I am pleased to endorse Donna Smith for South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education. Donna is an attorney, adjunct law professor, 25-year South Orange resident and parent of three children who attended our district schools grades K-12. Donna has been actively involved in the school community for more than 15 years as a PTA volunteer, co-president of the PTA Presidents’ Council, a member of the district’s strategic planning process, and a member of hiring committees for district principals and a supervisory position.
The experience of three children graduating from Columbia High School and over 15 years of volunteering for our schools gives Donna a thorough knowledge of how our schools at all grades really work. She also has the perspective to understand the areas in which our schools excel in preparing our children for their future and where our schools need improvement.
Donna supports improved educational opportunities for all students, including a gifted and talented program in all subject areas and open access to honors and AP classes.
She believes that all programs must have a clearly defined purpose, assessments built in from the beginning to determine effectiveness, an accounting of the full costs, and be aligned with long-term district goals.
Donna understands that fiscal responsibility means that we cannot have everything that we want. Donna will insist that decisions be made through a budget lens, and that less costly alternatives be explored.
Please join me on November 4 in voting for Donna Smith for Board of Education.
Andrea C. Marino
Maplewood NJ
