Filak Wolecka-Jernigan Li



Putting Students at the Center
Every decision the Board of Education (BOE) makes should begin with one guiding question: Is this best for our students? Children only get one chance at their education. We owe it to them—and to their families—to prioritize learning, safety, and well-being above everything else through our initiative, Monty Children First.
Strong Academics & Curriculum
Parents want schools that challenge, support, and prepare their children for the future. The strength of any district lies in its curriculum. We will focus on keeping ours strong, balanced, and forward-looking—helping students master reading, math, and science, while also encouraging growth through the arts, technology, and essential life skills. More details on our plans are coming soon.
Listening to Parents, Taking Action
Parents are partners in education. When concerns are raised—about curriculum, safety, or communication—they deserve not only to be heard but to see real action. We will continue to make parent voices part of the discussion and follow through with solutions that build trust and improve our schools in Montgomery.
Great Teachers & Leaders
The heart of every school is its people. We believe in hiring and retaining the very best teachers and administrators—those who bring skill, creativity, and passion into classrooms every day, and who put students first in everything they do.
Fiscal Responsibility
Families and taxpayers trust us with their hard-earned dollars. We take that responsibility seriously. We will keep a close watch on spending, seek multiple sources of revenue, and ensure resources go where they matter most—supporting students and classrooms.
Transparency & Trust
A strong school district is built on trust. Our community deserves honesty, openness, and accountability. We are committed to transparent decision-making and clear communication so families always know what’s happening, why, and how it benefits students.
Join us in making a difference in our community. Volunteer your time, make a donation to our cause, or attend one of our upcoming events. Together, we can give our children a better future.
OUR SCHOOLS SHOULD BE GOVERNED BY THE COMMUNITY.
LET US BE YOUR VOICE!
EMAIL:

FUND SCHOOLS RESPONSIBLY THROUGH THE BOE INITIATIVES. IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF REVENUE TO SUPPORT MONTY CHILDREN FIRST. PROTECT TAXPAYERS FROM UNNECESSARY TAX INCREASES WHILE RETAINING DEDICATED AND EFFECTIVE TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS. INVEST IN TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE THEY CAN BEST SERVE OUR CHILDREN. EXPAND DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAMS AND STRENGTHEN STEM CURRICULUM OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS. CREATE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO GAIN REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE. STRENGTHEN EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS' NEEDS. PROTECT PARENTAL RIGHTS AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE COMING SOON INITIATIVES.

SECURED $1.2 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL STATE AID FOR THE BOE, INVESTED IDLE CASH IN SECURE, HIGH INTEREST FINANCIAL PRODUCTS, AND BALANCED A $117 MILLION BUDGET WITH A FOCUS ON CHILDREN FIRST. WE ENHANCED SCHOOL SECURITY BY SECURING A DEDICATED GUARD FOR EACH SCHOOL TO KEEP STUDENTS AND STAFF SAFE. A LONG-TERM FACILITIES PLAN IS COMING SOON, WHICH WILL HELP PROTECT JOBS FOR TEACHERS AND STAFF. ADDITIONALLY, WE UPGRADED THE FOOTBALL FIELD TURF IN MONTGOMERY TO PROVIDE A BETTER EXPERIENCE FOR OUR STUDENTS IN THE MONTY CHILDREN FIRST INITIATIVE.

