To the Editor:

Princeton prides itself as being forward-thinking with a strong sense of community. A town like Princeton should be expected to encourage and protect transportation diversity, but it consistently fails at the latter. Bicycle and (the growing number of) scooter riders have little protection on our major thoroughfares. Our busy cross streets, like Witherspoon, Hamilton-Wiggins, Nassau, and Harrison, along with several narrow residential streets, accommodate riders only by painting BLVD on the streets.

Most local riders are students and young families. With the volume and speed of auto traffic on these roads, it is natural that riders avoid the risk and turn to sidewalks, few of which are designated for use by bicycles, and I can only assume this extends to scooters. Allowing bicycles and scooters on busy, often narrow sidewalks poses serious risks for pedestrians. Forcing them to busy streets without designated bike lanes poses serious risks for the riders. 

Nassau Street is a special case. For many years there were signs, albeit small ones, explicitly barring riders from the sidewalks, at least on the business side of the street. Princeton appears not to invest in safety officers to enforce “downtown” rules, so even on busy weekends, adherence to this ban has been spotty. Especially with the rapid growth in motorized scooters on campus, sidewalk competition between riders and pedestrians is now common throughout the downtown.  It is now rare to walk Nassau Street and not witness bicycles and scooters weaving in and out of groups of pedestrians. more

To the Editor:

We would like to respond to Mr. Kerachsky’s letter to share both the challenges and some of the measures we are taking to improve safety for diverse roadway users in Princeton.

The municipality has had in place a Complete Streets policy since at least 2013, establishing the principle that all roadways must be designed to consider and accommodate the needs of all users. After several abortive attempts to install bicycle facilities during a few roadway redesigns in the following years, in 2016, we hired an engineering consultant to develop specific recommendations for an entire network of bike facilities, so the entire community could see the rationale behind when and where specific types of facilities should be provided — bike lanes, shared side paths, bike boulevards, and other share-the-road signage. These were incorporated into the Community Master Plan in 2017. Subsequently we commissioned an in-depth study of the Robeson-Wiggins-Hamilton corridor to assess the practical aspects of how to achieve a truly viable design solution. Other detailed studies are planned for other major corridors in the coming years, such as Harrison Street, Washington Road, and Nassau Street.

While the current Master Plan calls for improvements to be made on each road as they come up for reconstruction during the regular cycle of roadway maintenance, and as funding becomes available, Council has recognized that dangerous locations should receive priority, and has adopted a commitment to Vision Zero, which focuses on elimination of deaths and serious injuries on our roads through data-based decision making. The Vision Zero Task Force is working on recommendations not only for Complete Streets design changes to our road system, but also policies concerning micro-mobility, street lighting, traffic signal timing, and speed limit adjustments to further these safety goals. It is anticipated that many of these recommendations will make their way into the Master Plan, which is currently undergoing a long-awaited overhaul, and ultimately into our municipal code. more

To the Editor:

Three Board of Education (BOE) positions will be elected from five candidates (Rita Rafalovsky, Lisa Wu, Susan Kanter, Debbie Bronfeld, and Dafna Kendal) on November 8. The BOE election is particularly important for the Princeton community not only because half of our property tax goes to PPS, but also because the BOE is critical in setting the strategy and path for how our children are educated for their futures.

The quality of the public schools is a very important component of qualify of life living in Princeton. Our family moved to Princeton just across a street from Montgomery 15 years ago, and the decision was mainly driven by the quality and reputation of PPS at that time. As our kid grew up and went through PPS, we observed obvious (sometimes concerning) changes in the school district. Because of these growing concerns shared with many families, we have paid a lot attention to the BOE election and attended a couple BOE candidate forums including the first Princeton Asian American Forum meeting with these five candidates. 

Carefully listening to all candidates’ plans for PPS and answers to audience questions, we decided to support Rita and Lisa for the following reasons: First, Rita and Lisa share the same concern that the PPS national ranking dropped from No. 94 in 2009 to  No. 490 in 2022 (U.S. News) and they want to improve PPS ranking as one of their BOE goals. Second, both Rita and Lisa emphasize that PPS needs to make study interesting and attractive to students and make them enjoy learning without lowering the quality and rigor. Third, both Rita and Lisa want to increase and improve the transparency and prompt communications between PPS administration and student families in areas such as education material content (e.g. sex education materials, etc.), teachers’ teaching quality evaluation, and plans to recruit/retain high performance teachers.

