Jay (Jitesh) Rohatgi of Upper Macungie Township has announced he is running in the May 18 Municipal Primary for a seat on the Parkland School Board.

The parent of two Parkland students, a successful business leader and a local community volunteer, Rohatgi says he is deeply involved within the school community as a member of Parkland’s Community Advisory Council, Multicultural Awareness Committee, and Education Foundation Board.

He is also the administrator of the Parkland Parents online forum where parents help support each other in this difficult academic year.

Rohatgi says embracement of the arts, academics and athletics is key to a well-balanced education, and the future success of our children.

In order to encourage critical thinking, he supports opportunities for students to explore these different realms through vocational training, college counseling or any alternate paths.

Rohatgi says an effective school board director needs to volunteer a lot of personal time and effort to make sure Parkland’s financial, academic, and sport excellence is not only sustained but improved.

Rohatgi says he is fully committed to spending the time to serve the needs of the district.

“With additional weight added by the pandemic, Parkland School District has to manage a complex set of logistical challenges,” Rohatgi said. “I plan to work with administration and parents alike to ensure that our students, whether online or in-person, are receiving the best education possible.”

Rohatgi says his experience in using technology to solve complex business problems uniquely prepares him for this challenge and will enable him to achieve the same success for the district.

An alternate member of the Upper Macungie Zoning Hearing Board, he also serves on the Lehigh County Personnel Review Board.

With his volunteer efforts for the American Cancer Society, GBSL soccer, Springhouse Science Olympiad team, and Allentown temple, he continues to give back to the local community that he is both privileged to be part of, and wants to represent.