October 25, 2018

Urging Neighbors to Vote for McDonald For a Seat on the Board of Education

To the Editor:

We are writing to urge our neighbors to vote for Brian McDonald for a seat on the Board of Education on November 6 (ballot position #5). We have worked with Brian for 13 years, both professionally and as volunteers, and know him to be a strong collaborator and consensus builder with the analytical acumen and temperament to successfully get things done. He is the only challenger with relevant professional credentials and proven service to our community. His demonstrated commitment to education and youth development is unparalleled.

Brian is the only candidate with both finance and professional facilities planning experience. Having served as vice president for development at Princeton University, Brian was a member of the President’s Cabinet and University Facilities Planning Group, where he helped to oversee large-scale construction and maintenance projects. He understands how facilities planning should be done, and is well-positioned to help guide the BoE to work more collaboratively with our community to address the needs of our schools. He is respectful, thoughtful, a proven leader and good neighbor.

Furthermore, Brian is the only candidate with relevant public service, including serving seven years on the town’s Citizen Finance Advisory Committee, where he helped keep property taxes stable while recommending cost-saving measures.

Brian has served on the boards of McCarter Theatre (including 14 years on its Finance Committee and five years as board president), Sustainable Princeton, and The Watershed Institute. His expertise in board governance and strategic financial oversight is in high demand, and he has served as a consultant to many local and regional nonprofit organizations.

Finally, as a PPS parent of three children and active community volunteer and youth sports coach, Brian has long been a staunch advocate for student wellness and equitable opportunities for all children. We are fortunate that Brian McDonald has the desire to serve our community as a member of the BOE, and we urge our community to vote for him on November 6.

Jean and Jon Durbin
Mt. Lucas Road
Joanne and Tommy Parker
Leigh Street
Fern and Larry Spruill
Oak Lane