Former South Orange Middle School Librarian Runs for Board of Education

A 19-year South Orange resident announced her candidacy Monday for the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education.

Elissa Malespina, a former librarian at South Orange Middle School, plans to run for the Board of Education and partner with Donna Smith who also recently entered the race. 

Malespina has one son, Matthew, who will be entering sixth grade at South Orange Middle School and is married to Joseph Malespina, a 1994 graduate of CHS and lifelong South Orange resident.

Elissa Malespina has spent her career in education, working in the district for nine years before becoming coordinating supervisor of technology for the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District.  

She has an extensive understanding of the South Orange-Maplewood School District, its strengths and the many issues it faces.

"We are at a crossroads in this district and we need a Board of Education that will work for the best interests of the children who we ultimately serve," Malespina said. "The only way for things to change is for the BOE to work hard at building relationships with all the stakeholders in the district. We need to move away from what has become an us against them mentality, and find a way for all groups to work together in the best interest of the students." 

Malespina believes the Board of Education needs to do an extensive search for a new superintendent and should not rush the process. 

"I am concerned when I hear that our board hopes to have someone in place before January," she said. "A thorough search needs to be conducted and all groups must be heard. I don't want to put a timetable on the process. I want the best candidate possible and we should not be rushing this."

Another key issue in this Board of Education race is district finances, Malespina said.

"We face a looming deficit and we need to look at ways to help minimize that, while at the same time giving our children the best education possible," she said. "This might mean slowing down the implementation of some of the programs we are looking to put in place like the International Baccalaureate Program. I believe that while some of the philosophies associated with IB are good and should be added to the curriculum, the costs associated with it are just too much right now."

Malespina admits she and Smith don't agree on everything, but believes they will work hard to help the district.

"Donna and I are very passionate about doing what is best for the students in the South Orange Maplewood School District," she said. "We know that we will not always see eye to eye on every issue but will work hard to make SOMSD the best district possible."