By Donald Gilpin

With two new members and a third newly sworn in for a third term, the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education is looking to focus on teaching and learning as it addresses the challenges of space limitations and a growing student population.

The public weighed in last Saturday, January 6, at a meeting at the Princeton Middle School (PMS) to discuss expansion plans that are under consideration. Another meeting, which will take place virtually by Zoom, has been rescheduled for this Thursday, January 11, at 7 p.m.  The current plans, which will be reviewed and discussed at Thursday’s meeting, propose expansions at Community Park and Littlebrook schools, a new addition at PMS, additional work at Princeton High School, and demolition of a section of the district’s Valley Road building. A referendum estimated at $85 millions is anticipated in the coming year.

“As we look to the future, not just this year, but in the next five to seven years, we recognize that our community is growing and we will be welcoming more students into our schools,” wrote Acting Superintendent Kathie Foster in a January 9 email. “PPS is committed to providing the learning spaces students need to succeed. These spaces include classrooms, learning labs, large group and small group instruction spaces. Other factors include

storage, and maximizing currently used spaces.”

There were about 30 in attendance at the January 6 meeting, where concerns were raised about the timing of the referendum as well as the timing of construction work and possible disruptions for students and teachers. 

BOE President Dafna Kendal, recently reelected for her third term, noted, “There was good dialogue about the plans themselves.” She urged residents to voice their concerns and ideas. “We will continue to refine those plans,” she said. “There’s the ongoing question of what’s the best course for the district and the taxpayers, and we’re looking for input. We want to hear from the public as the plans continue to be refined.”

She noted that the BOE is continuing to work on cost estimates as it prepares to present a referendum to the voters in the fall of 2024, and will soon be able to present more details and a projection of the estimated impact on the tax bill for the owner of an average Princeton home. 

“We really do want community involvement,” she added, “so that our plans reflect what the community wants.”

Foster also described the expansion plans as “an ongoing process,” and she commended “the BOE Long Term Planning Committee and the administration who have been working on this challenge since 2019 and their continual efforts to revise plans as we receive feedback.”

In particular, Foster cited the input of the building principals, “true educational leaders for our students as they advocate for what is needed in their buildings,” and PPS Business Administrator Matt Bouldin, who has helped to guide the BOE and administrators through the process. She noted that George Duthie and his team from FVHD Architects-Planners visited school buildings many times as they listened and revised design ideas in accordance with staff input.

As refinements to the plan continue in the coming months, the BOE is expected to make a resolution to officially authorize the project and to submit it to the New Jersey Department of Education by early spring. If voters approve the referendum in the fall of 2024, construction is likely to begin in the summer of 2025, with further planning and preparations leading to redistricting plans by the fall of 2026 and construction completed by the fall of 2027. 

Further information on the plans and on past and upcoming meetings can be found on the District website at princetonk12.org.

At the BOE January 2 reorganization meeting, Kendal’s reelection as president was unanimous as was the reelection of Betsy Baglio as BOE vice president. New members Adam Bierman and Eleanor Hubbard were sworn in to three-year terms, as was returning member Beth Behrend.

“I’m grateful to have Beth back, and I’m happy to welcome Eleanor and Adam,” Kendal said. “It’s always good to be challenged and to have new thinking and new perspectives.”

Foster also applauded the members — two new and one veteran — who were sworn in.  “We are excited to engage their expertise and perspectives as we focus on our district goals and long term plans,” she said.

Foster, who took the helm as interim superintendent in November 2023 following Carol Kelley’s announcement of her long-term leave of absence and resignation, reflected on the outlook for the year ahead. 

“I think it is in our collective DNA that we have a desire to enter a new year with renewed hope, new beginnings, and expectations for a wonderful year of possibilities,” Foster wrote. “The Board of Education and administration both need to be servants for our students, committing  to provide the resources and spaces needed for learning while also acting as good stewards for the community and making decisions that are fiscally responsible.”