To the Editor:

Congratulations to the outstanding class of 2023 at Princeton High School. These past four years have undoubtedly been filled with challenges, as you persevered through a global pandemic, remote learning, mask mandates, and the loss of your beloved principal, Frank Chmiel.

As you prepare to step onto the graduation stage, it is disheartening to know that you will be greeted by a superintendent and Board of Education (BOE) whose actions have contributed to many of the obstacles you faced throughout high school. Over the past three months, their decisions have created an atmosphere of distrust not only within the Princeton community, but also among our neighbors in Cranbury.

Trust serves as the bedrock for any successful organization, providing the necessary foundation to operate, lead, and thrive. It enables an institution to take calculated risks and, if mistakes occur, to learn from them and grow. Regrettably, the PPS BOE appears unwilling to acknowledge their missteps, despite overwhelming evidence of malfeasance by the superintendent.

As we approach the summer months, the fight to rectify the shortcomings of the PPS BOE must persist. Many of you have voiced your frustrations during the PPS Board meetings and endured the chaotic atmosphere of the BOE’s recent Donaldson hearing. It is crucial to recognize that you still possess the power to make a difference in this struggle. When you come of age and reach 18, make sure to register to vote. By doing so, you can amplify your voice in a BOE recall election and the general November election, aiming to remove these misguided individuals from their positions.

Your generation holds immense potential, and by actively participating in the democratic process, you can shape the future of our community and ensure that future students have the positive educational environment they deserve. It is through your collective voices that meaningful change can be achieved, allowing Princeton Public School district to regain its credibility and rebuild trust among its constituents.

Congratulations once again on your graduation, and may your journey beyond high school be filled with success, resilience, and the courage to stand up for what is right. Together, we can forge a brighter path for the students who will follow in your footsteps.

Michael Brown
Laurel Circle