establish what middle ground is the best way to get an outcome.”
“Talk to people and move forward,” said Vadlamani. “Do not forget, we’re doing this for the children.”
“I worked as a social worker during Covid,” said Joseph. “Every day, crisis arose. People not being able to see a family member or say ‘goodbye’ to a family member, my role was to get them to a point where they’re comfortable.”
“It’s about listening,” said Brown. “It’s about being calm. It’s about compromising.”
“Disagree politely,” said Bennett. “You shouldn’t interrupt. Respond as kindly as possible.”
When asked if there is a current policy they are against or want to change, Brown said, “We can do better with the way we’re transporting.”
Telesford believes that the notion of changing policies is the wrong approach to join the Board. “Join the Board and then talk to collaborate to fix the policy,” he said.
“Why do we need to have three executive leaders when there’s only nine people on board?” asked Kapadia.
Bennett said there are no policies he opposes in full.
Regarding steps or action that the BOE could take in the transportation logistics challenge, Kapadia said, “Transportation shouldn’t be a hardship.”
“I’m grateful our new superintendent is trying to work this out,” said Stephan.
Regarding the SOMSD Intentional Integration Initiative, Joseph said, “Students in integrated schools tend to have higher test scores.”
“We have to make sure all students feel welcome,” Stephan said. “People don’t learn well if they don’t feel safe.”
Regarding Special Education students, Bennett said, “A lot of kids aren’t getting the services they need. Look at the budget. Special Ed is where additional money should go.”
“Every student has strengths and weaknesses,” said Stephan. “Teachers can’t do it all. They need help from administration. There is work we can do. If you’re a parent of a kid with special needs, you shouldn’t feel you’re advocating for yourself.”
Regarding financial oversight and limited resources, how they would help the BOE, Telesford said, “Presenting a new budget calendar for the year, a budget workshop.
Bring in all board members to discuss budget.”
“We need a full-time business administrator on staff,” said Joseph. “It has to be a priority.”
“It’s not that complicated,” said Kapadia. “We need a three- to five-year plan; make adjustments along the way.”
“We need to start the budget process early this year,” said Stephan. “There’s no quick fix on the budget.”
In closing comments, Kapadia said, “I’m running because I’m an optimist. I’m really excited to be running with Jeff and Deidre. Together we have 30 years in the community. I know what this district can be.”
Stephan said, “I know how to build relationships. As the only independent candidate here, we’ve got to get these relationships right. I know we can do it if we work together.”
Ending the meeting, Sturm addressed the audience and said, “You’re really lucky. You have board members that really care.”
She turned to the candidates and said, “I wish you all sincere luck.”
Board of Ed candidates discuss issues added by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta on
View all posts by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta →