Edison Township board elects Vishal Patel president, Shannon Peng vice president

The Edison Township Board of Education on Jan. 6 swore in three newly elected members and elected Vishal Patel as board president and Shannon Peng as vice president during its annual reorganization meeting.

Vishal Patel, the newly elected board president, pledged to center decisions on students and set three priorities for 2026: expanding real-world opportunities such as internships and partnerships, strengthening preventive mental-health resources for students, and thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence into instruction and operations.

"I have one simple rule that I believe will filter all the decisions and put the student at the center of everything we do," Patel said, adding that the board will "expand real world opportunities for our students through internship, through partnerships" and work to "strengthen our preventive mental health resources." Patel emphasized collaboration and open communication among board members and district staff.

Russell J. Azzarello, one of the newly sworn board members, thanked voters and said he looks forward to serving "all the students of Edison" and working with the superintendent and administration to support students' success.

Public commenters at the meeting congratulated the new board and urged parents to support student athletes at home events. One resident said, "go and support your kids' team when they're playing sports," arguing attendance contributes to students' broader school experience.

The board also announced a "state of the schools" presentation scheduled for the Jan. 20 meeting and noted that January is Board of Education Recognition Month, when volunteers and contributors will be recognized.

The board adjourned after completing reorganization business. The next regular meeting will include a fuller state-of-the-schools presentation and volunteer recognitions.