Arun Vadlamani

Seven candidates are vying for three seats on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education…

7 candidates are vying for 3 seats on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education in the Nov. 5 election. Here are their answers to our questions on the annual budget and process.

Union members marched to the Board of Education meeting on Thursday to “voice their outrage.” Village Green will post more updates soon.

Today, incumbents Dr. Qawi Telesford and Arun Vadlamani filed to run along with Bethany Joseph, who will join their slate, and Paul Stephan, who announced his independent candidacy on July 17. Jeff Bennett, Bimal Kapadia and Deirdre Brown announced their slate and filed on Friday.

The three candidates will be running together on a slate, per the Essex County Clerk’s Office. Election day is November 5.

BOE members discussed “an atmosphere of fear” and the need for stability — as well as the opportunities inherent in hiring new personnel.

Dir. of Access & Equity said the district was rethinking curriculum, including new resources so diverse families “can see themselves in the curriculum.” 

On Feb. 29, District officials said the Ritzer Field project could not be severed from the bond resolution; but now the “ask” is broken out into four project numbers.

“I see a board eager to collaborate, find common ground, and work together for the benefit of our students. As your president, I’ll actively cultivate this spirit of cooperation.” — BOE President Dr. Qawi Telesford

1st, 3rd and 5th graders to be screened for what Director of Curriculum calls “the beginning of an exciting journey for our gifted and talented services, with the goal of nurturing the full spectrum of student potential.”