Take Five: South Orange-Maplewood BOE Candidate Erin Siders

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — There are seats opening up on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education and Patch caught up with the candidates ahead of the general election this November.

Questionnaires were sent out out to all candidates registered with the County Clerk's Office in the 2019 general election using the email addresses they went on file with. The responses will be posted on the site by those who submitted in the order in which they were received. They will also be included in an election preview wrap.

This Take Five features Erin Siders. Her responses to the questions are below and unedited.

1. Why are you running for BOE?

Dr. Taylor is our fourth superintendent since 2014. His direct reports are all interims, who will be vacating their positions in the next six months. He has to hire: an Assistant Superintendent of HR, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Director of Special Services, and a principal for Columbia High School. Dr. Taylor will be overseeing the Intentional Integration and Long Range Facilities plans. We are also embarking on a journey to provide universal, free Pre-Kindergarten to the community. These are initiatives that we as community have deemed important. Dr. Taylor will need a strong board to ensure a successful implementation of all these changes and given my long history of advocacy and engagement with SOMSD, I believe I am a good fit to be one of those Board Members. I’m also running because I believe it’s critical that we foster excellence in our schools and to ensure that policies put in place have a positive impact on ALL students.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

Historically, the district has struggled to communicate effectively with the community. This is what I would identify as the biggest challenge because communication is the cornerstone of trust. Without that trust between the district and its stakeholders, greatness will always be just out of reach. Unfortunately, communication has historically been unclear, inaccurate, late, confusing or absent. I will advocate for a communications policy that provides clear, concise, timely information; not limited to but especially concerning emergency communications protocol. Families were rightfully outraged when a freak storm last year hit and access to information was scattershot as children were dropped off at bus stops hours after sundown. In addition, individual schools and the district as a whole must do better at creating pathways for student and parent input. People need to know that they are being heard and that the district is responsive. Lastly, the district used to provide an email summary of issues addressed at Board of Education meetings – I would like to see this practice return.

3. What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

I’ll use the same words others have used to describe me: thoughtful, dedicated, funny.

4. What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

I’ve held various leadership positions in our school district, including two terms as President of the Special Education Parents Advisory Committee (SEPAC). My experience working with administration and the BOE to identify policy shortcomings and gaps, revise policies and develop policy regulations will be valuable to fulfilling the short and long-term goals of our district. We need to make sure that our district stays on track, that district policy and procedures remain compliant with state and federal regulations, and that the day-to-day administrative work is not neglected.

5. Tell me something about you, like hobbies or interests, that have nothing to do with the campaign.

My son Isaiah and I moved from Montclair to Maplewood in 2003. I am a Senior IT Project Manager with Express Scripts – a company where I have been employed for 22 years. Isaiah is completing his final year studying Game Design as part of the Columbia High School – Union County Vocational Technical School shared time program. I love to read, exercise and travel with Isaiah. Together we have visited 12 states and 17 countries, including France, Japan and Mexico. I look forward to continuing to contribute to our community by serving on the BOE.

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