With 32 of 33 districts in Maplewood and South Orange posting results, Liz Callahan and Will Meyer — along with Kevin Diaz — have won the three seats up for election on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education.
The following statement is from Kevin Diaz:
Kevin Diaz
First, I want to say no campaign is successful because of one person and am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.
Thank you to everyone who believed in me, supported this campaign, donated, volunteered, put up a lawn sign in their yard, shared a post, made a phone call, knocked on doors, or took the time to have a conversation with me.
To my Husband, Tré, and our son Fernando, thank you for putting up with the long days, late nights, the conversations at the dinner table, and everything that comes with running a campaign. Your support means the world to me.
I also want to recognize everyone who participated in this election, including the other candidates. We may not always agree on the issues or the solutions, but we all share an interest in the future of this school district.
Congratulations to Liz Callahan and Will Meyer on a successful re-election campaign. Their hard work and dedication to their campaign showed that they are ready to continue their leadership and service to our community.
I also want to thank Trish Azeez for stepping up in this election to advocate for the children in our school district and her hard work during this campaign raising awareness areas for improvement.
When I decided to run for the board, it wasn’t because the school district was broken. I ran because I believe we have an opportunity and an obligation to continue improving it. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background, their family’s financial circumstances, or which school they attend.
I believe Empathy, Equity, and Accountability must be more than words. They need to be reflected in our decisions, our priorities, and ultimately in the experiences of our students. We must ask difficult questions, look at the data, evaluate the decisions being made and be willing to adjust when something isn’t working.
Tonight, the campaign is over, but the work is just beginning. I understand that serving on the Board of Education comes with a tremendous responsibility. I will not have all the answers, and I don’t expect everyone to agree on every decision however I can promise that I will listen, ask questions, and approach this responsibility with an open mind keeping the commitment to our children. To all the residents of South Orange and Maplewood, whether you voted for me or not, I will work to represent you and earn your trust as this board belongs to the community, and every family deserves to be heard.
Thank you for your confidence, your encouragement, and the opportunity to serve.
I’m grateful and ready to get to work!
