By Stephanie Vaccaro, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY The Montgomery Township Board of Education’s $77.7 million budget passed in Wednesday’s election and three open seats on the board will be filled by Annie Michaelson, Christine Abrahams and incumbent Arun Rimal.
The number of votes for the candidates were:
Annie Michaelson 1,506
Christine Abrahams 1,443
Arun Rimal 1,268
Richard Cavalli 1,073
The vote on the school budget was 1,346 to 911.
”I’m thrilled to see that voters across the county, not just in Montgomery, demonstrated their support for education,” said Superintendent Earl Kim. “We pride ourselves as being a community that values education, and the 20 percentage point margin of victory is a testament to that belief.”
”Montgomery is fortunate to have such caring and committed public servants,” said Mr. Kim. “As Board of Education members shared last night, David Pettit and Charlie Jacey leave big shoes to fill, but what these new Board of Education members lack in experience, they more than make up for in character, smarts and commitment.”
”I’m obviously happy that we were able to win yesterday,” said Arun Rimal. “I’m most happy about the fact that the budget passed.”
”It makes me feel good now that the community is supporting the budget, and we can move forward with teaching our kids and focus on education,” said Mr. Rimal.
He’s looking forward to the coming year, particularly the referendum projects on which they are working. For the upcoming year, he wants to focus on curriculum-related items, including common assessment.
”I’m so thrilled to be elected because I really want to have the opportunity to serve the community and work with the board to continue to make Montgomery an excellent place for kids,” said Christine Abrahams. “I still think it’s a challenge, maintaining that quality education while keeping costs in check.”
”I’m really looking forward to serving,” said Ms. Abrahams.
”I’m thrilled that I won,” said Ms. Michaelson. “I felt like I ran a good campaign.”
”That people believe that what I’ve done is worthwhile to take onto the board level, I’m excited,” she said.
It’s an interesting time to be on the board with school reform, she said, and she looks forward to bringing it to that next level because funding cannot come solely from taxpayers’ dollars.
We need to find other unique ways to bring in revenue, said Ms. Michaelson.
The winners will assume their roles immediately. The organizing meeting for the board will be held May 3.

