Lisa Potter and Shenwei Zhao Will Bring Fresh Perspectives to BOE
To the Editor:
Trust takes years to build, but it can be broken in a single moment. For many of us in the Princeton community, that trust was shattered last year when the Board of Education mishandled both the firing of Princeton High School Principal Frank Chmiel and the drama surrounding Superintendent Dr. Carol Kelley. These events exposed a lack of decisive leadership and a failure to address the concerns of the community.
The turning point for many of us came during Frank Chmiel’s “Donaldson” hearing. This was the Board’s chance to acknowledge that the situation could have been handled better, without explicitly apologizing. However, when only two out of 10 board members voted to reinstate Chmiel, it became clear that our voices weren’t being heard. Our concerns as residents and parents were ignored, and any remaining trust in the Board evaporated.
Now, as the Board proposes another referendum after just passing a $13 million one last year, we must ask: How can we trust the same leaders who mishandled these situations to make responsible decisions about our schools’ finances?
We all want to support our children, but we also need to support our families. With inflation rising and indicators of a recession on the horizon, we need to be careful with every dollar spent.
This is why we believe it’s time for new leadership on the Board — leaders who will prioritize transparency, responsibility, and accountability. Lisa Potter and Shenwei Zhao bring the fresh perspectives we need.
Lisa Potter has spent years leading large teams and managing complex budgets and systems, bringing her expertise in human resources and strategic planning to the table. She’s proven she can stabilize organizations and create environments where students and staff thrive.
Shenwei Zhao, as an entrepreneur, has the practical skills to manage resources efficiently. He understands the importance of making thoughtful, cost-effective decisions. Zhao will ensure that every dollar is spent with purpose and that the community is kept informed and involved.
Voting for Potter and Zhao isn’t just about addressing past mistakes — it’s about moving forward with leadership we can trust to make prudent, transparent decisions for our schools and our community. This November, let’s choose leaders who will restore trust and ensure a brighter future for our children and families.