header_fwtitle ) { $css_title .= 'font-weight:' . esc_attr( $pheader_fwtitle ) . ';'; } if ( $pheader_title_color ) { $css_title .= 'color:' . esc_attr( $pheader_title_color ) . ';'; } if ( $css_title ) { echo '.penci-page-header-wrap .penci-page-header-title {' . $css_title . '}'; } if ( $pheader_line_color ) { echo '.penci-page-header-wrap .penci-page-header-title:before{ border-color: ' . esc_attr( $pheader_line_color ) . '; opacity: 1; }'; } if ( $pheader_bread_fsize ) { echo '.penci-page-header-wrap .container.penci-breadcrumb span, .penci-page-header-wrap .container.penci-breadcrumb a, .penci-page-header-wrap .container.penci-breadcrumb i{ font-size:' . esc_attr( $pheader_bread_fsize ) . 'px; }'; } if ( $pheader_bread_color ) { echo '.penci-page-header-wrap .container.penci-breadcrumb span, .penci-page-header-wrap .container.penci-breadcrumb a,.penci-page-header-wrap .container.penci-breadcrumb i{ color:' . esc_attr( $pheader_bread_color ) . '; }'; } if ( $pheader_bread_hcolor ) { echo '.penci-page-header-wrap .container.penci-breadcrumb a:hover{ color:' . $pheader_bread_hcolor . '; }'; } if ( $pheader_bgimg ) { echo '.penci-page-header-wrap{ background-image: url(' . esc_attr( $pheader_bgimg ) . '); }'; } if ( $pheader_bgcolor ) { echo '.penci-page-header-wrap{ background-color:' . esc_attr( $pheader_bgcolor ) . '; }'; } } endif; Chris Sabin Archives - The Village Green https://villagegreennj.com/tag/chris-sabin/ of Maplewood and South Orange Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:18:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://villagegreennj.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/vg-fav-1.png Chris Sabin Archives - The Village Green https://villagegreennj.com/tag/chris-sabin/ 32 32 ‘I Am You’ by CHS Grad & Artist Tatum Sabin Opens at SOPAC Loft Feb. 5 https://villagegreennj.com/arts/i-am-you-by-chs-grad-artist-tatum-sabin-opens-at-sopac-loft-feb-5/ Tue, 03 Feb 2026 22:56:34 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=159615

In celebration of Black History Month and the beginning of Women’s History Month, Columbia…

The post ‘I Am You’ by CHS Grad & Artist Tatum Sabin Opens at SOPAC Loft Feb. 5 appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

In celebration of Black History Month and the beginning of Women’s History Month, Columbia High School graduate and current Howard University student Tatum Anouk Sabin will present her latest body of work in the exhibition I AM YOU, featuring paintings created over the past two years that trace her artistic growth through bold color, expressive mark-making, and layered materials that move fluidly between portraiture and abstraction.

The exhibition will be on view at the SOPAC Loft, 1 SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ, from February 5 through March 5, with an opening reception on February 5 at 6PM.

Tatum is a Surinamese‑American multidisciplinary artist and a graduate of Columbia High School. She often jokes that when people ask, “How long have you been an artist?” she can’t answer—because she doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t creating.

Her work explores community, joy, cultural connection, and sustainability, producing vibrant, layered compositions that combine organic forms, expressive color, and figurative motifs. Through her art, Tatum bridges personal narrative with collective experience, transforming everyday spaces into immersive environments that celebrate resilience, creativity, and Black cultural joy. In May 2026, she will graduate from Howard University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, further deepening her expertise in visual storytelling and multidisciplinary practice.

Tatum has exhibited her work in a variety of spaces, from galleries to community sites, both locally and internationally. Her solo exhibition Welcoming the Rain was shown at Axum Art Café in Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten, and her collaborative show We Ate the World took place at Lady Clipper Barbershop in Washington, D.C. Other exhibitions include Lumin’s Community Café and projects in New York, Washington D.C., and Amsterdam. Her work emphasizes community engagement, participatory creativity, and environmental consciousness, creating art that is visually striking, socially resonant, and invites viewers to reflect, connect, and celebrate shared cultural narratives.

The post ‘I Am You’ by CHS Grad & Artist Tatum Sabin Opens at SOPAC Loft Feb. 5 appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Rebranding CKO Maplewood as ‘House of Healing,’ Owner Takes Holistic Approach in the Gym https://villagegreennj.com/business/rebranding-cko-maplewood-as-house-of-healing-owner-takes-holistic-approach-in-the-gym/ Sun, 15 Dec 2024 19:42:52 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=107030

Among George Stills' goals with CKO Kickboxing is to impart to members the importance of both mental wellbeing and physical fitness in dealing with life's stressors.

The post Rebranding CKO Maplewood as ‘House of Healing,’ Owner Takes Holistic Approach in the Gym appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

When George Stills re-opened CKO Kickboxing in Maplewood in late 2023, he wanted to do more than kickboxing and workouts. He wanted to focus on the whole person — mind, body spirit. And on creating a healthier community beyond the gym.

And thus the “House of Healing” was born.

“If you walk in with the stress of life, whether that’s going through depression and anxiety or going through a divorce, we want you to be able to do some healing while you’re here and walk out feeling better,” Stills recently told The Village Green. “For some, this is like therapy.”

George Stills, owner of CKO Kickboxing, in Maplewood, also referred to as The House of Healing. (Photo by Laura Griffin)

Long before he owned a franchise, Stills said, he was involved in CKO Kickboxing, having first become a member in 2008 in West New York, N.J.

“I was really drawn to the energy of the place,” Stills said. He moved to West Orange in 2014 and discovered CKO Maplewood, owned at that time by Tara Connell. Before long, Connell hired Stills as a trainer. After buying the business at 1933 Springfield Avenue from Connell, he said, he “had to put my stamp on it.”

RELATED: SOMA Women in Business: Tara Connell, CKO Maplewood 

According to Stills, CKO Maplewood has a diverse community of about 200 members. One of them, Chris Sabin, has been a member since 2015 and has worked out with Stills through the years, always admiring his dedication and consistency.  

“I’ve watched George take over a business that was already doing well and elevate it to new heights,” Sabin told The Village Green. “His leadership and vision for CKO have made it not just a gym, but a true ‘House of Healing’ for so many in the community.”

In a video on CKO’s Instagram, Sabin, describes CKO as “a place to just make sure I can release some tension, and not just tension of day-to-day life; it’s therapy. And specifically for Black men we don’t get a chance to talk about therapy, and I appreciate George and everything CKO is doing. … He lets everybody know it’s OK to have some pain, and it’s OK to be able to stress and get it out.”

An image from CKO Maplewood’s Instagram page @ckomaplewood.

Another of Stills’ goals with the House of Healing is also to be an active member of the community, hosting or participating in events that help organizations such as MEND (Meeting Essential Needs with Dignity) and the Community Coalition on Race (CCR) or WILO, which provides housing, recreation and life skills for adults with disabilities. He also started a GoFundMe to raise money for food people facing food insecurity in the community.

Still, CKO Maplewood is also his business, and Stills said he wakes up every morning at 3 a.m. for some quality time and stretching before getting to the gym at 5 a.m. He often doesn’t leave until the last class is over at 8 p.m. There are classes seven days a week, a camp for kids in the summer and CKO is now open for events such as kids’ birthday parties, fundraisers or nights out.

“His 5:45 a.m. classes are unmatched,” Sabin said. “The energy is incredible, and his music is so eclectic. From country to funk, to old-school R&B and everything in between, you never know what you’ll get — but it’s always the perfect vibe. Honestly, he’s quietly a DJ masquerading as an instructor/owner during those sessions.”

