To the Editor:

We are writing to endorse Jess Deutsch for the Board of Education (BOE). As parents whose children recently graduated from our district, we feel that Jess is a clear choice to help our school district move forward. We have known Jess and her family for nearly 15 years, and can speak with certainty to her commitment to the children of our community and for the well-being of all Princeton children. As the founder of Princeton Balance, a board member of both the 101 Fund and of HiTops, as well as a former member of the Riverside PTO, Jess is perfectly suited to create the critical conversations and bring the changes needed to support all of our children in making the most of their educational experiences.

Jess is well versed in the multiple, complex issues that our district is facing while also having a keen understanding of the district’s strategic plan. She is a listener and problem solver, and she has the judgment and reason that will be necessary to confront the budgetary, space, and communication challenges, and to serve our whole community well. As a long-time public school teacher, I can attest to the importance of having BOE members who have a background in education who understand the needs of our children and district. With an advanced degree in education from Harvard, and years of experience as a professional education advisor, Jess is uniquely qualified to see the issues our district faces from the perspective of a parent, community leader, and, to speak the language of our students and educators. Jess will be at the forefront to ensure that our community will provide to every student in the district a first-rate education, recognizing the urgency of closing the opportunity gap and creative innovative options that will truly prepare our students to thrive. We know she takes seriously the responsibility of making decisions that affect our community for the long-term, and that require the judicious use of our taxpayer dollars.

Our three sons have now graduated from PPS as have Jess and Ted’s children. We are impressed and grateful that Jess is choosing to serve now, with the long view of our entire school system. We state with certainty and confidence that Jess has already had a positive imprint on our district. The school board needs her now. There are many fine candidates running who are looking to serve, and we thank them all for their commitment. Jess Deutsch has our enthusiastic support and is our choice for the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education.

Steve and Nadia DiGregorio

William Livingston Court