On May 20, New Rochelle voters elected Elana Jacob and Jessica Klein to the New Rochelle School Board and approved the 2025-2026 school budget of $359,468,597, which is 3.45% higher than the current budget and includes a 3.95% tax levy increase. This budget required a 60% majority to pass and received over 65% approval. In addition, voters passed the New Rochelle Public Library’s $7,377,667 budget, which will result in an additional tax levy increase for New Rochelle residents.

There were five candidates listed on the ballot; voters were asked to select two. Jacob received the highest number of votes with 3,399 and Klein came in second with 2,956 votes. Klein expressed, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude, you placed your trust in me to serve on our board of education, and I cannot thank you enough for this incredible honor.

“Teaching has always been my passion and my calling,” she added. “This campaign pushed me far outside my comfort zone, and I am truly humbled that you have seen in me the potential to lead in a different way. I am earnestly committed to participating in bridge-building efforts and activities throughout New Rochelle, working to strengthen alliances across all communities as we move forward together. I promise to bring the same dedication to the board that I bring to my classroom every day. I will listen more than I speak and never forget that this role is about service to our children, our teachers and our entire community.”

Jacob stated, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude and humbled by the trust you’ve placed in me through Tuesday’s board of education election. I want to acknowledge that I still must earn the trust of many people in our community, and I plan to work tirelessly to do so through listening and action. I enter this role with a deep sense of responsibility to serve every New Rochellian.”

Jacob added, “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Keith Singletary, Rosa Rivera-McCutchen, Jessica Klein and Myriam Decime for their commitment to our schools and their willingness to step forward and serve. Their perspectives and dedication have enriched this election process and I look forward to collaborating with them in our ongoing efforts to serve every student. As we move forward, I pledge to be a board member who listens to all voices, who builds bridges across our diverse community, and who keeps our focus where it belongs: on providing every child in New Rochelle with an excellent education. The election is over, and now our real work begins. I invite everyone, regardless of who you supported, to join in efforts however you can.”

New Rochelle resident and volunteer Davida Fried stated, “I’m incredibly honored to have served as one of the volunteers who helped support Elana Jacob and Jessica Klein in their respective runs for the New Rochelle school board. This moment is incredibly exciting, not just for them, but for all parents and residents who care deeply about our schools’ sustained academic excellence across our diverse and varied districts. More than 6,000 registered voters turned out to vote; that’s an astonishing 61% increase from last year and the second-highest turnout in eight years. This remarkable level of engagement makes it clear that voters across New Rochelle strongly back Elana and Jessica’s leadership and vision for our schools.”

Fried explained, “Aside from the pandemic, when voting was by mail, this is the highest turnout we have seen in nearly a decade. I look forward to seeing the positive impact Elana and Jessica will make during their terms.”

Anyone who would like to connect with Jacob or Klein can reach them at elana4newro@gmail.com or jessicaklein914@gmail.com.

Judy Berger is The Jewish Link Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut community editor.