To the Editor:

We need leaders who believe in the course of action they are taking and commit to their beliefs, values, and actions in everything they do. Michele Tuck-Ponder has demonstrated that leadership over the past three years as a Board member and throughout her life, never wavering from her values in her actions. She is trusted. As Michele says, her platform for the Board of Education is the same as it was three years ago – equity and excellence for every student, financial responsibility, and providing 21^st century skills for every student – skills of collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. 

Michele makes every decision through the lens of equity, standing for her belief that every child deserves equity when it comes to getting an excellent education and preparing for whatever path they choose in life. Michele has dedicated her life to public service, serving on Capitol Hill as a legislative aide, holding leadership roles in nonprofits like the Girl Scouts and The Women’s Fund of New Jersey, and currently as executive director of a global educational nonprofit. She has served on town Council and as mayor of Princeton Township, so she knows Princeton, and how to manage a budget and deal with facilities. As a commissioner on the Princeton Housing Authority, she understands the needs of those with the lowest incomes. As the chair of the first District Equity Committee, she listened, really listened, to every constituency – residents, students, staff, and parents representing the vast diversity of our community. The outcome is that we will soon have a framework for decision making in the District that will ensure that we think about equity for all students before we invest in or start new programs.

Michele understands that affordability is also key. As a 30-year resident and taxpayer of Princeton, she knows firsthand the burden of property taxes, and she will continue to make financial decisions that focus on the child and the community. We can also trust Michele to help us select the next superintendent – finding a leader who has outstanding management skills, a demonstrated commitment to transparency and accountability, and measurable success in problem solving, building effective relationships with the community, and advancing equity and excellence for all students. 

The work ahead for the Board is critically important – we must have Michele Tuck-Ponder on the Board. 

Veronica Foreman
William Patterson Court

Carol Martin
Castle Howard Court