Get To Know Springfield School Candidate: Paula Saha

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — Paula Saha is one of the four candidates running for election in the contested Springfield School Board election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

There are four candidates vying for the three three-year seats on the school board. Candidates include: Hector J. Munoz, Paula Saha, Jason Silberfein and Anthony Delia.

Get to know Saha:

Paula Saha

Description:

Paula Saha, 43, communications professional. I currently am the Director of Communications for the New Jersey State Bar Association. I also am a lecturer in the journalism department at Rutgers-Newark and have 15 years of experience in the world of print and online journalism. My husband, Luke Waltzer, and I have lived in town for 12 years and we have two children in the Springfield school system.

Why are you running for the school board?

In the coming years, this district will be growing and changing and I would like to involved in the decision-making around important issues like district leadership, curriculum, technology and more. As a parent and homeowner in Springfield, I have a personal interest in seeing our schools flourish. But beyond that, I have a vested interest in and passion for equitable, quality, public education that teaches all our students empathy, critical thinking and problem-solving.

What experience do you have that would help you serving on the school board?

First off, I am a parent who has experienced the schools firsthand for the past decade. I've also been an active member of the PTA, particularly at James Caldwell School, where I have been PTA president as well as on the executive board.

My professional background would also be helpful in the role of school board member. As a journalist and communications specialist, I am a quick study and understand how to communicate complicated issues with the general public. I spent many years covering school boards in neighboring communities, and also worked for a news organization that covered state government and education public policy. As a result, I am fairly well-versed in public education issues not just locally, but also on the state level, where many of the decisions that impact our schools are made.

What issues would you like to see addressed if elected?

I think there is a lot that our district already gets right. I have had an overwhelmingly favorable experience with Springfield schools in the last 10 years. That said, there are always ways we can improve: in particular, I would like the school district to take a more proactive and positive approach toward communication on every level, from parents to the public at large.

— (If you are a candidate and would like to participate in the profile, email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com)

(Image provided: Paula Saha)

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