CKO Owner George Stills points to a mural created for the House of Healing: “I am obsessed with offering solutions for physical health, mental wellbeing, healing the whole person and being tuned to life’s harmony.” (Photo by Laura Griffin)

A mural on the wall of the children’s play area of the gym, was created from an idea from his 12-year-old daughter and spells out the tenants of the House of Healing: laughter, peace, calm. healing, spirit, energy, strength, radiant health, confidence and focus.

Stills calls his members “‘CKO Warriors,’ because to me, life is a battle every day. It’s not just the people who walk in the door that we’re reaching. When they walk out feeling better, they infect their network with that spirit and make others feel good.”

For Regina McLeod, who said she has been a CKO Warrior for about a year now, this is the first time she has fully committed to going to a gym and exercising regularly.  

“I still don’t love exercise, but I love when I’ve done it. George has a way of making you value the exercise and yourself,” McLeod said, describing the CKO community as “family.” “If you’re feeling down when you come in, you’re not going to leave that way.”

George Stills, owner of CKO Kickboxing, Maplewood.

The post Rebranding CKO Maplewood as ‘House of Healing,’ Owner Takes Holistic Approach in the Gym appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> LETTER: Maini & Sabin Endorse Telesford, Vadlamani & Joseph for BOE https://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/letter-maini-sabin-endorse-telesford-vadlamani-joseph-for-boe/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:27:08 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=105202

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

The post LETTER: Maini & Sabin Endorse Telesford, Vadlamani & Joseph for BOE appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Seven candidates are vying for three seats on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education in the Nov. 5, 2024 election. Village Green invites voters to submit Letters to the Editors in support of candidates. See guidelines below.

 

Dear SOMA,

As former school board members, serving from 2016 to 2021 (Annemarie Maini) and 2016 to 2018, 2021 (Chris Sabin), we have seen firsthand what it takes to lead our district. We also share a deep connection to Columbia High School—our now young adults graduated from Columbia, and Chris is a proud alumnus as well. That’s why we wholeheartedly endorse Qawi Telesford, Arun Vadlamani, and Bethany Joseph for the school board.

Qawi’s resilience, having been told he couldn’t do math at Columbia High and now holding a PhD in physics, speaks to his determination and belief in the potential of every student. Arun has demonstrated steady leadership during his three years on the Board of Ed, and Bethany’s commitment to the community as a Director on the YMCA board and a strong advocate for inclusion makes her a vital voice. All three have demonstrated calm and competent board leadership abilities.

Both Arun and Bethany have children in the district currently, as well as recent graduates, giving them personal and broad experience with our schools over the years. Their perspective as parents has given them insight into both the best our district has to offer and where it still falls short.

At a time when we have a new superintendent and new leadership, it’s more important than ever to have a stable, experienced school board that can provide continuity and support. Real change takes time, and to achieve lasting improvements, we need leaders who are dedicated to creating a cohesive and collaborative environment. Qawi, Arun, and Bethany bring that level of commitment and vision.

These three embody the leadership, community engagement, and compassion needed for our students, teachers, and school administration to thrive. We urge you to vote for Qawi Telesford, Arun Vadlamani, and Bethany Joseph (ballot positions 5, 6 and 7) to ensure continued progress and a strong, stable future for our district.

Sincerely,

Annemarie Maini, SOMSD Board of Education 2016 – 2021

Chris Sabin, SOMSD Board of Education 2016 – 2018, 2021

 

Letters to the Editors guidelines: Village Green publishes Letters to the Editors in support of candidates. Publishing these letters is at the discretion of the editors. We do not publish letters attacking competing candidates or any person. We aim to publish as many letters as we receive; however, if there is a large volume of letters and they are received late in the race, we cannot guarantee that they will be posted. Letters to the Editors can be submitted to villagegreennj@gmail.com. Please send as a Word or Google document, not as a PDF. Letter writers should provide their name and place of residence (town and state). The deadline for submitting a Letter to the Editor for the Fall 2024 election is Tuesday, October 29, at 5 p.m.

The post LETTER: Maini & Sabin Endorse Telesford, Vadlamani & Joseph for BOE appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Crawford ‘Ed’ Sabin, 93, Pillar of His Family & Community https://villagegreennj.com/obituaries/crawford-ed-sabin-93-pillar-of-his-family-community/ Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:08:19 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=100876

He was a proud patriarch of his family, affectionately known as "Uncle Eddie" to his nieces, nephews, and extended relatives; a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose light will continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who knew him.

The post Crawford ‘Ed’ Sabin, 93, Pillar of His Family & Community appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

From the Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home:

Crawford “Ed” Sabin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and pillar of his community, passed away on April 8, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on May 3, 1930, in Manhattan, New York, Ed was the cherished son of Elizabeth and Edward Sabin, hailing from the vibrant heritage of Dominica. He brought light, love, and laughter into the lives of all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and unwavering devotion.

Growing up in the diverse neighborhoods of Harlem and Brooklyn, Ed was surrounded by the rich tapestry of New York City life. From an early age, he embodied the spirit of determination and generosity, assuming the role of caretaker and protector for his mother and sisters, Sylvia, and Florence. Their Dominican roots instilled in Ed a deep sense of pride and cultural appreciation, reflected in his fluency in French, Patois, and later German, a testament to his thirst for knowledge and connection with others. Education was paramount in Ed’s life, guiding him on a path of intellectual curiosity and academic achievement.

He attended Our Lady Queen of Angels School in Harlem, where he laid the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. His journey continued at Bronx Science, where he graduated in 1948, followed by Brooklyn College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1952. Ed’s pursuit of knowledge knew no bounds, leading him to NYU, where he obtained his PhD in Physics, a testament to his dedication and perseverance. In 1951, Ed answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Military. As a member of the Air Force flight squadron, he bravely served during the Korean War, stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge in 1955. Ed’s military service instilled in him a profound sense of duty, honor, and camaraderie, values that would guide him throughout his life.

Following his military service, Ed embarked on a distinguished career as a cardiovascular pharmacologist, dedicating over three decades to groundbreaking research and innovation. His work at Schering-Plough Pharmaceutical Company, later becoming Merck, for 36 years, cemented his reputation as a leader in the field, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers.

Ed and Sabarah

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed was a devoted family man, finding joy and fulfillment in the love and laughter of his beloved wife, Sabarah. Their love story was one of true devotion, spanning over six decades and weathering life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience. From their first date, in July 1959, to their magical wedding on a cold winter day in January 1960, Ed and Sabarah’s love was a beacon of light, inspiring all who knew them.

In the summer of 1959, Ed and Sabarah were introduced to Martha’s Vineyard. There, they fell in love again, with The Vineyard, which would become their second home.

Ed’s love for sports was legendary, rooted in his childhood experiences playing stickball with Tito Puente during the Harlem Renaissance. He was a die-hard Brooklyn Dodgers fan, drawn to the spirit of Jackie Robinson and the team’s historic legacy. Over the years, Ed’s allegiance shifted from the Yankees and later the Mets, but his passion for the game remained unwavering. His involvement in sports extended beyond the sidelines, as Ed coached his sister-in-law, Jackie, to the track and field Olympic trials and influenced countless others to pursue their athletic dreams. Whether cheering from the stands or providing guidance and support to young athletes, Ed’s passion for sports was infectious, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

In addition to his love for sports, Ed had a deep appreciation for jazz music, cultivated during his formative years in Harlem. Growing up, he was an active member of the Catholic Church community, serving as an altar boy and contributing to various charitable endeavors. Ed’s commitment to service extended to organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and United States Track and Field, (USATF), where he volunteered his time and expertise to support aspiring athletes and promote youth development. Throughout his life, Ed remained deeply connected to his roots, cherishing the memories of his upbringing in Harlem and Brooklyn.

