Filak Wolecka-Jernigan Li

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 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 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.