Joanna Filak has been a proud Montgomery resident for over 16 years. With both of her sons educated in the Montgomery Township School District, she has a strong personal connection to the schools she serves. Professionally, Joanna boasts a robust background in finance, internal controls, and accountability, equipping her with the skills t
Joanna Filak has been a proud Montgomery resident for over 16 years. With both of her sons educated in the Montgomery Township School District, she has a strong personal connection to the schools she serves. Professionally, Joanna boasts a robust background in finance, internal controls, and accountability, equipping her with the skills to carefully evaluate budgets, contracts, and expenditures—ensuring that taxpayer dollars are protected and directed to what truly matters: student learning. Since joining the Montgomery Board of Education (BOE), Joanna has: served as Chair of the Operations, Facilities & Finance Committee, represented Montgomery as a Delegate to the New Jersey School Boards Association, served on the Human Resources Committee, and chaired negotiations with the Association of Principals and Supervisors of Montgomery Township. Joanna is dedicated to strong professional development to best serve the community that elected her. While on the Board, she has completed extensive continuing education in school law, labor relations, and school finance through the New Jersey School Boards Association. Beyond her technical expertise, Joanna is committed to open communication, transparency, and independence from special interests. She actively listens to parents, teachers, staff, and taxpayers, ensuring that community voices are always heard at the Board table. Her guiding principle is straightforward yet powerful: Children First. Every decision Joanna makes focuses on creating strong schools, a forward-looking curriculum, safeguarding resources, and building a district that prepares every student for success in college, career, and life—truly embodying the spirit of Monty Children First.

Ania Wolecka-Jernigan has proudly called Belle Mead home since 2001. With her three children spending a combined 33 years in the Montgomery Township School District, Ania has witnessed the full journey of a student from the earliest grades to graduation. This long-standing connection provides her with unique insight into the needs of stud
Ania Wolecka-Jernigan has proudly called Belle Mead home since 2001. With her three children spending a combined 33 years in the Montgomery Township School District, Ania has witnessed the full journey of a student from the earliest grades to graduation. This long-standing connection provides her with unique insight into the needs of students, teachers, and families, preparing her to serve effectively and thoughtfully as a member of the BOE. Professionally, Ania brings extensive corporate experience in global supply chain management, transformation, and strategic planning. She is seeking re-election for a second three-year term, aiming to build on her proven track record of commitment to education and the community. As Policy lead and Co-Chair of the Policy & Communications Committee, Ania plays a pivotal role in shaping the district’s guiding framework. The Policy Committee reviews, updates, and recommends district policies to ensure they remain current, compliant, and aligned with community priorities—essential for the upcoming initiatives like Monty Children First. Her leadership helps maintain transparent, consistent governance focused on student success. Additionally, Ania serves as Chair of the MTEA Negotiations Committee, an alternate on Somerset County Educational Services, and as First Vice President of the Somerset County School Boards Association. Ania’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness is influenced by her experiences as an immigrant and as a parent deeply invested in the district’s success. She believes public education thrives when professional expertise and grassroots advocacy unite to prioritize students, encapsulated in the slogan ‘Children First.’ As she points out, “School boards often benefit from members who understand the budget, curriculum processes, and state requirements. Reelection would allow me to continue bringing consistency, informed decision-making, and a focus on what truly matters—our children’s education.”

I have been a resident of Skillman since 2010, and I am a father of two kids and a German Shepherd. I work in the metal manufacturing industry and have been a part-time realtor since 2011. My journey began when I came to this country to pursue my graduate studies in Materials Science & Engineering. I am a strong believer in the importance
I have been a resident of Skillman since 2010, and I am a father of two kids and a German Shepherd. I work in the metal manufacturing industry and have been a part-time realtor since 2011. My journey began when I came to this country to pursue my graduate studies in Materials Science & Engineering. I am a strong believer in the importance of higher education. While you may not do exactly what you learned in college, the broad knowledge, mindset, and problem-solving skills acquired during that time can significantly benefit you throughout your life and often guarantee a well-established career. We moved to Skillman in 2010, and both my daughter and son started at the Kid Connection at Orchard Hill Elementary School. By September of this year, my daughter will be a junior in college, and my son will be a junior at Montgomery High School. Every child is unique, with their own strengths, talents, and potential. It is both the responsibility of families and the duty of our schools, including the BOE, to ensure that all students are encouraged, supported, and challenged to grow. I believe our district must use its budget wisely, focusing on what matters most: our teachers and our children. This means investing in competitive compensation to attract and retain outstanding educators across all subject areas and ensuring every student has access to meaningful learning opportunities. Our goal should be to help every student discover their passion, pursue their goals, and achieve their full potential. As we look ahead to the initiatives of Monty Children First, it's essential that we continue to prioritize what is best for our children. Coming soon, we will see more efforts that align with these values.