In 1972, Ed and Sabarah moved to Maplewood, New Jersey, where there were considerable opportunities for them to raise Chris and Leslie, in a promising community. They were one of the original “Brooklyn-West” couples to move to the suburbs of New Jersey. They shaped their family and established their home in Maplewood, where the door was always open. Ed actively participated in Chris and Leslie’s lives, from Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, and Indian Princesses to their sporting events like basketball and track and field.  You could always hear him cheering from the stands and at times giving critiques, not just to Chris and Leslie, but to their teammates.

His Maplewood home was a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality, where friends and family were always welcome, and expected to stay over…laughter echoed through the house. Ed’s greatest joy in life was his grandchildren, Thaddeus, Quincy, and Tatum, whom he adored with all his heart. From picking up at school to attending their sporting events, he was a constant presence in their lives, offering unwavering support and unconditional love. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his grandchildren, a testament to the enduring bonds of family and the power of love to transcend time and space. We cannot forget his precious four-legged friend, Ginger, who was also the love of his life, whose tail would wag uncontrollably whenever he walked into a room.

He was a proud patriarch of his family, affectionately known as “Uncle Eddie” to his nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. In memory of Crawford “Ed” Sabin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose light will continue to shine bright in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crawford and Sabarah Memorial Scholarship Fund, which can be made through the chssf.org website (indicate that it is for the Sabin Memorial).

Visitation

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home
2122 Millburn Avenue
Maplewood, New Jersey, United States

Funeral Service

12:00 pm
The Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home
2122 Millburn Avenue
Maplewood, New Jersey, United States

The post Crawford ‘Ed’ Sabin, 93, Pillar of His Family & Community appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Maplewood’s Chris Sabin Is Newark Symphony Hall’s 1st Director of Comms & Social Impact https://villagegreennj.com/arts/maplewoods-chris-sabin-is-newark-symphony-halls-1st-director-of-comms-social-impact/ Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:57:39 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=86540

Former South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education member Chris Sabin was recently named the first-ever…

The post Maplewood’s Chris Sabin Is Newark Symphony Hall’s 1st Director of Comms & Social Impact appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Former South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education member Chris Sabin was recently named the first-ever Director of Communications and Social Impact for Newark Symphony Hall. Read more here:

NEWARK, N.J. — February 7, 2022 – Newark Symphony Hall, New Jersey’s largest Black-led arts and entertainment venue, announced today the hiring of Chris Sabin as its first director of communications and social impact. Sabin brings with him over two decades of experience engaging people and advocating for better outcomes. His experience includes management roles at MTV Networks, UWG and Prime Access. Most recently, Sabin served as an independent marketing, events and talent consultant for clients including the NAACP for its Leadership Summit, National Convention and Image Awards.  

Chris Sabin, Director of Communications and Social Impact, Newark Symphony Hall

“Chris’ vast knowledge and understanding of marketing communications, social engagement and community development are a welcomed addition to Newark Symphony Hall,” said Taneshia Nash Laird, Newark Symphony Hall’s president and CEO. “We’re excited to see how he will harness the Hall’s value proposition and forge strategic partnerships across the city and region.” 

In his new role, Sabin will lead a team focused on developing and managing a community engagement program for Newark Symphony Hall. Sabin’s department will also focus on promoting the venue’s programming and producing public events, as well as overseeing Newark Symphony Hall’s job training and placement program, Symphony Works, including program content development and management of the overall promotion of workforce development activities. 

“It’s a great time to be joining this important historic landmark institution in New Jersey’s largest city,” said Sabin. “It’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to create engaging partnerships and doing it not far from my home in South Orange.” 

Sabin received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Maryland, College Park, and has served his community as an elected and appointed school board member for the Maplewood-South Orange Board of Education. He serves on the board for the Foundation for Diabetic Research and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. 

Sabin is the second senior-level executive to join Newark Symphony Hall’s leadership team this year. Just last month, Newark Symphony Hall announced Mack Graham as director of development, a role funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.  

About Newark Symphony Hall 

Born in 1925, Newark Symphony Hall (NSH) has been home to nearly a century of arts and culture in what is one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest arts and entertainment venues. NSH remains as committed as ever to providing an artistically rich experience for art lovers of all ages, while creating career pathways for people of color from around the world and bettering both its community and Greater Newark. For more information, visit: NewarkSymphonyHall.org. 

The post Maplewood’s Chris Sabin Is Newark Symphony Hall’s 1st Director of Comms & Social Impact appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> South Orange-Maplewood Curriculum & Instruction ‘Board of the Whole’ Struggles With Transparency https://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/new-south-orange-maplewood-curriculum-instruction-board-of-the-whole-struggles-with-transparency/ Thu, 11 Nov 2021 23:04:14 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=83645

Want to know what is happening in your community? WE MAKE IT EASY! Try…

The post South Orange-Maplewood Curriculum & Instruction ‘Board of the Whole’ Struggles With Transparency appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Want to know what is happening in your community?
WE MAKE IT EASY!

Try a subscription today, and you’ll get full access to The Village Green and experience the best local news coverage around.

If you are a current subscriber Please login to continue reading.

Choose Your Plan:

The post South Orange-Maplewood Curriculum & Instruction ‘Board of the Whole’ Struggles With Transparency appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> South Orange-Maplewood Board of Ed Appoints Former Member Chris Sabin to Fill Zubieta’s Seat https://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/south-orange-maplewood-board-of-ed-appoints-former-member-chris-sabin-to-fill-zubietas-seat/ Tue, 13 Jul 2021 01:52:31 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=82865

Chris SabinWant to know what is happening in your community? WE MAKE IT EASY! Try…

The post South Orange-Maplewood Board of Ed Appoints Former Member Chris Sabin to Fill Zubieta’s Seat appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Chris Sabin

Want to know what is happening in your community?
WE MAKE IT EASY!

Try a subscription today, and you’ll get full access to The Village Green and experience the best local news coverage around.

If you are a current subscriber Please login to continue reading.

Choose Your Plan:

The post South Orange-Maplewood Board of Ed Appoints Former Member Chris Sabin to Fill Zubieta’s Seat appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> 5 Candidates Apply to Fill South Orange-Maplewood BOE Vacant Seat; Appointment to be Made July 12 https://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/5-candidates-apply-to-fill-south-orange-maplewood-boe-vacant-seat-appointment-to-be-made-july-12/ Mon, 12 Jul 2021 18:38:16 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=82861

From South Orange & Maplewood School District: The South Orange & Maplewood School District’s…

The post 5 Candidates Apply to Fill South Orange-Maplewood BOE Vacant Seat; Appointment to be Made July 12 appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

From South Orange & Maplewood School District:

The South Orange & Maplewood School District’s Board of Education will meet in a Special Public Meeting tonight, Monday, July 12, 2021, at 6:30 pm to interview five candidates and appoint a member to fill the vacant Board position that was left open due to the resignation of a board member at the end of May 2021. 

Five community members submitted materials which included a letter of interest, resume and other supporting documents, by the July 7 deadline, to be considered for appointment.  The five candidates are:

  • Anthony Mazzocchi 
  • Chris Sabin 
  • Qawi Telesford
  • Arun Vadlamani
  • Kaitlin Wittleder

All applicants will be provided the opportunity to make a five-minute statement that elaborates on the letter and resume; reasons for wanting to serve, qualifications, and areas of priority. The Board will follow-up with any questions. After all statements and questions are concluded, the Board will adjourn to executive session to deliberate.  After returning from executive session, the Board will make nominations to fill the position and then vote to appoint one of the candidates. The candidate with a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board will immediately take the oath of office and be seated. The process for filling a vacancy differs from a typical school board election. The person appointed by the Board will become a full member of the Board and serve in that position until the next reorganization meeting in January 2022.

