3 School Board Members Sworn In, New President To Lead Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Incumbent Kent Diamond and Brendan Galligan along with Charles Gelinas were sworn in to serve on the Westfield Board of Education at the Reorganization meeting on Tuesday.

Diamond, Galligan, and Lisa Gelinas all won one of the three, three-year seats on the board in the April election over Brian Crawford and Dyanna Pepitone. (See the final vote totals below)

Additionally at the meeting, Sonal Patel was unanimously appointed as Board President.

"I've been truly impressed by her work as a co-chair of the Policy Committee," said Galligan who nominated Patel. "She brings experience as an educator in the classroom which is not something we've had in Board leadership in a very long time. And I look forward to Sonal leading us through the next year."

Sahar Aziz also expressed her excitement to have Patel as President.

"I am also excited to have a woman of color as the president of Westfield which I think is very important as a role model for diversifying the community. And I am looking forward to her leadership," said Aziz.

Robert Benacchio was also appointed Vice President, with only Aziz voting no.

"Rob and I have known each other a long time outside of school and we come from very different backgrounds, thought processes, but we always manage to work well together. And I appreciate his point of view and ability to compromise and I am happy to nominate you," said Mary Wickens.

Aziz shared her disappointment of not knowing about the appointment of Benacchio.

"This is the first time I heard you are running, I heard hearsay that you are running. I appreciate you being willing to step up for leadership. Although I do wish I was at least contacted," said Aziz.

Below are the vote tallies as of May 8, according to the Union County Clerk:

• Brian Crawford - 1,473
• Kent Diamond* - 3,025
• Brendan Galligan* - 2,975
• Charles Gelinas - 2,917
• Dyanna Pepitone - 1,485

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