Take Five: South Orange-Maplewood BOE Candidate Joanna Wright

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 Joanna Wright. Her responses to the questions are below and unedited.

1. Why are you running for BOE?

There were changes that we needed to make in our district, and I want to continue with some of those changes, and see them come to fruition, because I care for our children, I care for our community. My actions show it.

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

The biggest challenge is the truth getting out and the Board acting on that ethically and morally to make the changes necessary in our school district. Communications, the truth and acting ethically, morally for the students and children in our community. This refers to the top Senior Administrators as well as the Board. There are blatant inconsistencies that need to be addressed immediately. Hearing one thing and acting out another.

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

Truthful...Integrity....Strong

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

I've been an educator in this district for over 30 years, as well as a Board member and Coach. During my tenure as both a teacher and a coach I have made a difference.

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

I'm known for my sense of humor, dancing, traveling and how I have allowed that to help others.
It's hard to say something that doesn't include children. Many of the things were not because I was supposed to, not because it was part of school, but because it is my passion. It is me.
When people talk diversity and equality, you know it can't stop just as a part of your life, it has to be throughout your life...that's who I am.

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