Tonight’s meeting will be hybrid, and will take place in person in the District Meeting Room, 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ, as well as using the online video conference platform, which will include hearing of individuals and delegations, to interview candidates for the vacant Board member position.  If there are members of the community who would like to attend the meeting in person, please note that masks and social distancing are recommended in accordance with the guidance received from the local DOH.

Information including the agenda and ways to join tonight’s BOE meeting can be found here.

 

The post 5 Candidates Apply to Fill South Orange-Maplewood BOE Vacant Seat; Appointment to be Made July 12 appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Hilton, Haskins and Brown Announce Candidacy for South Orange Village Trustees https://villagegreennj.com/election/hilton-haskins-and-brown-announce-candidacy-for-south-orange-village-trustees/ Sat, 23 Jan 2021 03:03:46 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=78282

Portrait of Karen Hartshorn Hilton, Bill Haskins and Braynard 'Bobby' BrownFrom the campaign for Karen Hartshorn Hilton, Bill Haskins, and Bobby Brown: DRIVEN, DEVOTED…

The post Hilton, Haskins and Brown Announce Candidacy for South Orange Village Trustees appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Portrait of Karen Hartshorn Hilton, Bill Haskins and Braynard 'Bobby' Brown

From the campaign for Karen Hartshorn Hilton, Bill Haskins, and Bobby Brown:

DRIVEN, DEVOTED & DEPENDABLE

Proud South Orange residents and civic leaders, Karen Hartshorn Hilton, Bill Haskins, and Bobby Brown have teamed up to run for the South Orange Board of Trustees. The election for the Local governing Board of Trustees will be held on May 11th, 2021.

Aligned in their commitment to community service and their strong family values, the team has chosen to combine efforts for a better South Orange. The trio offers a diverse roster of professional experience, covering government, non-profit, project management, real estate, law, sports, and finance. As parents of children ranging from Elementary through High School, they are uniquely invested in the betterment of the SOMA School District for kids of all ages and backgrounds.

Hilton, Haskins, and Brown will continue to work diligently in their roles on the Board of Trustees, Environmental Commission, and Community Police Collaborative. Looking forward, they will continue to build on their work to innovate and bolster our local library, encourage and exercise fiscal discipline in regards to Village finances, foster and advance equity within our community’s race relations, and rectify and protect our green infrastructure and open spaces.

They ask residents to support their efforts to make South Orange a SMARTER, GREENER, and MORE UNITED place to live and to thrive. And most importantly, to vote for SO 2021: HILTON, HASKINS, BROWN on May 11th, 2021.

They are joined by a campaign team of experienced and dedicated South Orange residents that includes Patricia Canning as Campaign Manager, Chris Sabin as Campaign Treasurer and Linda Beck as Communications Director.

Portrait of Karen Hartshorn Hilton, Bill Haskins and Braynard 'Bobby' Brown

Karen Hartshorn Hilton, Bill Haskins and Braynard ‘Bobby’ Brown have teamed up to run for the South Orange Village Board of Trustees.

About the Candidates:

Karen Hartshorn Hilton has worked her entire adult life to make communities stronger, both as a professional in the government and nonprofit spheres, and as a community volunteer and leader. She is a South Orange Village Trustee, currently seeking a second term.

As a Trustee, Karen currently chairs the Finance Committee and serves on the Recreation and Public Works Committee. She is liaison to the Public Library, the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee and the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee. Karen also is a member of the Management Committee of the SOMA Two Towns for All Ages and assists on issues related to the environment, historic preservation and recycling. She previously Chaired the Recreation Committee and served as liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Arts Advisory Committee.

Karen co-founded the Foundation for the South Orange Public Library to enhance the library experience for all patrons. Karen has a masters Degree in Public Administration and has worked for numerous government agencies in MA and non-profits in the NY/NJ area. Karen received the SO Rotary Club’s Service above Self award and was awarded the Villager of the Month award. Karen is a long-time volunteer and leader with several Junior League branches where she trained women to be effective volunteers in their communities and provided direct service and fundraising leadership to enhance countless lives of women and children. Karen was an active volunteer in the Marshall and Jefferson elementary schools in South Orange and served as president of the Home and School Association of South Orange Middle School.

She and her husband Jim have lived in South Orange for 25 years and have been married for 28 years. Together they have raised four marvelous children in South Orange.

Karen Hartshorn Hilton is currently running for a second term for Village Trustee in South Orange where she hopes to apply her knowledge of and experience with organizational leadership to village governance and affairs.

“Serving as a Trustee has been the job of a lifetime, and I am looking forward to running with the experienced and wise team of Bill Haskins and Bobby Brown. The three of us will work collaboratively to further enhance the effective and efficient governing of South Orange Village” says Trustee Hilton.

Bill Haskins has been the Chair of the South Orange Environmental Commission and Green Team for the past 3 years leading a diverse and talented group working on a wide variety of environmental issues and projects in South Orange. He is very proud of the team’s work on South Orange’s Reusable Bag Ordinance, our Street and Park Tree Inventory, and writing, winning, and executing numerous grant projects.

Bill and the Green Team have developed a long-standing collaboration with Seton Hall, working on the South Orange Tree Inventory, invasive plant removal and clean ups. He’s always looking for ways to connect “Town and Gown” and involve the Pirates in civic service.

He has also volunteered to help many other New Jersey environmental groups including South Mountain Conservancy, SOMA Action Climate, 350NJ, and Friends of the Great Swamp to name a few.

Bill and Molly moved from Manhattan to South Orange 15 years ago seeking trees and open space. Bill commutes to NYC working as a Project Manager on bespoke renovations of historic townhouses and park-view penthouses. Their daughter, Abby, is a sophomore at Columbia High School. They happily live in Academy Heights, but you’ll often find Bill in South Orange’s parks; planting trees with the Green Team, looking for the 122nd unique species of bird at Waterlands, meeting friends at Floods Hill for a run, or just reading Walden by our pond.

“As Trustee, I will work to put environmental stewardship on the agenda and bring an environmental ethic to every issue,” says Bill Haskins.

Braynard “Bobby” Brown has been a proud resident of South Orange, NJ, since 2008.

While Bobby is a lawyer, finance professional, and former college and NFL football player, he prides himself most on being a proud father to his two sons (10 and 8 years old). Bobby is currently the committee chairperson of the South Orange Community Police Collaborative, which advises the South Orange Village Board of Trustees on matters relating to its oversight of the South Orange Police Department. Bobby also coaches youth sports and mentors young student-athletes locally at the South Mountain YMCA. Raised by an educator, Bobby uses the lessons his mom taught him to challenge his own sons and the student-athletes he mentors to build bridges of opportunity through their scholastic excellence. Bobby is running for office in hopes to influence South Orange in ways that will make it a healthy, vibrant, and equitable place to live for our current residents, our kids, and our kids’ kids.

“As Trustee, I will lead South Orange in a direction that will make it a healthier, more vibrant and more equitable place for us all,” says Bobby Brown.

More information about this campaign can be found at www.HHBSO2021.com. And on Instagram and Facebook at @HHBSO2021.

