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.
Patricia Azeez
To the Editor:
I am pleased to submit my endorsement of Trish Azeez, candidate for the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education. I met with her and was very impressed with her platform. Trish is focused on academic achievement for all types of learners, support of teachers, and the intelligent allocation of resources, all with the understanding that all Board decisions must be made bearing in mind the impact on the districts’ students.
Trish has personal experience with the difficulties the district faces in addressing the needs of different types of learners. Both her children attended South Mountain School. One of her children needed more support but was denied an IEP; the other needed more challenge in the classroom than what was, or could be, provided. She sees the need for the district to provide academic support to the whole spectrum of learners, from children who need special services, to those who are advanced learners. Trish is extremely supportive of teachers, since the burden of accomplishing these efforts falls largely on their shoulders.
Trish spent 12 years as an economist and equity research analyst before becoming a full-time mom and then later a martial arts studio owner. She has highlighted in her campaign forums that economics is the allocation of limited funds to address needs. She has the skills to ask the right questions and evaluate data in order to make informed financial decisions. Trish also is aware that teacher contract negotiations will start at the beginning of next year and has clearly stated that teachers should be the absolute last place to look for cutting spending. She already has great ideas about spending the limited resources in a more purposeful manner. While Trish supports the integration goals, she recommends relaxing the rigid demographic requirements of the III and allowing more attendance at neighborhood schools, given the extremely high transportation costs the district currently faces and the burdens busing has placed on families. Trish supports investing into programs that focus on achievement and outcomes, such as the Rutgers recommendations and recruiting and retaining teachers.
In sum, Trish Azeez stands for investing in students and teachers, spending with purpose, and truly utilizing data to help student achievement. She recognizes that every decision she makes on the Board should be to the benefit of students, helping them reach their full potential.
I urge you to vote for Trish Azeez for Board of Education.
Donna Smith
Former Board of Ed member
