To the Editor,

I ask your readers for their support as a Princeton School Board candidate. I need it as I am the last listed candidate on the ballot (Number 5)!

Education has been my life’s vocation. I am a 19-year Princeton resident and have worked for 17 years in public higher education as a mathematics professor at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). The parent of a Community Park second grader, I’ve been involved in CP’s Edible Garden and co-organized its Chess Club.

I am passionate about educating the whole student and ensuring that each student is given every opportunity to fulfill their potential. Academics are a top priority, but our children’s success should not be measured solely by their test scores.

At TCNJ, I have served as coordinator of a college-wide program to improve student graduation rates. On the school board, I would use this experience to help solve the issues currently confronting the school district. I would work to 1) set specific five-year benchmarks to ensure continued progress on tackling Princeton’s achievement gap; and 2) help create a strategic plan for the Valley Road building to benefit the students and the community.

I would solve these issues through greater dialogue between parents and the community. While consensus may not be possible, I believe open discussions enable new innovative solutions. I also favor regular forums on education issues.

More information is online: www.facebook.com/TomHagedornForSchoolBoard.

I ask you for your support in this coming election.

TOM HAGEDORN

Chestnut Street