The Community Coalition on Race’s Residential and Schools Committees recently hosted a well-attended Coffee & Conversation for local real estate professionals at Artie’s in Maplewood. Twenty-eight realtors joined the event, which was designed to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the South Orange–Maplewood School District to help them better assist prospective homebuyers and renters.

District leaders Dr. Gilbert (Assistant Superintendent of Schools), Dr. Waibel (Director of Data, Research, Planning, and Evaluations), and Mr. Johnson (Director of Early Childhood Education) provided thoughtful and informative presentations and answered questions from attendees. Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Waibel shared updates on the district’s Intentional Integration Initiative in the elementary schools, transportation policies, how the district is working to meet the needs of all students, and the two-zone design for middle school assignments. Mr. Johnson provided a thorough overview of the pre-school lottery process, preschool sites, and the district’s pre-K curriculum. Realtors were also provided with the SOMSD At-a-Glance one-page overview of the schools to share with clients.

The event also gave the Coalition an opportunity to share information about its Wealth Gap Equalizer Loan (WGEL) program, which helps make housing in the community more accessible first-time homebuyers of color. Several newer realtors expressed interest in sharing information about the loan program with their clients.

The presentation generated thoughtful questions and lively discussion, and many attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to hear directly from district leaders.

The Coalition extends its thanks to Dr. Gilbert, Dr. Waibel, and Mr. Johnson for their time and insights, and to Artie’s in Maplewood for generously providing the space and refreshments that helped make the morning such a welcoming and productive gathering.