To the Editor:

We wholeheartedly endorse Beth Behrend for reelection to the Board of Education. For many years, we have known Beth to be an effective and tireless community servant as a leader in the Riverside PTO, the Princeton School Gardens Cooperative, the Unitarian Congregation, and the Watershed Institute. In her first two terms on the Board of Education (including three years as board chair, as well as chair of the Long-Term Planning Committee and representative to the Executive Board of the Garden State Coalition of Schools) she has continued to prove her extraordinary abilities. She sees the big picture, listens with an open mind, makes decisions objectively, and above all stays focused on serving our community’s children.

During Beth’s tenure, the Board of Education has delivered strong results for Princeton’s schools and taxpayers, even while facing the unprecedented conditions of the past three years. For example, Princeton Public Schools now boasts a district-wide free pre-K and a successful early literacy program. The district has a one-to-one technology program, which has leveled the playing field for students of all means and brought 21st-century best practices into the classroom. It has collaborative labor relations and continues to attract talented teachers and administrators. Earlier this year, it adopted a new student-centered strategic plan with measurable goals to continue to improve academic achievement and student wellness.

Beth has focused her Board service on fiscal leadership and facilities planning. Princeton Public Schools now has a multi-year priority-based transparent budgeting process and a new, highly effective business administrator. The district’s finances have been stabilized through finding cost-savings, building reserves, and securing financial support from community partners, such as Princeton University. The district has passed and successfully implemented two facilities referenda, resulting in new classrooms, HVAC and security upgrades, other essential repairs, and energy-efficient schools. A five-year Sustainability Master Plan is under execution.

Princeton Public Schools are facing many challenges, including projected population growth and post-pandemic mental health needs and attendance lags. There are important efforts underway, such as the implementation of the recommendations set forth in the 2021 Special Education Report, continued development of K-12 racial literacy curricula, and review of the K-12 math curriculum. We recommend voting for steady hands and proven leadership on November 7, and Beth fits the bill.

George Diferdinando
Clover Lane

Jennifer Jang
Russell Road

Amy Mayer
Overbrook Drive

Elizabeth White
Newlin Road