To the Editor:

We are writing to support the re-election of Beth Behrend to the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education. We have each gotten to know Beth, in part as past co-presidents of the parent teacher organization of several elementary schools in town, and have seen firsthand the dedication and aptitude Beth has for this role.

Beth came to every meeting of the Parent Teacher Organization Council we attended. We were always impressed by how genuinely open she was to input, how thoughtful her questions for all of us were, and how much she emphasized the need to hear from parents and teachers as part of School Board decisions, meetings, etc. She always clearly had the best interests of students and families in mind as she spoke and as she set priorities for her work and the Board’s agenda.

Importantly, we have seen Beth’s tireless commitment to improving our schools. She shows up, she cares, and she is accessible and responsive. As Board chair, her management of the Board is inclusive, allows for meaningful public input, and facilitates organized decision-making and governance. We need a leader like Beth who has worked hard and will continue to do so on behalf of all of our students. We need a leader who will prioritize the right things as the Board makes critically important decisions about hiring a new superintendent and about navigating a global pandemic that poses challenges none of us can really anticipate, and who, at the same time, will stay focused on advancing equity, and managing our schools’ capacity issues as the student population grows.

In these turbulent and chaotic times, we need steady, effective, demonstrated leadership that will work hard for all of our kids, and especially the ones who are most impacted by inequities. These are just some of the reasons why we are supporting Beth’s candidacy for School Board. Please join us in voting Column M — Beth Behrend.

Anne Thomsen Lord
Princeton Kingston Road

Jonathan Hodges
Dodds Lane

Lori Pesnell
Monroe Lane

Tara Oakman
Valley Road