The post Hilton, Haskins and Brown Announce Candidacy for South Orange Village Trustees appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Chris Sabin Endorses Sheena Collum for South Orange Village President https://villagegreennj.com/election/chris-sabin-endorses-sheena-collum-for-south-orange-village-president/ Mon, 13 May 2019 03:04:38 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=62330

Want to know what is happening in your community? WE MAKE IT EASY! Try…

The post Chris Sabin Endorses Sheena Collum for South Orange Village President appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Want to know what is happening in your community?
WE MAKE IT EASY!

Try a subscription today, and you’ll get full access to The Village Green and experience the best local news coverage around.

If you are a current subscriber Please login to continue reading.

Choose Your Plan:

The post Chris Sabin Endorses Sheena Collum for South Orange Village President appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Scholarships Available for CHS Seniors & Graduates — Deadline April 16 https://villagegreennj.com/free/scholarships-available-for-chs-seniors-graduates/ Sun, 10 Mar 2019 23:23:51 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=60745

Want to know what is happening in your community? WE MAKE IT EASY! Try…

The post Scholarships Available for CHS Seniors & Graduates — Deadline April 16 appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Want to know what is happening in your community?
WE MAKE IT EASY!

Try a subscription today, and you’ll get full access to The Village Green and experience the best local news coverage around.

If you are a current subscriber Please login to continue reading.

Choose Your Plan:

The post Scholarships Available for CHS Seniors & Graduates — Deadline April 16 appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> South Orange-Maplewood BOE Goodbyes: Pai & Sabin Exit, Baker Not Seeking Board Presidency for 2019 https://villagegreennj.com/towns/maplewood/south-orange-maplewood-boe-goodbyes-pai-sabin-exit-baker-not-seeking-board-presidency-for-2019/ Tue, 18 Dec 2018 03:08:40 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=58649

Want to know what is happening in your community? WE MAKE IT EASY! Try…

The post South Orange-Maplewood BOE Goodbyes: Pai & Sabin Exit, Baker Not Seeking Board Presidency for 2019 appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Want to know what is happening in your community?
WE MAKE IT EASY!

Try a subscription today, and you’ll get full access to The Village Green and experience the best local news coverage around.

If you are a current subscriber Please login to continue reading.

Choose Your Plan:

The post South Orange-Maplewood BOE Goodbyes: Pai & Sabin Exit, Baker Not Seeking Board Presidency for 2019 appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> South Orange-Maplewood BOE Candidates Respond to ‘Who’s Your Campaign Manager?’ Question https://villagegreennj.com/election/south-orange-maplewood-boe-candidates-respond-to-whos-your-campaign-manager-question/ Wed, 10 Oct 2018 23:08:51 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=52917

Want to know what is happening in your community? WE MAKE IT EASY! Try…

The post South Orange-Maplewood BOE Candidates Respond to ‘Who’s Your Campaign Manager?’ Question appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Want to know what is happening in your community?
WE MAKE IT EASY!

Try a subscription today, and you’ll get full access to The Village Green and experience the best local news coverage around.

If you are a current subscriber Please login to continue reading.

Choose Your Plan:

The post South Orange-Maplewood BOE Candidates Respond to ‘Who’s Your Campaign Manager?’ Question appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> With Board of Ed Filing Deadline on Monday, Only One Candidate Has Filed So Far https://villagegreennj.com/towns/maplewood/with-board-of-ed-filing-deadline-on-monday-only-one-candidate-has-filed-so-far/ Fri, 27 Jul 2018 17:19:49 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=55294

Want to know what is happening in your community? WE MAKE IT EASY! Try…

The post With Board of Ed Filing Deadline on Monday, Only One Candidate Has Filed So Far appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Want to know what is happening in your community?
WE MAKE IT EASY!

Try a subscription today, and you’ll get full access to The Village Green and experience the best local news coverage around.

If you are a current subscriber Please login to continue reading.

Choose Your Plan:

The post With Board of Ed Filing Deadline on Monday, Only One Candidate Has Filed So Far appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Board of Ed Approves New Seth Boyden Choice Resolution, Discusses Gentrification & Desegregation https://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/board-ed-approves-new-seth-boyden-choice-resolution-discusses-gentrification-desegregation/ Wed, 31 Jan 2018 17:04:59 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=49571

Want to know what is happening in your community? WE MAKE IT EASY! Try…

The post Board of Ed Approves New Seth Boyden Choice Resolution, Discusses Gentrification & Desegregation appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Want to know what is happening in your community?
WE MAKE IT EASY!

Try a subscription today, and you’ll get full access to The Village Green and experience the best local news coverage around.

If you are a current subscriber Please login to continue reading.

Choose Your Plan:

The post Board of Ed Approves New Seth Boyden Choice Resolution, Discusses Gentrification & Desegregation appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Board of Ed Members Express Frustration With PARCC Results Re: Achievement Gap https://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/board-ed-members-express-frustration-parcc-results-re-achievement-gap/ Mon, 25 Sep 2017 20:01:33 +0000 https://villagegreennj.com/?p=45472

Want to know what is happening in your community? WE MAKE IT EASY! Try…

The post Board of Ed Members Express Frustration With PARCC Results Re: Achievement Gap appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

Want to know what is happening in your community?
WE MAKE IT EASY!

Try a subscription today, and you’ll get full access to The Village Green and experience the best local news coverage around.

If you are a current subscriber Please login to continue reading.

Choose Your Plan:

The post Board of Ed Members Express Frustration With PARCC Results Re: Achievement Gap appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Who Deserves Your Vote for South Orange-Maplewood Board of Ed? https://villagegreennj.com/election/deserves-vote-south-orange-maplewood-board-ed/ Tue, 08 Nov 2016 01:08:47 +0000 http://villagegreennj.com/?p=33949

  It’s that time of year, when the Village Green editors get stopped in…

The post Who Deserves Your Vote for South Orange-Maplewood Board of Ed? appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

 

It’s that time of year, when the Village Green editors get stopped in the grocery stores, coffee shops, parking lots and on the sidewalks of South Orange and Maplewood and get asked:

“Who should I vote for?”

Sorry, we’re not going to tell who should get your vote, but we do want to provide you with the information to figure it out.

There are five candidates vying for three spots on nine-member South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education this year (last year there were NINE, so hey, the choice should be a little easier). The candidates (in alphabetic order) are: Susie Adamson, James Davis III, Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad, Anthony J. Mazzocchi and Johanna Wright.

Susie Adamson

Susie Adamson

Susie Adamson

Susie Adamson is running for the first time for the Board of Education. She is known for her ability to “find ways to reach consensus and move forward” as well as “build community” at Seth Boyden Demonstration School where she served as President of the PTA. Later, Adamson served on the Presidents’ Council, which represents PTAs across the district. As former Seth Boyden PTA Vice President Tia Swanson wrote in a letter of support for Adamson, “Without fail, [Susie] has been a force for progress and a voice of reason and compassion.” In her candidate statement, Adamson wrote, “I strongly believe that our challenges are not as simple as a couple of hot button issues like leveling and taxes, and the solutions to those challenges are not simple ‘either/or’ solutions.”

You can read Susie Adamson’s Candidate Statement here.

Find letters of support for Susie Adamson here: Swanson, Smilow, Bugg-Levine, Latz, Lindstrom, The Glynns, Tuohy, Shaffron, Clyburn, Maini, Baker, Donoghue, Cancellaro, and 15 Seth Boyden teachers and staff members.

James Davis III

James Davis III

James Davis III is running for the first time for Board of Ed. He is running with Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad. A regulatory attorney by day, Board member Chris Sabin wrote in a letter of support that Davis “brings a unique set of skills around negotiation, collaboration, and leadership that will benefit our district immensely.” Davis wrote that he is running with Lawson-Muhammad “because we share a passion and commitment to successful outcomes for children, a sincere concern about the current state of our schools and a strong belief that our district can do better.”

