After 32 of 33 districts in Maplewood and South Orange posted results, Liz Callahan and Will Meyer — along with Kevin Diaz — were the clear winners for three seats up for election on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education.
Callahan and Meyer sent the following statement:
Tonight, we are grateful and honored that the voters of South Orange and Maplewood have placed their trust in us for another three years on the Board of Education.
Three years ago, we ran together because we believed our district could do better for its students and families. We committed to stronger academics, better special education services, greater equity and opportunity, and more transparent, collaborative, and accountable leadership. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we also know how much work remains.
We each brought different strengths to this work. Liz’s two decades of experience as an educator and behavioral consultant have helped keep our focus on students’ daily experiences, classroom instruction, and the supports they need to succeed. As First Vice President, she has been a steady, thoughtful leader and a strong advocate for students and families.
Will’s experience as a special education attorney and advocate has informed his commitment to accountability, transparency, and effective district oversight. As Board President, he has helped strengthen governance, restore professionalism and civility, and push the district to follow through on its commitments mitments to students and families.
Together, we’ve strengthened early literacy, expanded academic opportunities, improved special education capacity, advanced integration and student placement reforms, and adopted a new strategic plan. Our next three years must focus on translating that groundwork into measurable improvements for students, while addressing persistent challenges in special education, district operations, finances, and facilities. We’ve learned from our successes and our shortcomings, and intend to put those lessons to work.
This election was an opportunity for our community to reflect on where our schools are headed. We appreciate the confidence voters have placed in us and take seriously the responsibility that comes with it.
We are especially grateful to our families, friends, volunteers, and supporters who gave so much of their time and energy to this campaign. We owe a particular debt of gratitude to our spouses and children, who endured the long hours, missed family time, and stresses of a hard-fought campaign, often without having any say in the matter. Their patience, understanding, and unwavering support have meant more than we can express. To everyone who knocked on doors, made calls, put up signs, donated, or simply offered encouragement along the way, thank you. We could not have done this without you.
We congratulate Kevin Diaz on his election to the Board. We appreciate Kevin’s thoughtful perspective and commitment to public education. We look forward to working with him in 2027.
We also want to recognize and thank Trish Azeez for her hard work and commitment to our schools. Trish stepped forward to draw attention to students whose needs are not always adequately met. We appreciate the perspective and conviction she brought to this election.
We look forward to working with the 2027 Board, district leadership, educators, families, and our broader community to build on our progress, address our challenges, and keep growing together.
Thank you, South Orange and Maplewood. The trust you have placed in us is overwhelming and humbling. We look forward to continuing to earn that trust and represent the interests of our whole community in the years ahead. Now let’s get back to work!
