Candidate Shenwei Zhao Wants Board of Education to Be Open and Accountable
To the Editor:
After spending years of participating and observing, I have decided to run for a seat on the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE) this November. It wasn’t an easy decision for me, being a first-generation immigrant, a parent, and a busy business owner. However, it is a step I feel compelled to take.
As explained on my campaign website (ShenweiForBoE.org), which has listed specific guidelines of my positions, I came to the U.S. in 2000 as a student. Immigration is never a simple process for anyone and settling down in a town like Princeton was no exception. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this country and this community have provided us: The ability to live, raise a family, and become active participants in civic life.
Since moving to Princeton in 2016, I have been a regular participant in public discussions on matters related to the schools and the town. Over the past few years, I have observed a few decisions by the BOE that I believe were less than ideal. These decisions have been felt by everyone in the district, causing disruptions to the smooth operation of what is otherwise a high-achieving and diverse school system. While I understand the complex nature of many issues and admire the long hours BOE members have voluntarily put into this “thankless job,” I believed fresh perspectives and new mindsets could make a difference.
With over two decades of experience as an IT systems engineer and more than 11 years running a technical consulting business that works with various for-profit and nonprofit organizations across the tri-state area, I bring a broad perspective on what it takes to run organizations smoothly. Additionally, Princeton’s Asian population, many of whom, like me, are first-generation immigrants, makes up about 20 percent of the town. The percentage of PPS students identifying as Asian or part-Asian is even higher. Yet, the current nine-member BOE has no Asian representation. While I am not a proponent of identity politics, I do believe that representation matters. A diverse community like Princeton deserves a policy-making body that reflects its population. In education, the cultural values many Asian families bring to the table align closely with American ideals.
As both parent and private citizen, my expectation for the BOE is clear: Be open and be accountable. If elected, I plan to prioritize these values to the Board. As I have stated in public comments at BOE meetings over the years, the impact of decisions made by our elected representatives is felt by everyone in the community, including the Board members themselves. This is a principle I have also learned throughout my professional career: Effective decision-making requires genuine engagement with all stakeholders, before, during, and after.
I am looking forward to any questions you may have during this process and hope to earn your support in November.