To the Editor:

As I read about and listen to the positions of the school board candidates, I am concerned about the overly-prescriptive statements of some candidates. Some seem to see the school board as a PTO on steroids, rather than as financial stewards of public assets and a policy making fiduciary body serving our entire community. Julie Ramirez is a refreshing exception, and would be an excellent addition to the Board of Education.

Now more than ever, we need school board members who have relevant financial expertise and professional leadership skills. I worked with Julie for five years in a professional setting where managing expectations, time, and money was key. The initiatives she worked on impacted peoples’ lives on a global scale and they required careful planning and pragmatic execution. Her work required a grasp of the big-picture considerations and attention to the fine details in equal measure, and this is where Julie excels.

Like all good leaders, Julie holds herself accountable. She does the research to understand a problem, takes responsibility for the solution, and owns the results. I trust Julie to represent all Princeton students and taxpayers rather than narrow interests and agendas. She will act in a manner that reflects her understanding that money doesn’t grow on trees. She will ensure the schools achieve broad academic success for all students, while prioritizing the children’s wellbeing.

As the very involved parent of four wonderful kids in the Princeton schools, Julie knows our district well and has a clear vision of where we need to go. I am glad that she is ready to share her many talents with the Princeton community. When you vote on November, 7, please join me in supporting Julie Ramirez for the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education.

Kirk Williamson

Cleveland Lane