The South Orange/Maplewood Board of Education is one of many stakeholders that impact the experience students have in schools. It sets policy; hires, supervises, and collaborates with the superintendent, approves staff hirings, transfers, terminations etc.; approves curriculum; is responsible for ensuring the quality of facilities and equipment; and approves the budget. The school board can also ask for raises in property taxes (e.g. to fund capital projects), but these hikes must be approved by the Board of School Estimates, which is made up of elected leaders from both towns. The school board is constrained by state and federal legislatures, which determine overall school funding levels as well as setting some policies that override those of local school boards.

Although the school board is responsible for general oversight of the district, it is not normally involved in day-to-day operations and disputes. The superintendent, in collaboration with district administrators, plays a more direct day-to-day role in setting goals for the district, proposing policies for approval, making staffing and curriculum recommendations, developing staff training, etc. Building administrators, such as principals and assistant principals, support teachers/other staff members and respond to families’ complaints. Teachers provide instruction and create a classroom culture where all students are safe, welcome, and able to learn. Community members also play a significant role in students’ experiences, ranging from participating in Parent Teacher Associations that provide enrichment opportunities for students to working as a community to improve school culture and address concerns.

General Academic Achievement and School Climate

Educating students and ensuring that all students thrive is a complex and ongoing task for any school district. Detailed state reporting on academic achievement and school climate is  available here. The district’s specific goals and progress can be found in this presentation on the district website, which is updated throughout the school year. A report on goals for the upcoming year is here.

Integration

As part of a state with one of the most segregated school systems in the country, SOMSD has a decades long history of intentionally seeking to provide an integrated learning environment for all students, culminating in the current Intentional Integration Initiative (III). The III assigns kindergarteners and sixth graders to schools based on the socio-economic tier of their neighborhood (race is monitored, but not directly used to decide placement), with sibling priority and travel distance taken into account. The III target is for schools to have no more than a 5% variance from the district’s overall demographics for each school. While the III has created more integrated schools, it has also received pushback due to students needing to travel to farther away schools, especially after late notification of reduced busing services for the 2022-2023 school year (later reversed) and problems with busing delays in the 2023-2024 school year. Currently, potential changes are being considered to allow more students transfers from their assigned school and to potentially increase the variance by which schools can diverge from district demographics.

Equity

Work is also ongoing to implement recommendations from the 2023 Fergus Equity Audit in order to ensure that students are treated well and thrive within an integrated environment. The report found stark disparities in access to advanced coursework, experience of the school environment, discipline, and academic achievement within schools. Some information on progress is available via the district’s goal tracking and state reporting. Additional information on the district’s current initiatives is available here. There has also been ongoing debate in the community about deleveling classes.

Facilities

Columbia High School is the 17th oldest still-operating high school in the United States, with a building approaching its centennial. Extensive work is being done and continues to needto bedone both to it and to other district buildings. The main point of contention has been over proposals to replace the grass on Ritzer field at CHS with artificial turf. After several years of controversy (including multipleprior attempts and related 2021 ballot referendum), the Board of Education voted to turf the field in July 2025.

Budget Sustainability

The Trump administration’s threatened cuts to school funding and to states are creating budget uncertainty for school districts around the country. For now, SOMSD was able to create a balanced budget for 2025-26 without layoffs. However, the ongoing fiscal picture is highly uncertain, and distrust remains from last year’s reductions in force and prior budgeting shortfalls. The 2025-26 budget dips into the district’s reserves in ways that cannot continue long term, and developing a more sustainable budget is a priority for the district.

Potential Special Education Model Changes

Although plans have been tabled for 2025-26 school year due to an unexpectedly positive budget situation, the district is exploring significant changes to the elementary Special Education model, including possibly ending full time inclusion classes (a model where a general education and a special education teacher co-teach their class for the entire day). 

Staffing Stability

Over the past several years, the district has experienced significant administrative turnover and turmoil as well as multipleyears of involuntary teacher transfers between schools and last year’s reductions in force. Stabilizing staffing and creating a positive work environment is an ongoing challenge.

Several SOMA Action committees are working on initiatives relevant to the school district. While many other issues are also important, we limited our evaluation of candidates to areas where SOMA Action is currently doing work. We look forward to adding more initiatives, please join our committees to get involved!

