November 13, 2024

Asking Community to Consider How it Can Better Promote Diversity in Local Leadership

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the recent Princeton Board of Education election results. First and foremost, I extend my congratulations to Ms. Franceschi, Mr. Santarpio, and Mr. Meisel on their election to the Board. Their dedication to our community is appreciated, and I trust they will work diligently to serve the best interests of our students.

However, I must express my disappointment at the placements of Lisa Potter and Shenwei Zhao. Although I no longer have children in PPS — my 19-year-old is now in their second year of college — I remain deeply invested in the future of our education system. After witnessing the tumultuous four years my child experienced in high school, marked by challenges such as COVID-19 and administrative upheavals, I recognize the significant impact that Board of Education decisions have on our students’ lives.

Our schools currently have a 52 percent minority enrollment, yet our Board of Education appears not to reflect this diversity. For a community renowned for its commitment to inclusiveness, this lack of representation in our elected leaders is concerning. It’s paramount that our Board mirrors the diverse makeup of our student body to better understand and address the unique needs and perspectives of all students.

I was particularly impressed by Mr. Zhao’s technology-focused background and his understanding of the implications of our new AI-driven societal landscape. His expertise could have been invaluable in navigating the challenges and opportunities that technology presents to education. Similarly, Ms. Potter’s experience in complex corporate environments, where building consensus is crucial, would have brought a valuable skill set to the Board.

I encourage our community to reflect on these election results and consider how we can better promote diversity in our leadership. Regardless of the outcomes of national politics, we have the power to make a significant impact on our children’s daily lives by focusing on local leadership. Let us strive to set a powerful example for our children by embracing the richness of ethnicities reflective of not just the student body but our entire country.

Stephanie Selig
Dempsey Avenue