To the Editor:
I am writing to voice my strong support for the school board candidacy of Annemarie Maini in this November’s South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education election. There are nine candidates running for three seats. She is the most qualified, hands down, from all perspectives.
Annemarie understands that the health of our schools is essential to the long-term vitality of our community and has already devoted countless hours to furthering that vision.
She is a leader who can build consensus among colleagues with often opposing views. Annemarie is a leader with the passion to stand up for her convictions and the knowledge to make well-informed decisions on key issues. Most important to me, Annemarie believes in a student-centered approach to education, in educating the whole child. She doesn’t just talk about it, she’s done it. Ask any of the hundreds of parents whose children have attended her wonderful South Orange Country Day preschool. Given the justified concern in the district over the way the math curriculum is currently handled, it is important to note that Annemarie has a Masters in math education and experience teaching step-up courses for incoming college freshmen.
Annemarie is a tireless community volunteer. I know her as a fellow parent at youth sports and through her endless hours volunteering at the South Orange Middle School. Many others know her as a key organizer of Play Day South Orange this past fall, or as a Board member of YouthNet for over four years, and as a Board member of the West Montrose Neighborhood Association.
I know she is running out of a concern for the individual child as well as the community as a whole. I have no doubt that we would all benefit from her representation on the School Board and strongly encourage fellow voters to support her candidacy.
Thank you,
Dana Miller
South Orange
