WHY DID THE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION END THIS WAY? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

So a clear mandate for the team of Incumbent Wayne Eastman and challengers Madhu Pai and Jeff Bennett.


The slate took the top vote in Tuesday's school board election by some comfortable margins.


The question arises, why? How did this trio beat incumbent Jennifer Payne-Parrish and challengers Karen Swanson and Amy Higer?


The Eastman slate seemed to have more promotional efforts, with at least one robo-call to our house and two promotional emails. Not to mention a big goodies and drink giveaway at the train station on Election Day.


But it was likely also their message. A careful approach to the controversial de-leveling plan for the upper grades and a not-so-definite support of Superintendent Brian Osborne.


When I spoke with Pai and Bennett, they were reluctant to give full support to keeping Osborne on board after his contract ends in two years, while their rivals told us they would support him completely.


Is this bad or good for the district or Osborne? We wait to see.


No school board should blindly give power to superintendent too man years ahead, perhaps even if that superintendent has shown the influence and success that Osborne has.


The fact that Eastman had opposed de-leveling as it is currently planned may say as much as well.


By any measure, it appears that the South Orange Maplewood School district will have competent leadership with these new additions and the current members, and Osborne as well. 


Perhaps, however, such a divided election may require that the board members work together while also respectfully making sure to point out differences of opinion and giving Osborne what he needs to succeed, even if they choose to disagree with any of his plans.