Finally, voting is a precious right and privilege in this great country. All of us should go and vote for the community and for ourselves.

Wei Wu
Ying Zeng
Maidenhead Road

To the Editor:

The board of the nonprofit Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale extends its warm thanks to the Princeton Shopping Center for making space available for its October 15 pop-up children’s book sale.

With hundreds of titles for toddlers to teens, parents and teachers found a large selection of like-new books to choose from, most priced around $2.

Our partnership with the shopping center and its owner, Edens, benefits those buying books as well as the scholarship students for whom we raise funds. Thank you!

Kathyrn Morris
President, Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale
Witherspoon Street

To the Editor:

The School Board election is only one week away. When we choose our representatives to lead our school district, we should think about shipping containers. Let me explain.

Since its invention in the mid-20th century, standardized shipping containers probably have done more than anything in shaping the economic and political landscape of the world today. The era of globalization ushered in by the container shipping industry also relentlessly exposed the weakness of the K-12 education in the U.S. For a long time, the majority of the high school graduates received enough education to work in a factory and earn a wage that could support a family. However, when a pair of sneakers could be shipped in a container from China to the U.S. for less than 25 cents, workers in the U.S. were no longer protected by geography. For many of these workers who lost out in the global labor force competition, the education they received didn’t prepare them well enough to acquire new marketable skills and regain full participation in society. That was the mistake our public education must not repeat.

Parents, educators, and policymakers should expect that students today will encounter their generation’s “shipping container” in their lifetimes. Is it artificial intelligence? Will college-educated white-collar professionals be at risk? We won’t know for sure. But the only way to better prepare our students for the inevitable technology disruptions is to help them build a solid foundation of knowledge and become lifelong learners. more

To the Editor:

I am writing to support Dafna Kendal’s candidacy for re-election to the Board of Education. One of my children is a junior at Princeton High School and the other is a freshman in college; both were Princeton Public Schools students since kindergarten. I have known Dafna for more than 11 years, and throughout her Board terms I have been continually impressed by Dafna’s incredible work ethic (she is a lawyer in her day job), her profound appreciation for our hard-working teachers, and her deep commitment to providing a first-rate public education to all of Princeton’s children.

Dafna’s achievements during her six years on the Board have significantly and positively impacted our community, including measures to improve Board transparency, to a strong and consistent focus on student achievement across all groups, and to diversifying revenue streams for the district which has saved taxpayers millions of dollars in the process.

As a family physician, I would like to focus in particular on Dafna’s achievements with regard to students’ physical and mental health. I have been in touch with Dafna over the past three years, and I have seen firsthand the amazing amount of effort she has put into keeping our students safe and physically in the classroom as much as possible throughout the pandemic. Dafna connected with health experts, worked with local institutions of higher learning, spoke with colleagues throughout the state, and stayed in constant contact with our administration and our teachers. Dafna’s clear focus on the well-being of our school population, together with her tireless efforts on their behalf, was crucial in the district’s efforts to get our children and teachers back in the classroom as quickly and as safely as possible.  more

To the Editor:

The board of the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry would like to thank everyone who joined us on October 6 at our Oktoberfest fundraiser. Held in the beautiful Present Day Club and entertained by Musicworksnyc Arts and DJ James Myricks, our guests enjoyed German food, beer, and wine while supporting our Princeton neighbors. 

Princeton Mobile Food Pantry (PMFP) is a 501(c)3 organization that provides food and other support to the under-resourced members of the Princeton community. Our focus is to support families with children in the Princeton Public Schools. PMFP currently serves over 200 families by providing fresh food deliveries twice per month.

Many thanks to Baxter Construction and the Snack Family Giving Fund, our gold sponsors, along with all of our other sponsors and partners for their support of this event and our mission. This amazing group of volunteers, donors, and partners continue to help PMFP to grow our support network.

To learn more about the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry please visit pmfpantry.org.

The Board of the Princeton Mobile Food Pantry
Newlin Road

To the Editor:

We have known Susan Kanter for many years and can share what makes her a standout candidate for the Board of Education. Throughout her roles as a corporate leader, mother, school volunteer, community organizer, and current member of the School Board, she consistently comes up with practical, effective solutions to complex problems.

Balancing the interests of the Princeton K-12 students and the community at large, Susan is a consensus builder that balances the needs of diverse stakeholders. She is flexible and eager to hear other points of view even if they differ from her own. When addressing even the thorniest issues, she engages in an articulate, fact-based, thoughtful way that invites others to work towards a common understanding and equitable solutions.

