Morris Board Of Ed. President Endorses Pair Of Candidates

The following letter to the editor comes from Melissa Spiotta, the Morris School District's Board of Education president. The opinion is her own and does not reflect that of the board. Sitting officials in Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains may submit letters to the editor by emailing josh.bakan@patch.com. Members of the public can submit a letter to the editor by publishing here.

You might have seen the recent Saturday Night Live skit about board of ed meetings. Who would have ever thought that anything funny come out of these meetings? I know I didn’t. Those of us that have committed to this work understand the importance and seriousness of our role. That being said, I am offering the endorsement of two stellar candidates, Katie Cole and Linda Murphy.

The first candidate I am personally endorsing is Katie Cole. I have known Katie for over a decade. If I had to describe her in one word, I would choose the word passion. Katie has been an educator her entire career. She started out in a public school in NYC before making her way to Morris Township where she has worked locally since 2005 When she isn’t busy running a school and raising her 3 daughters with her husband, she has been actively involved in the Home and School Associations as well as the Morris Educational Foundation. I can’t say enough about Katie.

The second candidate I am personally endorsing in Linda Murphy. I have gotten to know Linda very well since she won her seat and was sworn in to serve the Board of Ed in January of 2019. The word I would use to describe Linda is dedicated. She has served as the Chair of Finance for 2 years and is currently the Board Vice President. Linda brings diligence and hard work to all she does.

Across the state and nation, Board of Ed meetings are increasingly divisive and political. Board of Ed positions are non-partisan and UNPAID. The amount of time board of ed members need to invest is significant. Board of Ed members donate their time that they could be spending with their families because they believe in public education.
Here is the most important thing to know about Katie and Linda. They have NO AGENDA. They want what is best for all of our kids. Katie and Linda are dedicated community members who we need on the board of ed.

Vote for Katie Cole and Linda Murphy to represent Morris Township on the Morris School District Board of Ed on Election Day.

Sincerely, Melissa Spiotta

The preceding opinion is my own and does not reflect that of the MSD Board of Education.