Protect Students from ICE Raids

The New Jersey Department of Education has clear guidelines here supporting the right of students to safely attend school regardless of their education status. Both South Orange and Maplewood are sanctuary cities (though Maplewood does not use the formal name), and town leaders consistently support keeping ICE out. In January, the school district reaffirmed its commitment to supporting immigrant students. SOMA Action is looking for school board members who willactivelyhelporganizeandprotect our school community from ICE. (FAQ on what to do here.)

Protect Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Trump administration has threatened to target educators and withhold federal funding from schools that teach about racism or support trans students. The NJ Department of Education has refused to comply, and so far we are aware of no SOMSD curricular or policy changes. SOMSD also sent a letter to families reiterating its commitment to trans students. The district is supported by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, which includes race and gender identity. SOMA Action is looking for school board members who will ensure that our diverse student body is included and welcomed in all schools, classrooms, and curricula even in the face of possible retaliation from the federal government.

Promote Integration and Equity

As described in the prior section, tensions around transportation have raised the possibility that the school district’s progress on integration will be rolled back. At the same time, physical integration is only the first step toward ensuring that classrooms are integrated and all students are able to thrive. SOMA Action is looking for school board members who will prioritize integration and also have a deep understanding of the additional steps students need in order for an integrated experience to be a positive one.

Promote Sustainable, Climate Friendly Schools

In the face of worsening storms, heatwaves, and wildfires, a SOMA Action priority is to help our towns do our part to develop sustainable schools, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our campuses, and support environmentally friendly transportation options. As one of the largest landowners in SOMA, we are looking for school board members who will advocate for sustainability measures and prioritize reducing climate emissions.

Maintain Grass Fields and Green Spaces

SOMA Action has long advocated for well-maintained grass fields and green spaces for the reasons outlined in theseletters. We are looking for school board members who will support investing in and maintaining grass fields and will oppose covering any more fields with artificial turf.

Reimagine Safety

SOMA Action’s Reimagining Safety committee is working on strengthening the use of restorative practices within the SOMA community, including schools. Part of this involves shifting away from the assumption that the only way to create safety and a good learning environment is to segregate, coerce, and expel the “bad kids.” Instead, SOMA Action is looking for school board members who thoroughly understand how to build a safe and positive learning environment using relationships, communication, and creativity.

Websites:

• Nayar, Stephan, and Higgins (“Listen. Learn. Lead.”)

• Caplan, Donahue, and Rishi (“Progress. Partnership. Promise.”)

SOMA Action interviews:

• “Listen. Learn. Lead.” interview and transcript

• The “Progress. Partnership. Promise.” slate declined SOMA Action’s interview request, citing concern that they would not be treated fairly. [SOMA Action’s Education Committee Chair and Executive Committee member, Tara Mallon, is the campaign manager for the “Listen. Learn. Lead.” slate and was recused from participation in the voter guide process]. They also declined SOMA Action’s request to videotape their speeches at their launch party, but they did permit note taking. Erika’s best attempt to transcribe the launch speeches (somewhat illegibly, sorry) is here.

Village Green Articles:

• Nayar, Stephan, and Higgins (“Listen. Learn. Lead.”)

• Caplan, Donahue, and Rishi (“Progress. Partnership. Promise.”)

• Watch the Village Green’s Election tab for letters to the editor in support of candidates

Facebook Pages:

• Nayar, Stephan, and Higgins (“Listen. Learn. Lead.”)

• Caplan, Donahue, and Rishi (“Progress. Partnership. Promise.”)

Townhalls and questionnaires:

• Community Coalition on Race Townhall (video, timestamped questions,additional reporting)

• President’s Council & LWV Townhall (video, timestamped questions)

• Hilton Neighborhood Association Townhall (video, timestamped questions)

For each of the focus areas above, SOMA Action interviewed candidates, reviewed their statements and platforms, and looked for record of past activism on these issues. Based on this information, our committees did their best to evaluate how likely we think each candidate is to meaningfully contribute to the goals we’re trying to advance.

View SOMA Action Committees’ Candidate Evaluations Here

The evidence that the committees looked at to make their evaluations is available by clicking each rating.

Note: SOMA Action Education Committee chair Tara Mallon is campaign manager for the "Listen. Learn. Lead." slate and was recused from participation in the voter guide and evaluation process.