Message From Azra Baig, Outgoing South Brunswick BOE Member

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — As the dust continues to settle from the Nov. 5 election, current South Brunswick school board member Azra Baig, who did not win her re-election attempt on Tuesday, released the following letter to the South Brunswick community.

As Patch reported on election night, here are the votes as they stand. The top three vote getters won three-year terms on the South Brunswick Board of Education:

• Joyce Mehta (incumbent, currently on the board): 3,794 votes
• Joseph Scaletti (newcomer to board): 3,914 votes
• Ray Kuehner (newcomer to board): 3,658 votes
• Azra Baig (incumbent, currently on the board): 2,450 votes

Results will remain unofficial until certified by the county clerk. Mehta formed a slate with political newcomers Scaletti and Kuehner. That alliance appeared to have helped defeat Baig.

Board President Harry Delgado's seat was also up for re-election, but he chose not to run.

Baig wrote:

Dear South Brunswick,

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout my years of service on the South Brunswick Board of Education, it has been truly humbling and a blessing.

From the beginning of my journey as a School Board Member until now, I have learned so much about the South Brunswick School District and have met so many wonderful people along the way. I am sincerely grateful and have so many people to thank.

I have no regrets in regards to my Re-Election campaign, as I tried my very best and ran the best campaign possible which included a “TEAM” effort. The mobilization, engagement and efforts of so many people and individuals from various groups and organizations was tremendous! I am truly humbled and honored for the amount of support, by not only from the community of South Brunswick but from beyond. From family, friends, students, fellow parents who have known me since our children were in kindergarten through various experiences such as the PTO, the athletic clubs, soccer, basketball, football, music, and so many other activities. The numerous teachers and coaches who have had my two daughters as students, the many nurses who I have known and worked with, various leaders of groups and boards that I have been a part of, members of the various faith communities and so many others. It was a true “TEAM” effort from letters of endorsements, phone calls, robo calls, canvassing, sharing through social media, messaging chats, texts, and word of mouth. There was a great response, especially with canvassing, going to several thousand homes and mailboxes. I could go on and on about the great level of involvement, the support and the efforts of the community.

I hope I have inspired others, just as those who have inspired me, to be more engaged and involved in the school district and community, to follow one’s passion and to lead in various capacities.

It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve as a School Board Member. I have strived to serve with integrity and am grateful to have had the opportunity to make a positive impact on the entire school district.

I plan to remain committed to the South Brunswick Community and to serve as an advocate for others.

Thank You.

Ms. Azra Baig, South Brunswick School Board Member

Related: Three Projected Winners In South Brunswick School Board Race