To the Editor:

In the recent candidates’ forums, we had the opportunity to hear from various individuals vying for a position that would shape the future of our community’s education. Among them, Adam Bierman stood out for his genuine commitment to addressing the issues of our district. Here’s why we believe he is the right choice for our community.

Equity: More Than Just Talk — Adam Bierman doesn’t just talk about equity; he lives it. As a dedicated educator working in a high school in Trenton serving children facing socioeconomic challenges, he has firsthand experience with disadvantaged students. While many in Princeton incessantly spew around the word equity, Adam Bierman practices it daily. If we truly desire someone with real-world experience in fostering equitable education, there’s no better candidate than him.

Addressing Overcrowding: A Pragmatic Approach — The issue of overcrowding is a pressing one. He astutely pointed out that according to the 2017 demographic studies commissioned by the PPS BOE, it predicted that by 2023 the district would have a total of 4,500 students but the actual enrollment number was 3,721. That is 779 students that never materialized. In fact, between 2017 and 2023 the enrollment actually decreased by 48 students. This discrepancy highlights the need for diligence in our decision-making processes. However, his prudence about spending to address the possible increase in enrollment doesn’t mean he’s unwilling to allocate funds where necessary. He has assured the community that if money needs to be spent to address overcrowding, it will be spent — but judiciously.

Educational Excellence: Upholding Rigor and Standards — When it comes to education, Adam Bierman’s standards are unequivocal. He opposes detracking — diluted curriculum and questionable math education theories. His stance is a testament to his unwavering dedication to rigorous academic standards, ensuring quality education for all students.

Union Affiliations: Clearing the Air — There seems to be some confusion regarding Adam Bierman’s union affiliations. To set the record straight, he is a member of Communications Workers of America (CWA) union for his teaching job in Trenton. It is not involved in the Princeton Regional Education Association (PREA), which represents teachers in the Princeton School District. These unions cater to distinct teacher groups and are unconnected.

A Deliberate Decision-Maker — Lastly, it’s essential to understand Adam Bierman’s decision-making process. Reflecting on the 2018 referendum, an initial proposal of a staggering $130 million was presented. However, thanks to a closer inspection by the public, the amount was revised to $27 million. Such a drastic reduction underscores the importance of vigilance. Adam Bierman will bring a more discerning perspective. His meticulous approach to deliberation, data scrutiny, and balanced decision-making should not be mistaken for hesitancy. His ultimate goal is clear: to spend money wisely for the benefit of students. If funds need to be allocated, they will be budgeted and used effectively.

Adam Bierman’s experience, commitment to equity, and pragmatic approach to pressing issues make him the ideal choice for our community.

Tammy Chen
Hamilton Avenue

Debbie Copeland
Christopher Drive

Bob Raphael
Snowden Lane

Karen Zucchino
Michelle Mews