Joanna Filak Ania Wolecka-Jernigan Peter Li
From Bell to Bell. Every Student, Every Day. Children First
Our Platform
Putting Students at the Center
Every decision the School Board 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.
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.
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.
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.
The Children First Team
Joanna Filak
Jiying "Peter" Li, PhD
Ania Wolecka-Jernigan
Joanna Filak has been a proud Montgomery resident for more than 16 years. Both of her sons were educated in the Montgomery Township School District, giving her a deep and personal connection to the schools she serves.Professionally, Joanna brings a strong background in finance, internal controls, and accountability. Her career has given h
Joanna Filak has been a proud Montgomery resident for more than 16 years. Both of her sons were educated in the Montgomery Township School District, giving her a deep and personal connection to the schools she serves.Professionally, Joanna brings a strong background in finance, internal controls, and accountability. Her career has given her the skills to carefully evaluate budgets, contracts, and expenditures—ensuring taxpayer dollars are protected and directed to what matters most: student learning. Since joining the Montgomery Board of Education, 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
- Chaired negotiations with the Association of Principals and Supervisors of Montgomery Township
Joanna is committed to strong professional development to best serve the community that elected her. While serving 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 listens to parents, teachers, staff, and taxpayers, ensuring that community voices are always heard at the Board table.
Her guiding principle is simple yet powerful: Children First. Every decision Joanna makes is focused on creating strong schools, forward-looking curriculum, safeguarding resources, and building a district that prepares every student for success in college, career, and life.
Ania Wolecka-Jernigan
Jiying "Peter" Li, PhD
Ania Wolecka-Jernigan
Ania Wolecka-Jernigan has been a resident of Belle Mead since 2001. With her three children collectively spending 33 years in the Montgomery Township School District, Ania Wolecka-Jernigan has seen firsthand the full journey of a student—from the earliest grades to graduation. This long-standing, personal connection gives her unique ins
Ania Wolecka-Jernigan has been a resident of Belle Mead since 2001. With her three children collectively spending 33 years in the Montgomery Township School District, Ania Wolecka-Jernigan has seen firsthand the full journey of a student—from the earliest grades to graduation. This long-standing, personal connection gives her unique insight into the needs of students, teachers, and families, preparing her to serve effectively and thoughtfully as a Board of Education member.
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, building on a 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. Her leadership helps keep district governance transparent, consistent, and focused on student success. In addition, Ania serves as Chair of the MTEA Negotiations Committee, as 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 shaped by both her experiences as an immigrant and as a parent deeply invested in the district’s success. She believes that public education thrives when professional expertise and grassroots advocacy come together to put students first, therefore the CHILDREN FIRST slogan. “School boards often benefit from members who understand the budget, curriculum processes, and state requirements,” she notes. “Reelection would allow me to continue bringing consistency, informed decision-making, and a focus on what truly matters—our children’s education.”
Jiying "Peter" Li, PhD
Jiying "Peter" Li, PhD
Jiying "Peter" Li, PhD
Resident of Skillman since 2010
A Father of 2 Kids & a German Shepherd
Working in the Metal Manufacturing Industry
Part-time Realtor since 2011
I came to this country to pursue my graduate studies in Materials Science & Engineering. I am a strong believer in higher education. You may not do exactly what you learned at college, but the broad k
Resident of Skillman since 2010
A Father of 2 Kids & a German Shepherd
Working in the Metal Manufacturing Industry
Part-time Realtor since 2011
I came to this country to pursue my graduate studies in Materials Science & Engineering. I am a strong believer in higher education. You may not do exactly what you learned at college, but the broad knowledge, mindset, and problem-solving skills you learned at college will benefit you throughout your life and will most time guarantee you 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 a Junior in our 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 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. That 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.