To the Editor: 

As a PPS parent, I would like to express my support for Margarita “Rita” Rafalovsky as a candidate for the Board of Education. Like many families, our family chose to live in Princeton for its excellent schools and its diverse and inclusive culture. We have had a good experience with the public schools until last May when we learned about the school district’s plan for a math curriculum change. The suggestion of removing advanced math courses from an external consultant hired by the school district, as well as the district’s reluctance to release the consultant’s full report to parents, made us concerned about the district’s direction. 

Today’s world is seeing rapid technology development. Our children will face new sets of challenges and likely take on new kinds of jobs. High-quality public education is vital in preparing our children for the workforce of the future and for a fulfilling life. Princeton’s reputation of school excellence has been built upon the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, and families over the years. It’s important for Board members not to rest on the district’s past success, and not to lose focus on academic excellence for all of our children when balancing difference goals.

Rita sees this and understands it. She has a forward-thinking mindset when it comes to education for our children. She focuses on the work and not the talk; the real results instead of wishful thinking. Thanks to her years of corporate experience, she is keen in identifying problem areas and proactively searching for community resources and effective solutions with measurable outcomes. Rita thinks that education is the greatest equalizer, to which I cannot agree more. She came to this country at a young age, grew up in a poor neighborhood, and struggled academically and financially before getting herself into college and landing a successful career. She understood the types of school and community programs that would help children like her, and she has the will to help future generations reach their potential. Our school district will benefit greatly by having Rita on the School Board. 

Julie Zhu
Bertrand Drive