Take Five: South Orange-Maplewood BOE Candidate Narda Greene

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 Narda Greene. Her responses to the questions are below and unedited.

1. Why are you running for BOE?

I have chosen to run again this year for a couple of reasons. The first is that I want to represent the under represented, and secondly, I want the opportunity to give back my time and practical sensibility to ensure that all the children of our wonderful community have their voices heard and most importantly, their individual educational needs met. That said, I pledge that as an independent voice on the BOE, I will not stand by and allow policies to pass that do not reflect what is in each of our children’s best interest.

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

The biggest challenge facing our schools is ensuring that we have integrated schools as well as integrated classrooms. True integration is not just a sign of a healthy school district, it’s a platform for success in our children’s future endeavors. The district has a plan to address integration with the intentional and innovation strategy; however it’s important that our schools are equipped to ensure successful implementation of that plan.

We have on many occasions implemented strategies without the required tools being in place, with the resultant change being profoundly different from the expected change. This must end.

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

I am resourceful, compassionate, eager, thoughtful, purposeful, tenacious, un-bought, oh, I’m sorry, you said three words.

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

At work, I have had the fortune of leading a large group of very diverse people for over five years. I lead by example and I hold my team accountable for their work and actions. As a leader I spend time listening, and ensuring I understand the needs of my team before addressing those needs. I demonstrate my commitment to my team by rolling up my sleeves to help when challenges arise. As an effective leader my job is to remove roadblocks, provide advice and give support; all of which I feel are essential to forging the kind of alliances that lead to a successful BOE tenure.

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

I really enjoy playing soccer, but unfortunately I recently ruptured my Achilles’ tendon on the field; had surgery and I am in a boot...but when I get back on that field, watch out!

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store.