PASCACK VALLEY VOTERS decided six contested local school board races — along with a Westwood seat on the Westwood Regional School District Board of Education — on Nov. 4.
School elections are nonpartisan, though in recent years controversies have swirled over state-mandated health and sex education curriculum, “parental rights” and notification policies, and LGBTQ and gender identity issues that have sometimes divided parents and educators. Lately, “parental rights” and school funding have dominated local education debates.
These results are unofficial. To review district candidates’ campaigns and bio notes, visit Pascack Press’s 2025 Election Guide at pascackpress.com.
Emerson
In Emerson, three candidates competed for two local seats. The winners were Shannon Lucas (1,379 votes, 39.4%) and Amy Mara (1,308 votes, 37.37%). Emily M. Fernandez-Justo finished with 802 votes (22.91%). Mara cited fiscal pressures related to funding and benefits, sustaining student achievement, and retaining students and teachers in a competitive environment as her top challenges.
Hillsdale
Incumbent Hillsdale trustee Salvatore Sileo defeated challenger Jonathan Braunstein, 1,970 votes (54.47%) to 1,643 (45.42%). For a one-year unexpired term, incumbent trustee Kathleen Puerta won with 1,952 votes (53.36%) over Daniel DeFeo with 1,671 (46.56%).
Sileo said top issues include school finances, safety, and infrastructure, noting that “facility enhancements” at the town’s two elementary schools will help control future costs.
Montvale
Three candidates sought two open seats in Montvale, with incumbent trustee Alisha R. Foley (1,633 votes, 42.15%) and newcomer Katharine Arena (1,336 votes, 34.49%) taking the top spots. Challenger Anita Bagdat claimed 895 votes (23.1%).
Foley said responsible spending, facility updates, and technology investments to prepare students for the future are key priorities.
Pascack Valley Regional High School District
In the valley’s most crowded race, five candidates competed for two open three-year seats. The winners were Rosemarie Malloy (1,866 votes, 32.9%) and Matthew J. Rozzi (1,802 votes, 31.78%). Finishing behind them were Shanai Jensen (892 votes, 15.73%), Holly Misley (554 votes, 9.77%), and Richard Kuiters (544 votes, 9.59%).
Malloy emphasized purposeful leadership, a student-first focus, transparent and thoughtful governance, and collaboration and accountability.
River Vale
In a four-way race for two seats in River Vale, incumbent Louan Austin (2,078 votes, 33.4%) and newcomer Emily Leffler (2,006 votes, 32.24%) were elected. Thomas Quinn (1,133 votes, 18.21%) and incumbent Virginia Senande (997 votes, 16.02%) rounded out the field.
Austin said curriculum transparency, responsible spending, and student success remain her top goals. Leffler cited managing rising costs, supporting student well-being and growth, and retaining strong educators through professional development and recognition.
In an uncontested race, incumbent James Stankus was reelected to a River Vale seat on the Pascack Valley Regional High School Board of Education with 2,931 votes.
Westwood Regional
Anita K. Siraj won an uncontested Washington Township seat on the Westwood Regional School District Board of Education with 1,704 votes.
Three candidates ran for two open Westwood seats. Incumbent Jason Garcia (2,323 votes, 44.2%) and newcomer Sabrina C. Krawczyk (1,481 votes, 28.18%) won election. Nicole DeBonis (1,431 votes, 27.23%) finished third.
Garcia listed his top challenges as maintaining fiscal responsibility without compromising student programs, serving a growing community while keeping class sizes small, and controlling taxes while competing with nearby towns that offer higher teacher salaries.
Woodcliff Lake
In two uncontested local races, Elizabeth Calderone was reelected to a Pascack Valley Regional High School Board of Education seat, and Andrew Eisler and Debra Starr were reelected to the Woodcliff Lake Board of Education.