Biral Patel Elected To Edison BOE After Errico's Resignation

EDISON, NJ — Edison Township Board of Education recently held a caucus to elect a new board member after Ralph Errico resigned at the end of December 2020.

Twelve candidates presented in front of the Board Of Education at the caucus held Jan. 21. Candidates like Yash Pandya and Padmaja Chinta who ran in November 2020 election put forward their candidacy.

The board unanimously elected Biral Patel to fill in the remaining of Errico’s term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2021.

During his presentation Patel said he would not shy away from taking “pragmatic and tangible steps” to solve the issue of overcrowding in schools. “We also need to extend our before care and after care programs so that no child is left behind,” he said.

Patel said he was committed to achieve a “0 percent budget increases this year” and be mindful of taxpayers' money.

“We must collaborate with our educators. Our teachers and staff members are the backbone of our school system. We must provide them all resources they need.”

Patel said he would like to see more resources dedicated to sports, arts and music, along with investments in “mental health initiatives.”

Patel chose to serve on the transportation and community relations committees.

Errico was a member of the Edison BOE for five years before he resigned in December 2020. He served as BOE president. Recently, Jerry Shi was elected board president, with Mohin Patel serving as vice-president.

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