In each endeavor, Susan engages hands-on and tackles challenges no matter how large or small. Susan’s first term started as COVID hit, and she demonstrated the ability to make fast, effective, and creative decisions in the absence of perfect information and precedent. She is excited to have the opportunity to focus on improving our student’s academic achievement as well as their social and emotional health, which has been tested over the last few years. Susan is also committed to ensuring that our facilities are properly maintained for the health of our students and the money it saves taxpayers in the long run. She is also a proponent of continued sustainability initiatives and getting solid plans in place to support Princeton’s future growth.

These are just some of the many traits that have allowed Susan to become a productive and valued member of the School Board. Please join us on November 8^th at the polls and vote for Susan Kanter for the Princeton Board of Education. She is the candidate who will continue to prioritize student and community interests while improving Princeton’s Public Schools.

Beth Hirschman
Ettl Circle

Karen Reid
Westcott Road

To the Editor:

Princeton Public Schools’ administrators reported last week that the actual numbers based on the NJSLA and ACT, SAT, and AP tests indicate that students were doing well despite the pandemic [“PPS Test Scores Remain Strong Despite U.S. Drops,” page 1, October 26], and noted, “We see numbers trending in a positive direction with a few exceptions.”

This is great news, especially taking into account the unique student population in Princeton. Success means helping ALL students thrive. Approximately 13 percent of Princeton students receive free or reduced lunch, compared with 5 percent in West Windsor-Plainsboro and 4 percent in Montgomery. In Montgomery, the racial demographic distribution is 52.8 percent Asian, 34.7 percent White, and 6.3 percent Hispanic. In West Windsor-Plainsboro, the distribution is even greater, with 71.4 percent Asian, 16.4 percent White, 5 percent African American, and 4.8 percent Hispanic. For PPS, the numbers are dramatically different, with 48.6 percent White, 6 percent Black, 21.4 percent Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, and 15.8 percent Hispanic. 

The challenges for PPS are great and the test results indicate that the district is doing a fine job in dealing with such challenges. Our neighboring districts do not have comparable challenges and, as such, can report performance data which is very different. 

Judith Pollack Meyer
Mount Lucas Road

To the Editor:

I’m immunocompromised as a result of medicines I take daily to protect a kidney transplant I had 25 years ago (and which I give thanks for every day!). As a result, I can’t mount a vigorous immune response to COVID, and I need to be very cautious about my exposure. I’m one of millions that confront this reality every day.

Which is why I haven’t been to a live theater production for almost three years — and I love theater. That is, until recently, when McCarter Theatre did a wonderful thing for myself and many other immune-weakened people: they set aside a handful of shows that were “masked only.”

It was such a thrill to once again experience the excitement of live theater! I saw The Wolves and the emotion in the audience was palpable. And, surprising for a Tuesday night performance, it was well attended, but I felt very secure because everybody wore a mask — so I could thoroughly enjoy the excellent production.

I just want to acknowledge that in a day when most COVID precautions have been discarded, McCarter took the chance and included so many of us that have felt excluded from indoor events back into the wonder of live theater.

David Barry
Warwick Road, West Windsor

To the Editor:

We proudly endorse Susan Kanter for a second term on the PPS Board of Education. Susan brings over 20 years of business experience to her work as a PPS Board member which allows her to work as a valued and collaborative team member, synthesizing input from a wide variety of constituents to best represent the interests of public school students and the Princeton community.

As an engaged volunteer in our schools (including seven years as co-president of the PHS PTO and five years as treasurer of PMS PTO) during the 18 years her three children attended PPS schools K-12, Susan has developed a deep understanding of the district’s inner workings allowing her to successfully navigate the School Board infrastructure. If re-elected, Susan can hit the ground running without needing time to “come up to speed.”

Susan has deep philanthropic roots in the Princeton community, serving on the boards of several nonprofits including Princeton Children’s Fund, The Jewish Center, and Treasurer of the 101: Fund. She understands the importance of giving back to the community. She is co-chair of the PPS Boards Operations Committee, which focuses on both the short-term and long-term financial health of our schools and the maintenance and improvement of our facilities and grounds. Susan has supported the PPS professional staff as they have upgraded procedures around building maintenance, developed and implemented plans to make our district more sustainable, and supported passage of a fiscally responsible referendum to do needed maintenance to our buildings.  more

To the Editor:

In this year 2022, there is an enormous concern about where our dear nation is headed. A John Adams quote states, “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.” Democracy can only endure when there is an educated citizenry.

