Madison School Board Winners Say Thanks

MADISON, NJ - Thomas J. Piskula and Sarah G. Fischer defeated Curtis B. Gilfillan and David Steketee for a three-year term on the Madison Board of Education Tuesday and both said they were thankful to the voters.

"I thank the voters of Madison for their participation in the Board of Education election. The more attention given to the public schools, the more energy there is to move our schools forward," Piskula told Patch.

Fischer echoed that sentiment.

"I am humbled by the results of the election and want to thank the voters in Madison for trusting me with this leadership role," she said.

The unofficial numbers from the Morris County Clerk with all districts reporting in:

• Thomas J. Piskula 2,194
• Sarah G. Fischer 2,643
• David Steketee 1,298
• Curtis B. Gilfillan 1,116

Results remain unofficial until certified by the county clerk. In close races, uncounted mail-in ballots could change the results.

Both victors thanked the other candidates who ran against them, Piskula referring to the contest as "a very positive and constructive race."

"Thank you to David Steketee, Tom Piskula, and Curtis Gilfillan for their dedication to our community and for modeling what civil engagement looks like on a local level," Fischer said.

Piskula said the way the race was run added to the information that the community has about the challenges faced by the school district.

"It is also an opportune time to appreciate the efforts of the many volunteers that support the Madison public schools, prominent among them the Madison Education Foundation which held one of its annual fundraisers on the Friday evening before the election," Piskula said.

With the race behind them, both candidates have their eyes turned to the future.

"I look forward to working with my fellow board members, who have already welcomed me over the course of the day, and the administration as we aim to improve our district and fight for the success of our students," Fischer said.

For his part, Piskula said he was looking forward to serving his second term on the board.

"I will certainly redouble my efforts to keep the Madison public schools on a path of continuous improvement," he said.

(Photos courtesy of Sarah Fischer and Tom Piskula)

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