Canlas and Cheema Retain Board Seats

New Haven Unified School District voters have re-elected Linda Canlas and Sarabjit Cheema to the Board of
Education and overwhelmingly passed Measure M which will fund vital technology and infrastructure projects for the District.

Ms. Canlas, originally elected to the Board in 2010, received the most votes in Tuesday’s election, winning a second term as she received 3,934 votes (29.3%).

Ms. Cheema, also first elected in 2010 and winning a second term, received 3,525 votes (26.2%). Former New Haven Board member, Gwen Estes, finished third with 3,249 votes (24.1%), while first-time Board candidate, Lance Nishihira, was fourth with 2,697 (20.1%) of the votes cast.

Measure M, which will provide much needed funds for the renovation and modernization of facilities, safety and security improvements, District-wide technology upgrades, and other projects, was passed by District voters by a more than two-to-one margin with 5,675 votes (68%). The approximately $125 million bond will implemented by an independent citizens’ oversight committee.

Co-Superintendent and Chief Business Officer, Akur Varadarajan, expressed his relief and gratitude to voters.

“Congratulations and Thank You New Haven Community for your unwavering support and continued commitment.

“The issue of voting bonds for school improvement is vital to most school systems. It is a process that requires total community involvement and the New Haven community has shown its support with an overwhelming majority of 67.94% in passing Measure M,” Mr. Varadarajan stated. “Children require sound school buildings, just as they need a strong instructional program. Our bond program will support construction and technology enhancement across the district.”

—Information submitted by New Haven Unified School District

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