See Davis’ full Candidate Statement here.

Find letter of support for James Davis here: Smilow, Donoghue, Latz, Maini, Sabin, Minor, Baker, Houseworth, Daugherty, Davenport, Spann, and Schwartz.

Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad

Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad

Lawson-Muhammad is running for her second term on the Board (with running mate James Davis). In her candidate statement she wrote, “Our candidacy is motivated by our desire to strengthen the Board in its support for the educational initiatives of Superintendent John Ramos, as our district strives to redefine itself through his recently-launched strategic planning process, and our belief that the district needs a stronger focus on ensuring the operational effectiveness of our schools.” In her endorsement of Lawson-Muhammad, former Board of Education President Beth Daugherty wrote, “I have served on the Board for over nine years, the last three with Stephanie and I know firsthand the insight she brings to serving the needs of all students.” Lawson-Muhammad is currently serving as the First Vice President of the Board.

See Lawson-Muhammad’s full candidate statement here.

Find letters of support for Lawson-Muhammad here: Smilow, Donoghue, Latz, Maini, Sabin, Minor, Baker, Houseworth, Daugherty, Davenport, Spann, and Schwartz.

Anthony Mazzocchi, former Director of Fine and Performing Arts for SOMSD, is running for Board of Education.

Anthony Mazzocchi, former Director of Fine and Performing Arts for SOMSD, is running for Board of Education.

Anthony Mazzocchi

Anthony (Tony) Mazzocchi is a product of the South Orange-Maplewood School District as well as a former administrator in the district (supervisor of Fine Arts, K-12). Currently, Mazzocchi runs the School of Music at Montclair State University and a summer music school in Vermont. Former Board of Ed member Jeff Bennet wrote the following about Mazzocchi in his endorsement letter: “Anthony’s experience as an administrator is particularly valuable because he understands better than anyone else what causes the gap success between the vision we have for something and its actual implementation.” In his candidate statement, Mazzocchi wrote, “It is my core belief that a curriculum rich in creative subjects and experiences pre-K through 12th grade for all students, when integrated in the core curriculum and taught as separate subject areas, lead to increased academic, social and functional skill development and knowledge.”

Read Mazzocchi’s full candidate statement here.

Find letters of support for Mazzocchi here: Freedson, Crohn, Da Silva, Campa, Thompson, Tunstall, and Bennett.

Johanna Wright

Johanna Wright

Johanna Wright

Johanna Wright is an incumbent, looking for her second three-year term on the Board of Education. As Wright supporter Malaney Hill pointed out in a recent letter of support, Wright is often on the lonely end of 8-1 votes by the nine-person board. Although Hill said some might view Wright as a contrarian, he cited her as a “welcome and necessary voice.” Wright, a former teacher and coach in the district, is known for speaking up for teachers and students. In fact, she has the endorsement of several current and former students. In her candidate statement, Wright wrote that she is “running for a second term because I want to continue advocating on behalf of concerned parents, our community and most importantly, our students.”

You can read Johanna Wright’s Candidate Statement here.

Find letters of support for Johanna Wright here: Hill, Saulean, Kambili, Alexis, and Etienne.

Further reading/videos/coverage:

Read all five candidates’ responses to questions from the Special Education Parents Advisory Committee here.

See video of the Candidates Forum moderated by Maplewood Mayor Vic DeLuca and South Orange Village President Sheena Collum here (or view below).

See video of the Candidates Forum moderated by the Hilton Neighborhood Associations here (or view below).

(Note: There is no video of the Coalition on Race Candidates Forum.)

Read coverage of the Candidates Forum moderated by the South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition on Race here.

Read coverage of the Hilton Neighborhood Association forum here.

Read coverage of the DeLuca/Collum-moderated forum here.

Video of the South Orange-Maplewood Cares About Schools forum with DeLuca & Collum:

HNA forum video:

The post Who Deserves Your Vote for South Orange-Maplewood Board of Ed? appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Letter: McGehee will Work with School District to Benefit Community https://villagegreennj.com/election/letter-mcgehee-will-work-school-district-benefit-community/ Sun, 30 Oct 2016 15:36:56 +0000 http://villagegreennj.com/?p=33633

To the Editor: We are writing to support Frank McGehee for Maplewood Township Committee…

The post Letter: McGehee will Work with School District to Benefit Community appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

To the Editor:

We are writing to support Frank McGehee for Maplewood Township Committee in this year’s general election on November 8.

As current school board members living in Maplewood we know firsthand how important it is to have thoughtful, hardworking and collaborative leaders on the Township Committee.

While our school district and our town government are separate governing bodies, we are one community. As one community, we must plan holistically and use our respective resources in a deliberate, coordinated manner.

Frank gets that. In his volunteer work, he has demonstrated the ability to bring stakeholders together — town, school district, community partners, and parents — identifying unmet needs for our youth and planning how each stakeholder group can bring its resources to the table. Frank knows that by working in coordination, we can maximize the impact of every dollar spent to strengthen our programs and ensure that Maplewood remains vibrant for decades to come.

But collaboration and coordination don’t just happen. We need skilled, collaborative leaders like Frank to make it happen.  Frank listens. He rolls up his sleeves and puts in the work, while incorporating the ideas of others. He combines his business acumen with a dedication to improving our community. Frank is a “long distance runner” for our town.

Please join us in electing Frank McGehee to the Maplewood Township Committee on November 8.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Baker & Chris Sabin
Maplewood

Elizabeth Baker and Chris Sabin are current members of the South Orange Maplewood Board of Education, but the views expressed are their own and not a statement on behalf of the Board.

The post Letter: McGehee will Work with School District to Benefit Community appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Sabin Endorses Davis, Lawson-Muhammad for Board of Education https://villagegreennj.com/election/sabin-endorses-davis-lawson-muhammad-board-education/ Tue, 18 Oct 2016 13:01:28 +0000 http://villagegreennj.com/?p=33038

  To the Editor: I’m writing to express my enthusiastic support for James H.…

The post Sabin Endorses Davis, Lawson-Muhammad for Board of Education appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

 

Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad and James Davis

Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad and James Davis

To the Editor:

I’m writing to express my enthusiastic support for James H. Davis III & Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad in their candidacy for the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education. The election is November 8. James and Stephanie bring extensive experience to the board at a critical moment for our district.

Having served on the board with Stephanie for the past year, I’ve been impressed by her grasp of the issues and her passion for ensuring the best possible educational experience for all our children. I admire Stephanie’s ability to bring clarity of thought and a voice of reason to the board’s deliberations, no matter how contentious the issue. If you’ve attended board meetings or watched them on TV, you know what I mean.

I’m thrilled that James has decided to run with Stephanie. I’ve known him since he moved to town in 2008. I was immediately impressed by his sharp mind and quick wit. James has four children who attend our schools. Many of you have probably seen him on the sidelines during soccer season, since he has coached (or assisted coaches) on all four of his kids’ soccer teams.

James is also a music lover, and he’s shared that passion with his children, all of whom are instrumentalists. So you may have seen him at music events, most recently helping out raising money for Achieve’s program to provide additional instruments to the district.

I think our district will benefit greatly from James’ passion for effective governance. He is a regulatory attorney with extensive experience in both government and business. He brings a unique set of skills around negotiation, collaboration, and leadership that will benefit our district immensely. After nearly a year on the Board, I have learned the importance of having people at the table who can listen effectively and forge agreement out of competing views. James is a person who can do that.

