Candidates File for Jersey City and South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education Seats

Thirteen candidates have filed for the non‑partisan Jersey City Board of Education race slated for Nov. 3, with four seats up for election. The field is organized into three slates, including the “For Stronger Schools” slate of Jessica Taube, Chloe Williams and Danielle Walker, as well as incumbents Dejon Morris, Alpa Patel and Dr. George Blount running with newcomer Vanessa Rodriguez. Issues raised during the campaign include a pending special‑education audit and the recent arrest of former trustee Emily Pecot.

In nearby South Orange‑Maplewood, four candidates – Patricia Azeez, Liz Callahan, Kevin Diaz and Will Meyer – have entered the race for three Board of Education seats, also to be decided on Nov. 3, 2026. Kevin Diaz, a real‑estate broker, highlighted priorities such as long‑term budget planning, facility improvements, school safety and support for vulnerable students in his campaign statement.

Both elections are non‑partisan and will shape local school policies, budgeting and community oversight for the coming years.