Listen, Learn, Lead.
As engaged community members, we believe in the power of public schools to shape a more just and inclusive future.
Together, we bring a mix of professional expertise, lived experience, and heartfelt dedication to our schools and our communities. We are committed to transparent, collaborative leadership—and to policies that reflect our community’s values of equity, excellence, and inclusion.
We look forward to engaging with residents of South Orange and Maplewood—listening to what’s going well in our schools, where there’s room to grow, and how we can best serve our students and families. We’re committed to open, respectful dialogue and to earning your support in the months ahead.
Campaigns are expensive, and we would appreciate your support!
Meet the Candidates
Malini Nayar
Malini is a community development finance professional, longtime Maplewood resident, and proud parent of two Columbia High School students. Originally from India, she moved to the U.S. in 2001 for graduate school and settled in Maplewood in 2012. She has lived in various neighborhoods in Maplewood, but is now settled south of Springfield Avenue, with her partner, Christina, and their two dogs. Her children’s entire education has been within SOMSD, which has deepened her commitment to fostering inclusive, nurturing schools where every student can thrive.
Paul Stephan
Paul is a public interest lawyer, former public school teacher, and Maplewood resident. He began his career teaching K–7 music in Orange and first grade in Newark before transitioning to law, where he now stands up for communities and holds powerful institutions accountable. A District Leader in the Maplewood Democratic Committee, Paul brings civic experience, analytical rigor, and a belief in strong public schools as essential to a strong community.
Meredith Higgins
Meredith is a community dance educator, a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling meeting educational requirements for the LPC in NJ and PA and the R-DMT credential, Maplewood resident, and a Seth Boyden parent. Meredith has served on the District’s Early Childhood Advisory Council and completed the parent-led SEED equity program at Clinton Elementary. She teaches for local programs including the YMCA, the Baird, and SOMA Adult School, and founded the Dance Mob to build connections through movement and performance.
Reach out to us, and keep up with the campaign
We want to connect with as many community members as possible between now and election day. Please reach out with your questions and thoughts.
We’d love to keep you informed of our campaign activities. We’ll send you updates on our progress, upcoming events, and action items. Please sign up for periodic newsletter emails (we promise they’ll be interesting!) and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.