To the Editor:

Happy New Year from the PPS Board of Education. We have reorganized and are pleased to welcome continuing member Debbie Bronfeld, returning member Dafna Kendal, and Susan Kanter, who joins us for her first term. Beth Behrend will return as board president, joined by Michele Tuck-Ponder as vice president. Betsy Baglio, Daniel Dart, Jess Deutsch, Peter Katz, and Brian McDonald continue their service. 

As we begin a new year, students, as always, remain at the center of our work. Often our meetings must focus on the details of buildings, budget and policy — but all of our efforts support the teaching and learning that takes place in our wonderfully diverse and dynamic district. 

We encourage you to visit our board website to see highlights from our work in 2019 — including the expansion of Pre-K and restorative practices, the smooth transition of key district leadership, as well as a strengthened financial position, community relationships, advocacy, and facilities stewardship. Looking forward, we plan to keep our sights firmly set on the mission of our district, “To prepare all of our students to lead lives of joy and purpose as knowledgeable, creative, and compassionate citizens of a global society.” All of our goals for the year support this mission.

So what’s ahead for PPS? Most immediately, we invite you to join us on January 25 for a community planning session at 9 a.m. in the Princeton High School cafeteria to discuss enrollment growth, the state of our school facilities, and the educational future for our children. Please come and join the conversation.

Overseeing our school district is complex and challenging. As leaders we are always learning. While we celebrate what we do well, we know we can always improve. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to share your questions or concerns with us at our meetings or in writing.

As volunteer elected officials, your 2020 Board of Education is comprised of current or former PPS parents who stepped forward to serve because we care passionately about students, about education, and about our community. We are excited to work on behalf of taxpayers, the public, and our students in the year ahead. 

Thank you for entrusting us with the stewardship of the Princeton Public Schools.

Betsy Kalber Baglio, Beth Behrend, Debbie Bronfeld, Daniel Dart, Jess Deutsch, Peter Katz, Susan Kanter, Dafna Kendal, Brian Mcdonald, Michele Tuck-Ponder
PPS Board of Education