Montgomery School Board Honors Three Outgoing Members at Dec. 16 Meeting

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY — The Montgomery Township Board of Education took time at its December 16 meeting to recognize and thank three outgoing board members for their service to the district.

Board President Patrick Todd began the recognition by reiterating earlier remarks from Superintendent Mary McLoughlin, who had publicly thanked Michelle Dowling, Joanna Filak, and Ania Wolecka-Jernigan for their years of contribution to the school community.

Dowling, whose three-year term is ending, offered a set of reflections in what she described as parting thoughts drawn from her experience on the board.

She said that, in her view, “excellence is always the expectation at Montgomery,” noting that while not everything is perfect, she has observed that “every person associated with Montgomery strives for excellence.”

Dowling also emphasized that robust questioning is a normal and welcome part of the board’s work.

“A high level of questioning is the norm,” she said, citing discussions at full board meetings, in committees, and in conversations with teachers, parents, and community members. She added that there is sometimes a misconception that questions are not being asked, and said she wanted to assure the public that “they are,” even if the answers are not always what people hope to hear.

Looking ahead, she expressed the hope that future questioning — both on and around the board — would be rooted in “genuine inquiry, hard data, and a desire to help improve what is already a strong school,” rather than, in her words, “solely to perpetuate opposition, conjecture, argument, mistrust, or doubt.”

Dowling also addressed recent public discussion of school taxes, noting that many families move to Montgomery specifically for the school system.

“No one moves to Montgomery expecting there to be low taxes,” she said, arguing that it is “a given that our taxes are a direct correlation to our excellent school system.”

She closed her remarks by underscoring the importance of confidence in the district’s professionals.

“It is essential for us to trust in the expertise of our hired school administrators, faculty, and staff. Period. Full stop,” Dowling said.

She thanked the district, saying she felt “humbled to have been elected and entrusted with this essential role,” and wished the incoming board members well, expressing confidence that they would “contribute great value.” She also thanked her colleagues for “three unforgettable years,” calling it “an honor to serve alongside you.”

Board member Dr. Ting Wang, who is completing her first year on the board, added her own remarks recognizing the three departing members.

Wang noted that Wolecka-Jernigan brought “a valuable county-level perspective” to the board and made “significant contributions” to the Policy Committee. She also credited her with playing “a key role in creating the new board member manual,” which Wang described as a lasting resource for current and future members.

She said Filak “constantly shared her strong financial expertise” and was “a steadfast advocate for student clubs,” helping ensure that “student voices and interests were reflected” in board discussions. Of Dowling, Wang highlighted her work in the area of student counseling, saying Dowling brought “care, insight, and commitment to student well-being.”

“I’m very grateful for their time, leadership, and service,” Wang said, thanking all three for “the lasting impact they have made on our school district and community.”

The recognitions came as part of the board’s final regular meeting of the calendar year, ahead of the annual reorganization session at which newly elected members will be sworn in and committee assignments restructured.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com