Edison, NJ – June 2, 2025 – What should have been a cherished moment of historical reflection and community pride at James Madison Intermediate (JMI) School was unfortunately marred by a blatant attempt by Mayor Sam Joshi to commandeer the spotlight. While the school community, led by its dedicated staff and students, held a heartfelt time capsule ceremony, Mayor Joshi opted for a separate, unsanctioned event, drawing sharp condemnation from the Edison Township Board of Education.
The official unveiling, which took place at 10:00 a.m. at James Madison Intermediate School, was a testament to the school’s commitment to its legacy and its future. Principal Donna Abatemarco offered welcoming remarks, remarks about the 2000 time capsule from JMI Staff and former students Mrs Kantar , Ms. Adornetto, Mr. Mirfield, Mrs O’Malley and Ms. Lazarowitz, followed by addresses from Superintendent Dr. Edward Aldarelli and members of the Board of Education. The student body’s integral role was highlighted by the recognition of JMI Student Council officers: President Akshar Sapure, Vice President Sarina Patel, Treasurer Rohan Shukla, and Secretary Jai Popat, all of whom were present to witness this significant occasion. The ceremony was a dignified and meaningful event, focusing on the connection between generations of JMI students.
However, the spirit of unity was fractured by Mayor Joshi’s decision to stage his own “Time Capsule” event at 4:00 p.m., reportedly for “classmates and friends.” This move, seemingly designed to carve out a personal platform from a school-organized event, has ignited a firestorm of criticism.
The Edison Township Board of Education wasted no time in publicly denouncing the Mayor’s actions. In a scathing email circulated to the community, the Board expressed its outrage: “A flyer has been circulating from Mayor Sam Joshi for his ‘Time Capsule’ event at an Edison school. Please be advised that the Edison Township Board of Education was neither consulted nor did it grant permission for the use of its name in connection with this event.”
The Board minced no words in its condemnation, labeling the unauthorized use of its name as “misleading, unethical, and a violation of public trust.” This sentiment highlights a clear belief that Mayor Joshi’s independent event was not merely an oversight, but a deliberate attempt to leverage a school-affiliated activity for personal gain, potentially at the expense of the school’s integrity and the focus on its students.
Further, the Board’s email unequivocally stated its opposition to “the use of school grounds or school-affiliated events as platforms for political promotion.” This pointed remark highlights the deeply inappropriate nature of the Mayor’s actions, suggesting a disregard for the established policies designed to protect the school environment from political interference. The Board cited its own policies – 9700 (External Affiliations), 9120 (Public Communications), and 3233 (Political Activities) – to formally dissociate itself from Mayor Joshi’s “unauthorized” event.
This situation also appears to violate New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) rules on political communications within 90 days of an election which are subject to reporting which started on March 12th 20025 for those running in the June 10th Primary election.
The Board’s final declaration served as a stern warning: “The Edison Township Board of Education firmly opposes the use of school property, events, or affiliations for political purposes. We do not, and will not, endorse any political candidate or campaign. Our unwavering commitment is to the students, staff, and families of Edison Township, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure our schools remain free from political influence.”
This incident raises serious questions about leadership and priorities within the Edison community. While the students of James Madison Intermediate celebrated a genuine moment of history, Mayor Joshi’s calculated maneuver to divert attention has unfortunately cast a shadow over what should have been a purely positive event, demonstrating a disappointing attempt to prioritize personal visibility over the spirit of community and the children it serves.
