Linden Board of Education Member (3 seats)
What does this office do?
- Deciding how school district money is spent
- Picking the superintendent
- Choosing curriculum, within state rules
Affects: Government Efficiency, Government Spending Reduction, Public Safety and Crime Control,
Candidates:
Nonpartisan
Essence Myrick is a Linden school parent and author of a children's book about inclusion. She shared the book with first- and second-graders during the district's 2026 Autism Acceptance Month.
Records: Public Education Quality 1 for
Nonpartisan
John Kaczor campaigned for Linden's Sixth Ward Council seat in 2023 and questioned city budget use at a public hearing. His current school-board slate calls for teacher support and transparent spending.
Nonpartisan
As of September 2026, we found no public information about Joseph Grunwald's job, background, or goals.
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Kimberly Ullisse joined the Linden Board of Education in January 2024. She served as an alternate on the board's negotiations committee for the 2025–26 school year.
Records: Public Education Quality 3 for, Government Spending Reduction 2 against, Public Infrastructure 2 for
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Malaysia Thomas is president of the Linden Board of Education after three years as vice president. She has worked in public relations and marketing and holds an MBA from Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles.
Records: Public Education Quality 5 for, Government Spending Reduction 3 against, Public Infrastructure 2 for,
Nonpartisan
Dr. Olivia Rodriguez-Calderon is principal of Hubbard Middle School in Plainfield and has worked in education for 23 years. She also coaches softball in Linden.
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Rempee Kalia joined the Linden Board of Education in December 2025 to fill a vacancy. Her background includes data analysis and technology work with Deloitte, the U.S. Treasury, the United Nations, and the U.S. House.
Records: Public Education Quality 2 for, Government Spending Reduction 1 against, Public Infrastructure 1 for
Sources: nj.gov · lindenps.org · njsba.org