Edison School Board Swears In Members, Elects New Leadership at Reorganization Meeting
Vishal Patel and Shannon Peng were unanimously chosen to lead the board following January’s reorganization meeting.
Newly elected Edison school board leaders: President Vishal Patel, Vice President Shannon Peng, and board member Russell Azzarello. (Image created by The Central Jerseyan. Source: Edison Board of Ed website)
January 7, 2025
The Edison Township Board of Education formally reorganized for the new year Tuesday night, swearing in newly elected members, selecting board leadership, and setting priorities for 2026 during a meeting at John P. Stevens High School.
The meeting opened with certification of the November election results, followed by the oath of office for Vishal Patel, Russell Azzarello, and Shannon Peng, each of whom was elected to a three-year term.
Superintendent Dr. Edward Aldarelli used his remarks to highlight recent district accomplishments and preview what’s ahead for the school system.
“Any opportunity that we have for a captive audience, we like to highlight some of the great things that are currently going on here in Edison Township,” Aldarelli said, describing the moment as both a year-in-review and a look forward.
He said the coming year’s work would continue to align with the district’s strategic plan and board goals, and noted that a more detailed “State of the Schools” address is planned for later this month. Aldarelli also pointed out that January is Board of Education Recognition Month, calling board members “fantastic volunteers” serving the community.
The board then turned to officer elections.
Former board president Jerry Shi nominated Vishal Patel for board president. Patel was elected unanimously.
Patel then nominated Shannon Peng for vice president, who was also elected unanimously.
In his remarks after being elected president, Patel emphasized that the position was about responsibility rather than title.
“It’s not about the title — it’s about the responsibility and service for the entire student population, families, and communities,” Patel said.
He outlined three priorities for the year ahead: expanding real-world opportunities such as internships and partnerships, strengthening preventive mental health resources for students, and thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence into classrooms and district operations.
“We ask one simple question,” Patel said. “Is this decision good for students? If it is, we lean into it. If it’s not, we rethink it.”
During public comment, two residents urged parents to attend school sporting events in greater numbers, stressing that extracurricular activities are an important part of student development.
One speaker said it was “very embarrassing” to see low turnout at home games, while another reminded the board that athletics contribute to students’ physical health, not just academics.
During open discussion, several board members congratulated the newly elected members and leadership team and shared reflections on the year ahead.
New board member Russell Azzarello spoke at length about his deep ties to the Edison school system, noting that he attended Edison schools, raised children in the district, and has decades-long roots in the community.
“I didn’t just recently move here. I have strong community roots here,” Azzarello said. “I now have a vested interest in the safety, well-being, and success of all students in the entire school system.”
He said he hoped to contribute by listening, learning, and offering the perspective of a former Edison student.
Vice President Shannon Peng thanked fellow board members for their trust and pointed to her family’s background in education, calling board service a way to help shape students’ futures.
“The only way to earn and keep your trust is to do what our team slogan says — students first,” Peng said. “Simple to say, but not so simple to do.”