Jennifer Payne-Parrish: Why I’m Running

When I moved here in 1998, I remember being attracted in particular by the schools. Fourteen years later, I am still excited by the promise that our schools hold out to all children. Our community prides itself on making the schools a priority. I am proud that during my two terms on the Board, we have witnessed so much progress in making the schools live up to community expectations.

As a parent, resident and school board member, I have had the opportunity to talk to hundreds of parents and students over the years. Many people tell me that they also moved here for the schools. I have come to understand that we all have a lot in common, regardless of race or economic status. All parents desire the best education for their children. We must do everything in our power to ensure that all these expectations are fulfilled.

We have come a long way from where we were. We have dynamic and informed leadership at both the district and school level. Our teachers have the benefit of new evaluation tools that are designed to inform and direct. We now have full day kindergarten, additional opportunities for students to challenge themselves and excel, consistently rising standardized test scores across many grades/subjects and greater college acceptance rates. It is clear we have a leadership team that is competent, energetic and committed.

Despite all that progress, there is still much work left to do. Not all children are served consistently well. On any given day, in any classroom, it is still too possible for any child to get lost, whether they’re white or black, rich or poor, high-achieving or under-achieving.

I am running for a third term on the Board to do what I can to ensure that our schools consistently meet the needs of all children, that they are a viable option for all parents of school aged children in our two towns.

I have spent half of my life in a classroom, first as a primary school student growing up in Brooklyn, NY, then as a college student at Hampton University and finally as a graduate student working on my Ph.D. in biochemistry and pathology at Northwestern University and then Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. I still remember the feelings of frustration and self-doubt when faced with unnecessary barriers that prevented me from doing my best. And I remember the almost opposite feelings of excitement and accomplishment when I was given the chance to show what I could do. It is that same opportunity to excel that I desire for my own children and for every other child in the district. Why worry about all children and not just mine? Because I feel strongly about this community and its commitment to excellence and equity; without it we have a district unable to fulfill its purpose and with it we have a district that is poised for greatness. I believe success is not only possible but probable given the recent accomplishments of the district.

I believe that it is the job of the schools to provide an excellent and effective education for all students, regardless of race or socio-economic status. I believe we have the chance to do that in a way that serves not only this year’s or next year’s children but survives as an enduring legacy for all the young families moving here with high hopes and expectations.

The superintendent has outlined critical success factors for students to be ready for college. Our schools are now focused on ensuring that all students receive that necessary foundation. We know that this preparation starts in the early grades and continues through high school. I want to continue this effort to ensure that children who attend schools in Maplewood and South Orange are able to gain admission to and graduate from college. But we can’t stop there. We need to ensure that our graduates are well-prepared for life, as critical thinkers and involved individuals who are committed to making a mark and making a difference in whatever career each chooses to pursue. I know we can do this and I want to be involved in making this happen for our district.