School Board Candidates Kick Off Campaign

Several dozen supporters were on hand at Maplewood's Highland Place Bar and Grill last Wednesday for a summer campaign kickoff event for the recently-announced "BOE2013" slate running for the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education.

Candidates Beth Daugherty, David Giles and Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad appeared at the event to explain their reasons for running in the Nov. 5 Board of Education election.

Daugherty, currently the school board's president, is running for her third term on the BOE. Running mate David Giles is running for his second term, and newcomer Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad is a first-time candidate.  

Speaking to their assembled supporters, the candidates noted that initiatives implemented in the school district in recent years are beginning to yield positive results. The three emphasized their commitment to engage, challenge and inspire every student.

"We are proud of the many accomplishments of our district," the candidates said in a joint statement. "The breadth and quality of opportunities—in all areas including academics, arts, sports and clubs—are why so many families move here. But there is more to be done.  We must continue to raise the expectations and outcomes for all our students, from the most advanced learners to those who struggle."

Daugherty, Giles and Lawson-Muhammad say they share "a set of core beliefs and a vision of educational excellence that will inspire all students to reach their potential. This must be achieved through continuous improvement focused on great teaching and rich, exciting curricula. At the same time we are keenly aware that we must be strategic about how we use our resources to accomplish this vision in a manner that is sensitive to the tax burden."

More information on the ticket can be found on the BOE2013 website.