Our schools and what is being taught are the keys to that success. We as citizens send our most precious possessions — our children and hard-earned money to provide that education. So I wonder why teacher unions and politicians are now telling us what they will teach.

There is an election about to occur and I urge you to find out what your School Board candidates will demand in the way of a curriculum; what history and literature children will be exposed to along with math and science. Recently I asked a School Board member what the study of literature was in K-12, the reply was “I’m not on that committee.”

So please, please elect responsible, caring, intelligent people to represent what you feel represents you and what you wish to pass on to your family. Remember, the schools belong to you.

Barbara B. Dollard
Elm Ridge Road

To the Editor:

Like many fellow Princeton residents, working from home through the pandemic has allowed me to get a closer understanding of my children’s education.  The curriculum, the teachers, the administrators, and those that plan for our future.

There’s no question Princeton’s existing BOE are caring, hardworking people. I’m concerned they don’t always care about the things that matter to me and some of what’s been taking place at Princeton Public Schools needs to change. That is why this year I am voting for Rita Rafalovsky to join our School Board.

Rita didn’t set out to get voted into office. She’s a local parent, an experienced consultant, and a smart, hardworking person who is not willing to just watch things happen. As the school district began the process of developing a strategic plan that will guide the future, Rita noticed that several things were out of alignment. She seeks to change that.

The status quo is no longer acceptable. Keeping the same people on the BOE simply because they are nice and work hard isn’t helping our children. There’s been a lot of talk in the past year recognizing that better supports and systems need to be put into place for certain groups of students. But it’s been a lot of talk. PPS still hasn’t hired enough Spanish-speaking aides, as has been repeatedly requested. PPS still makes it incredibly difficult (unless you have your own way to fund it) for students to get tested and get the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) they need to guide them to success despite their needs. In fact, at PHS this year, one co-taught class, intended to help students that have documented difficulty in math, has had many classes taught by YouTube, as a sub fills the days until the permanent teacher can start. more

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter in support of Dafna Kendal‘s re-election to the Board of Education. Like Dafna, I am a first-generation American, and like Dafna, the beneficiary of an outstanding public school education. As I have gotten to know her over the past several years, it is apparent that Dafna firmly believes in the importance of our school district maintaining a rigorous curriculum. She wants all students to have the opportunity to succeed, and she believes in an additive approach to equity that involves raising the floor for all students — not eliminating classes, rather enhancing each student’s experience. 

As our community continues to grow and emerge from the last years’ pandemic, her experience working on the Board of Education is vital. Not only is she always willing to listen to all sides of an issue, she brings a depth of knowledge of working with the schools, community, and students that is un-paralleled in this election season. I am confident that she will continue to strive to ensure that the Princeton Public Schools remains one of the best districts in the country.

Please join me in voting for Dafna this November.

Jessica Vieira
Stockton Street 

To the Editor: 

For the first nine years of my career as a pediatrician I worked in a Head Start Program in north central Philadelphia schools. As is happening here, providing exemplary preschool experiences for the resource deficient enabled the children, the poorest of the poor, to score at national average or above. My own work showed the neurodevelopmental effects of malnutrition and lead poisoning precluding affected children from succeeding. 

The responsibility of the Board of Education is to continue with the present program and maintain the support needed through to graduation. All will benefit with, worth noting for those concerned, an increase in SAT and ACT score-based rankings. 

Robert J. Karp, Md
Harrison Street

The writer is emeritus professor of pediatrics at SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. 

To the Editor:

This letter represents our strong support for Debbie Bronfeld, who is running for re-election for a position on Princeton’s Board of Education.

We have known Debbie for over two decades (we met at the pediatrician’s office when my daughter and her second son were just a month old), and we think she continues to be a great choice for Princeton’s Board of Education. When Debbie first ran for the Board of Education six years ago, we weren’t surprised. She has always been civic minded (e.g., she was the executive director for Dress for Success Mercer County and she volunteered and then was employed by the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank), and she has long been a champion of Princeton schools. Both her sons were in the Princeton Public schools for their entire pre-college education. Thus, early on, Debbie was a member of the Littlebrook PTO. She volunteered as a room parent, as a worker in Littlebrook’s library, and at PUM’s book sales. To this day Debbie continues to show her support at the school district’s concerts, musicals, football games, and other events (she often joins us in cheering on our Princeton High School cheerleader! Go Tigers!). 

