Meet The 2019 Morris Plains Board Of Education Candidates

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — Three seats are open on the Morris Plains Board of Education this year, and Patch caught up with the candidates ahead of the general election.

Three candidates are running for three open three-year terms on the board, so the race is uncontested. We asked all candidates the same four questions:

• Why are you running for Board Of Education?
• What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?
• What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
• What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

All candidates were sent the questions at the same time, and were given the same deadline to submit them. They were asked to keep answers to a maximum of 200 words each. Answers were submitted by email and are presented here as submitted.

Christina Perry and Maria R. Manley did not respond to Patch's request for comment.

Adam Higgins

Why are you running for Board Of Education?

This is my first re-election campaign for the BOE. I had the privileged and honor of being first elected in 2016. I am running for re-election because as a district we have been on an upward trend academically, which is the goal of any educational institution. My desire is to go beyond that and graduate ‘well rounded’ students. Arts, athletics, diversity, inclusion and service to one’s community to me is as important as academics in the developing a child’s character. Also, the relationship and morale amongst the BOE, the administration, the teachers, parents, the community and students is incredibly high. We want to keep this culture going and that takes a good amount of commitment from all of us. In the Morris Plains our schools are always striving for excellence.

What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

Our biggest challenge is the budget. As a member of the finance committee we have looked at many ways to stay within our means and not let the commitment to a ‘well rounded’ student suffer.

What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

Engaging, thoughtful, and direct.

What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

I have my BA and MA in political science. I do have a strong background in how local government works. I am involved in my community with Morris Plains Rotary, Learn to Ride, and the Morris Plains Marlins Swim Team. With that I am able to promote our students achievements to the community at large. I have a 15 year background in finance, most recently with PNC. That is useful in my role on the budget and policy committees.