To the Editor:
I am pleased to endorse Wayne Eastman, Madhu Pai, and Peggy Freedson as candidates for the South Orange Maplewood Board of Education. There are three critical attributes we should be looking for in our Board members: Knowledge, Experience, and Leadership. In my opinion, these three individuals have demonstrated an abundance of all of these qualities, not only at the local level but also more broadly in the field of education.
As current members of the Board, Wayne and Madhu have accomplished much, most notably (1) introducing an Access and Equity policy which will guarantee all students at every level of achievement the ability to gain greater control over their educational program and outcomes, and (2) leading the way on keeping the tax impact of the school budget to a 2% annual increase, which is considerably lower than in the past.
Peggy brings broad experience as a classroom teacher both at the elementary and college levels. Additionally she has been an innovator in developing stragegies for effective teaching in urban environments. More detail on the background of all three and their platform is available on their website.
I urge you to look carefully at the platforms and bios of all the candidates and compare them. When you do, I’m sure you’ll conclude, as I have, that Wayne, Madhu, and Peggy are superior choices for the School Board. Please vote for them on November 3.
Sincerely,
Jim Nathenson
Maplewood
