'Children First' Snags Two Spots, 'Education Matters' Earns One in Newark School Election

The "Children First Team" appears to have secured at least two spots on the Newark Schools Advisory Board in this year's election, with 99 percent of the votes counted as of 10:51 p.m.

Early results show DeNiqua Matias as the heavy favorite with running mate Marques-Aquil Lewis, the only incumbent in the 10-candidate race, close behind.

But Ariagna Perello, also of the "Children First Team," fell 89 votes short of snagging the third open seat behind Rashied McCreary, who is running on the "Education Matters" ticket along with Tara Williams and Maisel Valentin, for the third seat on the nine-member board.

The "Children First Team" is backed by South Ward Councilman Ras Baraka and former Mayor Sharpe James, while "Education Matters," created by current board member Shavar Jeffries, has garnered support from Mayor Cory Booker.

Both teams have touted as their top priority.

"One thing I learned from first (term) is it takes true commitment to be on this board," said Lewis Wednesday. "I think that we have a good, strong team now. We're on our way to doing great things."

Results are unofficial until they are certified by the county clerk.

3,676

3,587

* Results are unofficial as of 10:51 p.m. Tuesday. Click here for results.

[Editor's note: An original version of this story incorrectly stated the number of votes by which McCreary appeared to have won.]