Election 2020: Morris School District Candidate Elisabeth Wall
NEW JERSEY - In a few short weeks what is expected to be one of the most charged elections in modern history is set to take place and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 3 election.
Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com. What you see below are their answers with mild style edits.
Name: Elisabeth Wall
1. Why are you running for the board of education seat?
For me, running for the Morris School District Board of Education was the natural next step in my journey of service to this town. Born and raised in Morris County, I have been working, volunteering and living in Morristown, or some combination of the three, for nearly 20 years. Over the last two decades I have devoted my time to serving our community, as both a volunteer and a leader. As a member for 16 years, my volunteer roots are embedded in the Junior League of Morristown, an exclusively educational and charitable organization of inspiring women committed to volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership. For the last four years, I was president of the Washington’s Headquarters Neighborhood Association, a not-for-profit organization established for the purpose of creating community spirit, fostering interest in civic affairs, and furthering the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the Washington’s Headquarters area of Morristown and Morris Township. Almost two years ago, I was appointed by the Town Council to sit on the Morristown Zoning Board of Adjustment. As a board member, I volunteer my time hearing appeals, interpreting provisions of the zoning ordinance, and making decisions on applications to permit buildings or land uses that vary from the state and local zoning regulations.
However, nearest and dearest to my heart, and my primary motivation to become a member of the Morris School District Board of Education, is my son, Braden, who is now a first grader at Normandy Park School. There was never any question in my mind that I would be an active participant in his schooling. From volunteering as preschool class parent to now serving as Treasurer of the Normandy Park Home and School Association (HSA), I’ve so enjoyed supporting his educational experience over the last few years. And while the role of this office is to serve each and every child in the school district, not just my own, I believe it is important for the community to understand that I have a personal long-term interest in ensuring that every child receives the best possible educational experience—socially, emotionally, and academically—that our community can provide. In my opinion, that in and of itself, makes me especially suited for this role.
2. What makes you qualified for the position?
I think that my career as an attorney, my experience as a leader and volunteer in the community over the last twenty years and my long-term interest in the educational experience of every child in our district, including my own, make me ideally suited to serve on the Morris School District Board of Education. What is more is that my love of Morristown and connection to this community over the years runs long and deep. I never miss an opportunity to get involved, to support and most importantly, to listen.
3. What is the most pressing issue facing the school district and what will you do about it?
I think it goes without saying that the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on our school district are, and will remain, a priority for the foreseeable future. I believe that in the midst of this crisis we must provide students exceptional learning experiences in a safe, healthy and inclusive environment. We must continue to align with the New Jersey Department of Education, recommendations from the CDC, and the current state and local public health information. We must continue to seek input and feedback from parents, faculty, staff and other community stakeholders. It is critical that we remain diligent in providing communication that is honest, thorough, and transparent. We must also remain flexible as shifts in local, state, and national conditions develop and require us to pivot yet again. Finally, we must ensure ample resources are provided (now and for months, and years to come) throughout the district to combat the lasting impact of COVID-19 on our children’s mental health, as well as their emotional and behavioral development.
We are living through extraordinary times as a result of COVID-19, an illness that has rocked the social, economic, and emotional foundations of our community and the world. I am acutely aware that not all students and their families have been effected in the same way. I want to ensure that we keep that at the forefront of our minds as we continue to navigate these uncharted waters to ensure that all students are receiving what they need to ascend.
Another priority for our district is to address systemic racism in our schools. Of course, we must not abandon the important work that is already being done by way of the MSD Equity and Inclusion Action Plan in order to create a more equitable and inclusive learning community for each of our students. It remains critical that we provide culturally relevant learning experiences and instruction; hire exceptional educators from diverse backgrounds and perspectives; offer annual professional training that fosters a more inclusive and equitable learning community; strengthen district and community relationships; and promote the success of each student by ensuring equal opportunity and access to positive and diverse relationships. However, as our Superintendent has recently acknowledged, this is not enough and that we must confront racism in our schools head on; it simply cannot wait. As first steps, I want to be a part of creating meaningful community alliances and seeking input from our BIPOC students and educators in order that we may develop a comprehensive Antiracism Policy. Upholding equality and social justice in our school district is essential and we must constantly explore positive and effective ways to do so.
4. What are some other issues you want to see addressed?
I believe there are and will always be issues facing our school district, and not one of them is necessarily more important than the other. Rather, certain issues may need to take priority based on the situation, but all must be monitored closely and reprioritized when necessary. That said, presently the two issues mentioned above are two that I would like to remain priorities. In addition, I am always interested in keeping a close eye on the issues of school safety, student mental health, vaping, substance abuse and bullying.
5. What do you hope to be your overall impact on the BOE if you are elected?
As a parent who is new to the Morris School District, I sincerely appreciate how our current board, superintendent and administration have worked cooperatively and effectively to manage our schools, especially during this time of extraordinary challenges. No system is perfect, evolution is necessary and I would like nothing more than to join this dedicated team so that I may continue their admirable work, as well as add value in the best way that I can. I believe that we need leaders on our school board who are deeply vested in our children and their educational experience, as well as someone committed to understanding what is going on both within our schools and out in our entire community. I believe that I am that leader. I also sincerely believe that an inquisitive, collaborative and independent voice is absolutely in the best interest of our children.
Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:
A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.
Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.
There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.
Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.
Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.
Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.
Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.
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This article originally appeared on the Morristown Patch