James H. Davis III and Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad are the sort of people we need on the Board of Education to help drive our district forward in the face of its many challenges. I encourage you to visit their website, www.boe2016.com, to learn more about their backgrounds and positions on the issues. And I hope you will join me in voting for James H. Davis III & Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad on November 8th.

Chris Sabin
Maplewood

 

 

 

 

The post Sabin Endorses Davis, Lawson-Muhammad for Board of Education appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> After Epic June Meeting, Board of Ed Discusses How to Make Meetings Shorter https://villagegreennj.com/towns/epic-public-speaks-marks-june-south-orange-maplewood-board-ed-meeting/ Mon, 18 Jul 2016 04:21:51 +0000 http://villagegreennj.com/?p=29100

  Board of Education meetings for the South Orange-Maplewood School District can run long…

The post After Epic June Meeting, Board of Ed Discusses How to Make Meetings Shorter appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

 

Rohan Pai is one of 39 to sign up for the first public speaks at the June 20 South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education meeting. Photo Anna Savittieri.

Rohan Pai is one of 39 to sign up for the first public speaks at the June 20 South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education meeting. Photo Anna Savittieri.

Board of Education meetings for the South Orange-Maplewood School District can run long — particularly as the school year grinds to an end.

The June 20 Board of Education meeting was no exception, marking the longest meeting in Superintendent Dr. John Ramos’ first year on the job. The meeting ran just past 1:15 a.m., beginning on Monday, June 20 but ending on Tuesday, June 21.

Although many have complained that Board of Ed meetings have run longer ever since the Board began meeting once a month rather than twice, a major contributor to the length of the June meeting was the fact that 39 people signed up for the first “Public Speaks,” which extended from 51 minutes into the meeting (scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.) to past 10:30 p.m.

The length of the meeting prompted a somewhat testy conversation among Board members in the closing moments of the meeting (scroll down for a recounting).

 

Not all 39 of those who signed up spoke — many ceded their time to other speakers so that those speakers could extend their messages beyond the three minutes allotted to individuals.

The speakers ranged in age, topic and seriousness.

Third grader Rohan Pai, the son of Board Member Madhu Pai, began with a serious message — saying that lunch aide workers at Jefferson School “do not know how to deal with kids and just yell at them” and had even grabbed him and a friend by their shirt collars. However, the younger Pai ended on a light note, asking his mother, “Can I stay up late?”

Three teachers spoke.

William Gaines, who is retiring after teaching social studies at Columbia High School for 29 years, spoke at length (15 minutes) as several speakers who were signed up ceded their time to him. Gaines took the district administration to task over what he saw as the lack of support for Black students and curriculum. Gaines noted that he taught the first African American Studies course in the district, but that now, 19 years later and as he retires, that course may be cut.

“We’re talking about equity and about access and we don’t even want students to discover who they are,” said Gaines. He also worried that “Columbia High School cannot educate black males,” but offered some hope is saying that he believed that the district administration, working with longtime teachers, could make progress, by harnessing the community’s “institutional memory.”

Danielle Perrotta, a 5th grade teacher at Tuscan school for the past eight years, also urged the board to utilize teachers. She noted that board members come and go, but “the educators are here to stay.” As a woman with ADHD, Perrotta said she was particularly passionate about Special Education and asked the Board for better and consistent training throughout the district, so she can better serve her students.

Hannah Edelman, a SOMSD teacher since 1978 and SOMEA representation (SOMEA is the union representing teachers and staff in the district), reminded the board that “in many cultures longevity is revered and considered an asset” but said that she felt disrespected since she was assigned five special education classes rather than five fine arts classes for the coming school year. She questioned whether the move was an attempt to push her into retirement.

Many community members spoke out about the necessity for maintaining a supervisor of fine arts position. Ramos announced that the district was seeking a candidate, but parents and students emphasized the importance of making the position permanent.

Parents also attended the meeting to advocate for retaining an accelerated English Language Arts course that had certain high-performing 8th graders taking 9th grade ELA (the “Middle School ELA Transformation, eliminating the course and instituting differentiated instruction for 8th grade ELA honors, was approved). Many parents questioned the practicality of teaching what they saw as two separate courses in one classroom.

The parents of a Marshall School student spoke about an incident in which their child was placed in a coat room for a lengthy amount of time by his teacher to be disciplined. Although the teacher had been removed from the classroom after the incident was discovered and had subsequently retired, the parents expressed their dissatisfaction with how the district had handled the situation and how it had communicated with them.

Additionally, a number of current and former students spoke, expressing their dissatisfaction with the district along with ways it could improve.

Justice Williams who graduated in 2015 addressed the potential hiring of a School Resource Officer at CHS (District Business Administrator Cheryl Schneider announced during the meeting that the district would not be hiring such an officer due to overwhelmingly negative feedback from a School Safety Meeting earlier in June).

Williams told the Board that “as a (black) student at Columbia, I was used to being profiled, I was used to being criminalized.” Williams was happy to hear that a SRO would not be hired for the coming year, and said that the district should never employ an officer in its schools.

Two current CHS students ended the public speaks component expressing that they do not believe one student board representative can represent the views of the entire student population and calling for a student committee and forum series.

Hours later, at 1:10 a.m. the topic of the lengthy public speaks was brought up by Board member Chris Sabin.

Said Sabin, “Can we at the next [meeting], can we try something different [regarding public speaks]? I don’t want to be here to 1 a.m….. Let’s just try it out.”

Board President Elizabeth Baker replied that she had  asked the Community, Engagement and Outreach Committee to “come back to us next month with recommendations as to how to improve both the efficacy of the public speaks and allow people to be heard but also not postponing the substantive discussion of the agenda.”

Sabin agreed, noting that many people were commenting on topics before presentations could be made explaining the topics. “Maybe we make the presentation first and make them listen to us,” said Sabin.

Baker replied, “I think there are some legal issues” and said that the Board was “grappling with what are the requirements, what are our options for breaking it up. We’ve previously grouped some public speaks by topic….”

Baker also noted that the CE&O Committee was looking into the practice of ceding time, noting that it was “not in the bylaws.”

At this point, Board member Johanna Wright brought up the topic of teachers who “have come to speak out at the Board meetings” being “called into the superintendent’s office.” Wright wanted to discuss contacting SOMEA representation “to make sure there wasn’t retaliation.” Wright then accused Baker of “rolling her eyes” at her.

Baker she she had not done so and retorted, “If there is any concern about retaliation against any member of the teaching staff I would ask them to submit to the Board of Education to be considered in advance and not just tossed out at 1:10 a.m. in the morning without any foundation.”

Board member Maureen Jones calmly interjected, “It’s been a long day for everyone,” as Baker called for the meeting to be adjourned.

The post After Epic June Meeting, Board of Ed Discusses How to Make Meetings Shorter appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> Middle School English Language Arts ‘Transformed’ With Vote to Abolish Acceleration, Create Differentiated Classrooms https://villagegreennj.com/schools-kids/middle-school-english-language-arts-transformed-vote-abolish-acceleration-create-differentiated-classrooms/ Tue, 21 Jun 2016 18:06:11 +0000 http://villagegreennj.com/?p=29061

A resolution to transform 8th grade English Language Arts in the South Orange-Maplewood School District…

The post Middle School English Language Arts ‘Transformed’ With Vote to Abolish Acceleration, Create Differentiated Classrooms appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

A resolution to transform 8th grade English Language Arts in the South Orange-Maplewood School District — abolishing an accelerated course that sent some high-performing 8th graders to a 9th grade ELA class at Columbia High School, and, instead, instituting differentiated instruction in 8th grade ELA — passed by a 6-3 vote of the Board of Education last night.

The move faced opposition from a number of parents who spoke at the meeting including Sabina Hack and Rusty Reeves.

