To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Bill Hare, Karen Lemon, and Paul Johnson’s candidacies for the Princeton Board of Education. Although I am a member of the Princeton Board of Education, I am writing in my private, individual capacity as a Princeton resident and parent of two children attending PPS, and not on behalf of the Board of Education.

I first met Bill Hare when he was first running for the Board in 2016, and subsequently served with him on the Board for two years. Bill was a terrific board member; he is smart, open-minded, and compassionate. A patent lawyer, Bill pays attention to the details and is not afraid to push for things he thinks makes sense. For example, during his time as Finance Committee Chair, Bill suggested ideas for cost saving measures related to health plans, which were implemented and yielded significant savings for the district. Bill decided not to run for re-election last year, in large part because he felt the weight of the red tape in our system and that change was not coming fast enough for our kids and our taxpayers. Being away from the Board has given Bill the time needed to reflect upon the experience. Rather than remain on the sidelines, Bill wants to jump in again to be part of the solution.  Bill is determined to ensure all students in Princeton are cared for, and that taxpayer dollars are well spent.

Bill decided to run for the Board with Paul Johnson and Karen Lemon and focus on issues of diversity, affordability, and trust. Paul, a father of three children who attend PPS, is passionate about excellent education for all children. A fourth generation Princetonian, he is well known in our community as a soccer coach and works with kids of all ages. Paul is eager to foster change, and his energy and passion will serve our community well on the Board of Education.

Karen and her wife have lived in Princeton for the past ten years. Karen holds an undergraduate degree in math education and recently retired from AT&T where she managed an annual budget in excess of $500 million and spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives. Karen’s math background and corporate finance and diversity experience will help the Board to ensure Princeton schools remain the lighthouse district that we all treasure, and that Princeton remains affordable for all.

Most importantly, Bill, Paul, and Karen are running for the Board for all of the right reasons: to build on our district’s outstanding record; to be prudent stewards of one of our town’s most valuable resources; and to ensure that the education and well-being of our students continues to be our district’s number one priority.

Please join me in voting for Bill Hare, Paul Johnson, and Karen Lemon for Princeton Board of Education.

Dafna Kendal
Dodds Lane