Get To Know Morris School Board Candidate Meredith Davidson

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: Meredith Davidson

1. Why are you running for the board of education seat?

During my 3 year tenure on the Morris School District School Board, I believe we’ve made immense progress. I’ve been laser focused on communication and collaboration with parents and the community, boosting achievement across the board, supporting staff, and funding programs that work. But there is more work to be done. I will continue to work hard to ensure the positive and balanced experience of all students and stakeholders in our educational system. I sincerely want to thank the community for remaining so engaged and for what we have achieved together.

2. What makes you qualified for the position?

I have served on the Morris School District School Board for 3 years and been a parent volunteer in our schools for 4 years before that, but my passionate involvement in education pre-dates my time in the Morristown schools; it includes community organizing, working as a teacher, and working with students on college and career awareness. All of my educational and community experience has made me a better advocate in and out of the classroom and the boardroom. The Morristown community has energized me to the greatness all our kids can achieve. We’re starting from a good place, but I have shown a true commitment to support our schools in going from good to great.

3. What is the most pressing issue facing the school district and what will you do about it?

The most important challenge we face is how to help ALL children reach their potential while using the resources we currently have. Here in the Morris School District, we need to continue to give all students access to a rigorous and competitive school experience. Throughout our country, the opportunity gap has led to sizable differences in achievement between students from different racial and socioeconomic groups. We are beginning to make progress but we must persevere in closing this gap. I will continue to advocate for research-based resources and training to help teachers reach all students. I will support policies and programs that encourage systematic collaboration between administrators, parents, students and the community. I will work to streamline and strengthen district goals backed by results driven initiatives to build stronger schools and a stronger community.

4. What are some other issues you want to see addressed?

Student achievement is at the heart of what drives our school board. I think we need to partner with families in sustainable ways so that our community is what drives our schools to become stronger. We can do this for academic programming so that families know how to support their children at home. We can also continue to support our outstanding athletic, arts and extracurricular programming to achieve 100% student participation. Research and my own experience shows that students are most engaged and most successful when they are passionate about and involved in school activities outside of just academics.

5. What do you hope to be your overall impact on the BOE if you are elected?

The Morris School District is incredibly unique and resilient. Through the hard work of our teachers, administrators and school board members, we’ve had extraordinary accomplishments. But there is more work to be done. I will continue to work hard to push for academic achievement across all student groups, advocate for communication and collaboration so that students and families feel welcome and engaged in our schools, and keep listening to and working with students, families and community members to make our schools and community strong.

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:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• Do Mail-In Ballots Force NJ Voters To Lie? Here's The Answer

There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

• NJ: Get A Wrong Or Duplicate Ballot? It Is Probably Your Fault

Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.

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