To the Editor:

I’ve known Beth Behrend for six years. After moving from Palo Alto, Calif., to Princeton with a newborn and a child in kindergarten, we hardly knew anyone, and we knew little about Princeton. Beth was one of the first people I met on the Riverside PTO; she was warm, welcoming, and inclusive. Because of her and other PTO executive committee volunteers, we quickly realized that Princeton was our home, and Riverside was a place to find friendships and community.

For five years, I worked with Beth on the Riverside PTO, and observed firsthand her commitment and dedication to Riverside students, staff, and families. She volunteered tirelessly to ensure that Riverside was working to reach its full potential in everything that served the students and the community. For example, she was a champion of Riverside’s garden and a driving force behind getting our elementary school gardens funded by the district. These gardens serve our students, schools, community, and communities beyond Princeton.

I continue to work with Beth on school matters, and she consistently demonstrates her passion, and a solid, logical, and thorough approach to finding effective solutions on matters big and small. I rely on her judgement and decision-making because it’s fair; she looks at all angles and considers every need, and while she is practical, she pours empathy into everything she does.

Beth Behrend is an active member of the whole Princeton community with an extensive reach of engagement across all Princeton neighborhoods and organizations. Princeton Schools need Board members like her, who can effectively build the necessary partnerships across all divisions and differing minds, who will act as an upstander regardless of differences, and who will do the right thing to accomplish the necessary improvements Princeton students deserve. Beth’s experience and proven track record on the Board are invaluable to this district and most importantly to our children.

In these uncertain and challenging times, Princeton Public Schools need someone like Beth Behrend, someone who exudes the persistence, the fortitude, and the compassion to advocate for positive change that meets the needs of all students more cost-effectively and sustainably. It goes without saying that she is a results-oriented individual who gets stuff done!

What I hope to convey here is that she is a kind, decent human being who values community, values education, and values the importance of providing an exceptional education to our students in a safe and supported environment. She strives to make the best decisions that benefit all of our students, staff, and families and understands that education is a community effort.

While nothing is ever perfect (and nor should it be), I have undeniably found that community in Riverside and Princeton for our family. It is truly because of people like Beth Behrend. You want her on the Board of Ed to advocate for you! Vote for Beth Behrend.

Beth Leman
Evergreen Circle