On October 8, the four candidates vying for three positions on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education met for the third candidates forum of the campaign season — this one sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Maplewood and South Orange and the SOMSD Presidents’ Council. Candidates Trish Azeez, Liz Callahan, Kevin Diaz, and Will Meyer answered 11 questions on topics ranging from measuring academic progress for students below grade level, opportunities for gifted and advanced learners, meeting the needs of out-of-district students, screen use, aging facilities, budget difficulties and more.
The forum was moderated by Carol Loughman of the Montclair League of Women Voters.
Below is a transcription of the questions, including timestamps for the corresponding discussion in the video.
Opening statements being at 26:23.
Question 1 (at 33:20): The board is responsible for monitoring district performance and whether students are making academic progress. What measures should the board regularly look at to know whether students who are below grade level are making meaningful progress, and how should the board respond when they are not? (Starting with Trish Azeez.)
Question 2 (40:07): Some families have raised concerns that gifted and advanced learners may not always have consistent opportunities to be appropriately challenged. This includes twice exceptional — or 2E — students who have advanced abilities as well as learning or support needs. What should the board be looking for to make sure these students have access to the right level of challenge, acceleration, and enrichment throughout the district? (Starting with Liz Callahan.)
Question 3 (46:35): The district serves students with a wide range of special education needs, from students in inclusion classrooms to those who need more intensive support. Some students are placed out of district because the district cannot currently meet their needs. What should the board be looking at to make sure students are getting the services and support they need, and where should the district be building stronger in-district programs so that more students can successfully be served here? (Starting with Kevin Diaz.)
Question 4 (53:35): Schools are navigating new expectations around student device use while also relying heavily on technology for teaching and learning. What guardrails should the board consider around screen use, student data privacy, and access to non-digital alternatives, and what decisions are better left to educators? (Starting with Will Meyer.)
Question 5 (1:00:25): PTAs and HSAs play an important role in building school community and supporting enrichment, field trips, arts, assemblies, and other experiences. At the same time, the resources available to these organizations can vary from school to school. What experience should every district student be able to count on regardless of which school they attend and how should the district work with PTAs and HSAs while making sure essential opportunities do not depend on fundraising? (Starting with Trish Azeez.)
Question 6 (1:07:00): Many of our school buildings are older and need ongoing repairs, maintenance, and larger upgrades over time. How should the board decide what needs to be fixed now, what can wait, and how to balance those needs with the cost of taxpayers and the impact on students? (Starting with Liz Callahan.)
Question 7 (1:13:40): The board has to make difficult budget choices while still protecting the programs, services, and supports students rely on. When cuts or reductions are being considered, what information should the board have before making those decisions, and how should the impact on students shape the final choice? (Starting with Kevin Diaz.)
Question 8 (1:20:01): Board members have an important oversight role, but they also need to give superintendent and staff room to run the district day-to-day. How do you see the board’s role in holding the district accountable without crossing into day-to-day management? (Starting with Will Meyer.)
Question 9 (1:26:15): AÂ nine-member board will not always agree, and board members may also disagree with the superintendent or with members of the community. How would you approach significant disagreement while still helping the board reach decisions and move the district forward? (Starting with Trish Azeez.)
Question 10 (1:31:50): Board members serve three-year terms, giving them a meaningful period of time to help move the district forward. At the end of your term, what would success look like for you? (Starting with Liz Callahan.)
Question 11 (1:38:39): The district depends on teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and other staff, including positions that can be difficult to fill and retain. What is within the board’s role to strengthen recruitment and retention of high quality staff, particularly in hard to fill roles? (Starting with Kevin Diaz.)
Closing Statements at 1:45:12.
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