By Donald Gilpin

With races for U.S. president and vice president, U.S. Senate, U.S House of Representatives, Board of Mercer County Commissioners, Princeton mayor and Council, and Princeton Board of Education (BOE) all on the line, the 2024 campaign season is approaching its final month. Vote-by-mail ballots are already available, early voting starts on October 26, and November 5 is Election Day.

On Tuesday, October 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the six Princeton BOE candidates will face each other in a Candidates’ Forum Webinar hosted by the Princeton Parent-Teacher Organization Council (PTOC).

In Princeton the race for three seats on the School Board, with one incumbent and five new candidates running, is drawing the most attention and generating the most lawn signs, while Mark Freda in the race for another term as mayor and incumbent Leighton Newlin and new candidate Brian McDonald in the race for two seats on Princeton Council are unopposed.

In the contest for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Robert Menendez, Democrat Andy Kim is running against Republican Curtis Bashaw; in the 12th District race for Congress incumbent Democrat Bonnie Watson Coleman is running against Republican Darius Mayfield; and in the county commissioners competition a slate of three Democrats is vying against three Republican candidates for three seats.

Information about the Princeton BOE candidates is available on the PTOC website at princetonptoc.weebly.com, in local and social media, and on candidates’ websites, as well as in a continuing flow of letters to the Town Topics Mailbox. For this article Town Topics asked the candidates to provide a statement of no more than 100 words on what they would like local residents to know about them and their candidacy. Their responses follow in reverse alphabetical order.

Shenwei Zhao

Shenwei Zhao

My family has lived in Princeton since 2016. For more about my background and running platform, please visit my campaign website: ShenweiForBoE.org. Princeton parents had to get a lot more involved in PPS in the past two years: proposed “change” in PMS math curriculum, abrupt firing of PHS principal, after-school vendor problems at elementary schools, and mysterious departure of the PPS superintendent. It is good more people are paying attention, it is bad that parents are concerned, rightfully so. I share those concerns and would like to help with my time and experience in technology and consulting.

Erica Snyder

Erica Snyder

What sets me apart in this race is my extensive background in educational leadership and my hands-on experience in schools from pre-K through 12. I am passionate about improving the quality of education for all students. My goal is to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed, particularly those who have been historically underserved. I am committed to closing educational gaps, conducting a comprehensive superintendent search, and enhancing district communication. I will leverage my skills in curriculum and instructional design, educational leadership, advocacy and strategic planning to facilitate innovative solutions to the challenges facing PPS today.

Chris Santarpio

Chris Santarpio

I am deeply invested in ensuring PPS provides a safe, inclusive, and excellent learning environment for all students. As an engaged parent and citizen I’ve contributed to our schools as PTO co-president, and through regular participation at PTO Council, BOE, and BOE committee meetings.  I am aware of the challenges facing our district and believe my extensive business experience in finance, operations, and board governance would be assets to the BOE. I would bring a pragmatic, respectful approach and immediately roll up my sleeves to collaboratively tackle difficult tasks to find solutions that benefit students and the community.

Lisa Potter

Lisa Potter

I’m running for the Princeton Board of Education to ensure that our schools are equipped to serve every student in a fiscally responsible way. I bring over a decade of experience in human resources and organizational transformation, which I believe will be valuable as we work toward stabilizing leadership, promoting transparency, and making thoughtful budget decisions. I believe that our Board should reflect the diversity of our community, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard. Together, we can create a school district that excels and prepares our children for the challenges of tomorrow.

Ari Meisel

Ari Meisel

As a father of five, a productivity expert, a volunteer EMT, and an active community member, my focus is on three priorities: increasing transparency and collaboration within the community, supporting the mental and physical well-being of our students to ensure they feel safe in school, and ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency in our schools.

Mara Franceschi

Mara Franceschi

Experience matters. As a 14-year resident of Princeton, deeply committed and long-time community and school volunteer, and retired financial professional with a Columbia MBA and CFA, I bring critical institutional knowledge and experience to guide the district through the various budgetary and capacity challenges it faces. I am running for reelection because I consider very few things more important than a high-quality public-school education for all our children. I expect our district to have high expectations for each of our children as we seek to enable them to fulfill their potential and become engaged citizens in a global society.

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The October 1 PTOC Webinar will give each candidate one minute for an opening statement, then the candidates will be asked five questions on key themes of interest to the community. There may be a lightning round of yes/no questions, and each candidate will have one minute to make a closing statement. Visit princetonptoc.weebly.com for more information.

Visit vote.nj.gov for voter registration (deadline October 15), vote-by-mail applications, early voting details, and other election information.