Hack said she did have some “kudos” for the new ELA program but was concerned about “providing both curriculums in the same classroom,” saying it would place a “burden on teachers teaching two programs in one class.” Hack noted that the WIN period had been successful for remediation, “but not a win for all” — particularly students who could benefit from enrichment.

Hack’s husband Rusty Reeves decried the lack of data in the decision and said the new model “doesn’t serve students black or white.”

“We base our decision on speculation, ideology and bias,” said Reeves, who argued for what he felt would be a more rigorous model. “We still might have more white students in a class. So what?” (The district has been sued by the Office of Civil Rights over the racial makeup of higher level vs. lower level classes.)

But Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Ramos and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Susan Grierson were adamant in their defense of the changes.

Said Ramos, “Teachers suggested that the way we currently construct [ELA] creates problems as students move beyond 8th grade.” He added that the district was “trying to figure out a more responsible way to do this to meet the needs of high achieving students.” (In previous discussions, Board members noted that the accelerated program was only instituted in 2012; additionally, it created problems for high schoolers who had missed the 8th grade curriculum and also were short one ELA course in their high school requirements.)

“I think we’ve come up with an answer,” said Ramos.

Under the new model, said Grierson, “All students have access to honors level work through the year.” No one group was necessarily relegated to honors work while others were kept out — as any student could choose on an assignment by assignment basis to maintain a faster pace, write longer pieces with higher levels of proficiency, do more written work, etc. Grierson said she had created clear rubrics outlining honors work vs. regular work.

Grierson added the five teachers across the two middle schools who would be impacted by the change had already received professional development on differentiated instruction, and that they would have access to “a library of additional mentor texts, more professional development in empowering every student, and strategies for increasing student engagement.”

“The standard is always high,” said Grierson. “The expectation for students who choose honors is there for them.”

Grierson also noted that all rising 8th grade students “just took an assessment. The teachers will know who the students are who they need to insist” meet the honors criteria.

At several points, Grierson invoked Board of Education Student Representative Nina Kambili: “As Nina said, everyone should have access to rigorous work.”

Board of Education President Elizabeth Baker said she was initially skeptical of the change, but said that she “liked that this was on a pilot basis.”

Still, Baker asked, “What can be done to ensure proper level of communication between teacher and parent? I’m not sure we want a 13 year old to be making those choices independently of an adult. They may take the easy way out.”

Grierson said that the interim report card sent between quarterly reports would be revised to be “the means of communication.”

Baker was not satisfied with this. “I would suggest clear information materials go out periodically. I don’t think the interim report is sufficient,” said Baker.

Board 1st Vice President Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad agreed, suggesting the use of Edmodo or Powerschool “to show if the student has selected honors vs. other.”

“Food for thought,” said Lawson-Muhammad. “Let’s use tools we currently have to answer Ms. Baker’s request.”

Board member Beth Daugherty suggested a additional mid-year report.

Board member Donna Smith thought going from an accelerated course to differentiated instruction was “a step too far back.” Smith suggested separate classrooms for honors and regular ELA. “I would like everyone to think about that possibility,” said Smith.

Board member Chris Sabin disagreed, “What’s so difficult?” He added later: “Principals inside and outside our schools are saying this is the future. It scares me that we wouldn’t try to do this.”

Baker acknowledged that because of the “volatility” at the middle schools in the recent years (“leveling up” and the adoption and quick abandonment of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme), “there is a certain amount of cynicism as to whether we can do this.”

Baker agreed with Board 2nd Vice President Madhu Pai that there need to be “monitoring” and measurement.

But Baker lauded the preparation performed by Grierson. “I’ve looked at the binders. A lot of work has been done already for the teachers.”

Pai pressed Baker’s point about volatility: “I am cynical about one more pilot in the middle schools,” calling recent years “a roller coaster with IB,with de-leveling which again we have never monitored. We have no data to support that de-leveling is helping. I think there are a lot of good things about this proposal. I agree that kids shouldn’t be missing an entire year of the curriculum.” However, Pai said, “When you take something away, you need to give them something that is better or at least ‘like’…. How are you going to be able to better serve the needs of kids with such widely varying needs in one classroom?”

Lawson-Muhammad argued against an assertion by Pai that the students would be experiencing larger class sizes as a result of the change: “‘Gigantic classroom’ is wrong. There’s not a gigantic classroom.”

Finally Baker said, “I would hope that if we approve this tonight that this is going to be one of the most targeted, highly resourced, highly monitored and highly successful instructional initiatives and that we can use this a s a model.”

The resolution passed 6-3, with Johanna Wright, Madhu Pai and Donna Smith dissenting. Maureen Jones, Chris Sabin, Beth Daugherty, Elizabeth Baker, Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad and Annemarie Maini voted in favor.

The post Middle School English Language Arts ‘Transformed’ With Vote to Abolish Acceleration, Create Differentiated Classrooms appeared first on The Village Green.

]]> School Resource Officer Proposal for Columbia High School is Scuttled https://villagegreennj.com/police-and-fire/school-resource-officer-proposal-columbia-high-school-scuttled/ Tue, 21 Jun 2016 05:04:34 +0000 http://villagegreennj.com/?p=29063

  There will be no school resource officer coming to Columbia High School —…

The post School Resource Officer Proposal for Columbia High School is Scuttled appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>

 

There will be no school resource officer coming to Columbia High School — at least not in the near future.

The decision was announced at the June 20 South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education meeting by Business Administrator Cheryl Schneider. “We are not recommending” the SRO at this time, said Schneider, who cited feedback at a school safety meeting held on May 16.

The towns of Maplewood and South Orange had proposed paying for two-thirds of the cost of the officer, after grants for the officer had been denied. However, numerous students spoke on May 16 about their discomfort with police. The students were overwhelming African American.

One student’s comments in May seemed to sum up the thoughts of many when she said that police uniforms are “very threatening to me. No disrespect, but because of things that go on around us, things going on in the media. Knowing all the things going on in the media, why now? I don’t necessarily think having a [police] officer would be beneficial.”

After the announcement on June 20, many School Board members cited the need to listen to the voices of the CHS students who spoke; however, Board member Madhu Pai pushed back a bit.

“An SRO can be a positive force,” she said. Pai invoked Sgt. Mike Morrison, who previously served as CHS’s SRO. “If we can have courageous conversations about police brutality, we can have courageous conversations about the good that men and women in uniform can do.” Pai added, “We can also endeavor to educate our students.  SROs can save lives and change hearts…. I worry that the current decision simply spares our students the uncomfortable transition from being fearful, wary adolescents to becoming confident, responsible, civic minded adults who will one day treat policemen, firemen, soldiers and first responders with the gratitude and appreciation that they deserve.” (See Pai’s full statement below.)

Pai also pointed out that there are already fully armed, fully uniformed police officers in district schools, noting the DARE program in the elementary schools. “We need to just stop and take a moment and make sure that we as a district are not perpetuating those negative perceptions.”

Board member Donna Smith agreed: “I respect the decision not to go ahead… [but] we are losing an opportunity to have our students get to know a police officer who is a friend not a disciplinarian.”

However, Board member Chris Sabin pushed back: “This is not about police officers. This is about race in our community…. Both sides need to be respectful of each other and listen and understand that this is not the right time. If they (the kids) are saying this, we have to listen. Something triggers when you are in middle school. Things change. It’s not just the police officers. We have to take a step back from that.”

 

Statement Concerning School Resource Officer by Board of Education Second Vice President Madhu Pai: 

Download (DOCX, 18KB)

The post School Resource Officer Proposal for Columbia High School is Scuttled appeared first on The Village Green.

]]>