To the Editor:

I am writing to support Eleanor Hubbard’s candidacy to join the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education (BOE).

I have known Eleanor for almost eight years, mostly as a fellow member of the UNOW Board.  UNOW is the day care/preschool on the University Campus. I have come to know Eleanor while observing her as a parent of young children and as a colleague. I mostly write from my perspective as a 37-year veteran educator, both as an elementary and middle school teacher and then as a principal in public and independent schools.

A successful school district depends on collaboration, cooperation, and trust amongst administrators, teachers, and parents, all overseen by the BOE. Together, these groups must work to meet the complicated challenge of providing a rich and varied program that responds to children’s developmental needs while it simultaneously stimulates children to think critically and creatively and ensures mastery of basic skills. A successful school develops students who are independent, confident, and intellectually curious learners, and of equal importance are also kind, honest, compassionate, and respectful individuals. The sense of community in a school is essential for children and their teachers  to do their best, with support of parents.

Eleanor has a deep background in education — first in an urban public school and then as a Princeton University professor. She is also the parent of three children in the school district, two at Riverside, and one in the middle school. Soon, her children will be in all three levels, giving her an on-the-ground, broad perspective on the complicated daily life in the district. She has a unique view into how the three levels support the full range of students from those who might struggle to the high achievers.

Eleanor has a long record of service in the Princeton community. In addition to serving on the UNOW Board, she spent a year as chair during the pandemic. During her time on the board, the program moved into a new building, revised its constitution and negotiated the new legal and financial relationship with the University, plus conducting  a successful search for a new director. Most of this was during COVID. She has also been active in the Riverside PTO, including a major role in the school garden.

I strongly endorse Eleanor’s candidacy and think that her background offers the BOE a unique perspective. I know that Princeton schools are wrestling with many important issues, and hope that voters will seriously consider voting for Eleanor as a new member of the BOE.

Ann Vershbow
Fitzrandolph Road