To the Editor:
I write to express my strong support for Annemarie Maini and Chris Sabin for the South Orange Maplewood Board of Education.
Our District is at a critical juncture. While our schools and our students have many accomplishments to be proud of, we face significant challenges — aging facilities that are being pushed to their limits by our growing enrollment, persistent breakdowns in communication and the home-school partnership, curricular paths that are uncertain and inadequate for many students in our schools, and — due to the lack of funding from the State — tight budgets that have driven cuts to our educational programs.
Annemarie and Chris have the professional experience and skills that we need on the Board to face these challenges and achieve our goal of providing the highest quality education for every child in our District. Annemarie’s experience as a banker and educator, and her long track record of leadership in South Orange civic groups and the South Orange Middle School HSA, will be invaluable on the Board. Chris is a graduate of Columbia High School with deep roots in our towns. He will bring to the Board his executive experience in marketing and non-profit initiatives, as well as his experience as a leader and coach in youth athletics.
What makes Annemarie and Chris stand out, though, is their leadership. They listen. They collaborate. They find common ground and get things done. They put children first.
These are the leadership qualities and work ethic that we need on the Board. Please join me in voting for Annemarie Maini and Chris Sabin for the SOMA Board of Education on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Elizabeth Baker
Maplewood
Elizabeth Baker is a current member of the South Orange Maplewood Board of Education, but the views expressed are her own, and not the views of the Board.
