This fall, four candidates are vying for three seats on the 9-member South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education: Trish Azeez, Liz Callahan, Kevin Diaz, and Will Meyer. Village Green is posting endorsements for candidates from current and former elected officials who hold or held townwide office or higher, as well as endorsements by local organizations. We ask that endorsers coordinate with candidates for full guidelines. Read more election coverage here.
Will Meyer, Liz Callahan and Kevin Diaz
Dear neighbors,
Our schools need experienced leadership and fresh perspectives, grounded in a shared commitment to equity and access for every student. That is why I enthusiastically support Liz Callahan and Will Meyer for reelection to the Board of Education and Kevin Diaz for election to the Board.
Having served on the Board for six years, including as Board President, I know that the work looks very different from the inside. The Board’s responsibility is to communicate our community’s values and aspirations to the Superintendent and ensure that they guide district decisions—even when doing so is difficult or unpopular.
That work requires asking difficult questions, insisting on transparency, and making decisions based on facts rather than assumptions or political pressure. It also means confronting real budget constraints, understanding tradeoffs, and helping the community understand the choices that shape how limited public resources are spent.
Liz and Will have demonstrated their commitment to our community and to serving all students, and they have earned another term. They bring complementary expertise in behavioral health and special education law, a strong commitment to integration and equitable opportunity, and experience translating those commitments into Board action. Their value lies not only in what they have accomplished, but also in what they have learned through difficult decisions and setbacks. I know from experience that a Board grows stronger when its members carry those lessons forward. Liz and Will bring the judgment, experience, and clear priorities needed for the work ahead.
I am equally enthusiastic about Kevin Diaz’s candidacy. Kevin brings a willingness to listen and learn, thoughtful judgment, and a commitment to representing our entire community. Our community has long shared a deep commitment to advancing equity, access, and integration in our schools, and sustaining that commitment requires Board members who are curious, thoughtful, and willing to ask the right questions. Kevin’s perspective and approach would be valuable assets to the Board, and I look forward to seeing him serve our students and families.
Please join me in voting for Liz Callahan, Will Meyer, and Kevin Diaz for the Board of Education.
Annemarie Maini
134 Irving Avenue, South Orange
SOMSD Board Member, 2016-2021, President 2019,2020
