WOODBRIDGE — Three incumbents will remain on the Board of Education for the next three years.
Daniel Harris, who will serve his third term, recorded the most votes with 13,355 during the election Nov. 6. Susan Bourdin, who has been serving an unexpired term on the board since May, and will serve her elected term, received 12,895 votes. Ezio Tamburello, who will serve his fourth term, received 12,605 votes.
The information was current as of Nov. 8. The county was still collecting provisional and mail in ballots as of press time.
Newcomer Thomas E. Maras registered 8,869 votes in his losing bid for a board seat.
“It was a great win and validation that this community agrees with us and demands that our schools move forward,” Tamburello said. “But elections are about the future and we look forward to building [Ross Street] School 11 on time and on budget. We need to do the same with the renovations at Woodbridge Middle School. We’re committed to making sure our schools are safe and clean, and that our curriculum is world class. There are so many more things we want to work on but for right now I want to enjoy this victory with my runningmates.”
Harris said he and his team of Tamburello and Bourdin are thankful to the Woodbridge Township voters for their continued support.
“We look forward to working together with the entire community to keep this district moving forward,” he said. “Working with the board, school administration, Mayor [John] McCormac and the Township Council, I look forward to maintaining our partnerships for enhanced student programs and services.”
Harris said he believes the district is in a good place with many metrics trending in the right direction including state and national test scores.
“These scores suggest that our curriculum is properly educating our students,” he said. “However, we have many areas to improve upon, including upgrading our aging facilities, constantly scrutinizing spending, as well as continuing to find ways to better prepare our students for life and the workforce after graduation.”
During the election, Bourdin said she was running for a seat because she wants to make a difference in her community.
“I have a lot of experience in special education, but I want to be an influence on all of the students,” she said. “I love technology and like the direction the district is going in terms of technology in the classroom. I am interested in trying to help create a well-rounded curriculum. We have a great administration who are willing to listen and try new things. I love that about this district. We have a very close working relationship with [Mayor John E. McCormac] and the township that makes us pretty unique and helps the board meet new goals. Lastly, I love to help and will do so however I can.”