To the Editor:

We are writing to let the community know that we are seeking re-election for a second three-year term on the Princeton Public Schools’ Board of Education on November 6, 2018. It has been a privilege to serve our community and our district’s students in this role, and we are committed to providing continuity of leadership on the Board of Education during this critical time for our school district.

We are results-oriented leaders with a strong focus on student-centered initiatives, a great respect for our district’s staff, and a concern for our limited community resources. During our (almost) three years on the board, we have guided the implementation of many positive changes in our district, such as:

A productive working relationship with labor union leadership, including three carefully-crafted labor union contracts approved through 2020 with no disruption to our teaching and learning communities.

Increased communication with and the negotiation of voluntary payments from non-public institutions, including the Institute for Advanced Study.

A more intentional focus on the needs of students and their parents at the transitional grades of kindergarten, sixth, and ninth.

Consistent and unprecedented dialogue related to race and equity throughout the district.

The creation of a board committee to ensure that our equity work remains at the forefront.

Support for our administrators’ hiring of a more diverse staff (30 percent of the new hires in 2018 are educators of color).

A modified homework policy to promote deeper learning and meaningful work.

A later start time (8:20 a.m.) at Princeton High School.

Increased transparency and communication between the Board and the community (such as the summary of monthly Board meetings that are sent to all PPS parents and staff with a link to the video recording of the Board meeting).

Quarterly “Meet the Board” sessions to better engage the community in the work of the Board.

The development of a plan to address the district’s rising enrollment and needs of our aging facilities.

And new opportunities for parents and the community to provide feedback about their experiences.

The Princeton Public Schools face significant challenges in the next few years, and we remain committed to working together for all students.

We respectfully ask for your vote on November 6, 2018.

Sincerely,

Dafna Kendal

Ballot position #1

Betsy Kalber Baglio

Ballot position #4