Six years ago and then again three years ago, Debbie ran for a spot on Princeton’s Board of Education because she wanted to work to ensure that all children in Princeton get the quality education that they deserve. She won a spot on the Board both times. Since then, she has worked hard to fulfill those promises to our children even as COVID presented new challenges. Debbie recognized that educational needs must be balanced with needs regarding health and safety, and thus she has been pushing for more guidance and support services (including bilingual services). She also pushed for a later start time for PHS. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2014), later start times are linked to academic and health benefits.  more

To the Editor:

What matters to everyone in Princeton? Growing up with families who span the generations and understand Princeton’s history – matters. Serving on Princeton Council by representing and promoting the interests and needs of Princeton citizens — matters.  Continuing to successfully serve on Princeton Council for a sustainable Princeton, fair and affordable housing, the infrastructure, education, and all aspects of our existence to bring our town into the future — matters.

It matters that we re-elect Councilwomen Mia Sacks and Michelle Pirone Lambros, who together will continue to be a positive force for the welfare of all Princeton citizens. Remember, a mark by their names matters!

Shirley A. Satterfield
Quarry Street

To the Editor:

I met Debbie Bronfeld in 2009, when my family moved to Princeton and our younger sons were in class together at Littlebrook Elementary School. At that time, Debbie worked at Dress for Success and then later at Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. Her career at nonprofit agencies dovetailed with her volunteer activities at Littlebrook PTO, where we worked on many events together.   

Debbie then focused on volunteering full-time. She continued being an active PTO member at PMS and PHS, but she wanted to make more of an impact in Princeton. Her dual concerns for food insecurity and equity for all students led her to be a founder and board member of Princeton Children’s Fund. Additionally, she was an early volunteer and is a current board member of Princeton Mobile Food Pantry, and also is a volunteer at Housing Initiatives of Princeton.  

Importantly, Debbie won her first of consecutive terms on the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education in 2016. She currently chairs the Personnel and Equity committees, and is a member of the Operations and Student Achievement committees. more

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Princeton Dog Park Alliance, I want to thank the Princeton Council for their support of a dog park in Community Park and off-leash hours at Quarry Park. Both ordinances will create much needed recreational opportunities for Princeton residents and their dogs. These spaces provide socialization and exercise opportunities for our dogs, which leads to better behaved pets. They also allow us opportunities to join together in community. Princeton has waited so many years for this to be developed, and we are grateful that the time has finally arrived.  

A number of us have been gathering in Quarry Park every weekday morning with our dogs. For the past three years, we have met and allowed our dogs to run free and play without leashes in the park. We are very mindful about recalling our dogs when anyone walks by, so they are not disturbed. Over the past three years, we have gathered almost daily, and there have been no incidents or complaints. Our dogs are well-behaved, respectful of each other and of other people, and are obedient. Dog owners know if they can trust their dog to be let off leash, and therefore self-regulate their participation in our gatherings.

We have also been careful to be respectful and conscientious neighbors. We always clean up after our dogs and have even picked up trash left by others to keep the area clean and pleasant for all users of the park.

We are grateful that Princeton is sanctioning our unofficial use of Quarry and look forward to partnering with the Council to ensure the success of this initiative.

Calvin Chin
President, Princeton Dog Park Alliance
Spruce Street

To the Editor:

The Board of the Friends and Foundation of the Princeton Public Library would like to thank everyone who joined us on October 15 for our 2022 Beyond Words evening to celebrate and support the library. Under a majestic tent at the Brick Farm Tavern, our guest speaker, David Wondrich, a James Beard Award-winning author, regaled us with entertaining stories about the evolution of the cocktail through modern American times. We extend our gratitude to the library’s leadership and staff for making the Princeton Public Library a Five-Star Library for six consecutive years, the highest national ranking by the Library Journal Magazine. 

The success of Beyond Words 2022 event is a reminder of the central role the library plays in our Princeton community. How fortunate we are to have the library as a centerpiece of our town, serving as our gathering place, offering a safe space for our children to learn, and welcoming neighbors and newcomers with a warm sense of belonging. 

Many thanks to Princeton Property Partners, our Lead Sponsor, and Reed Smith, LLP, our Silver Sponsor, along with all of our other sponsors and corporate partners, for their support and belief in the mission of the Friends and Foundation. Only with the loyalty and generosity of all of our donors are we able to continue to support the library in expanding its collections and enhancing its programming. 

A heartfelt thank you from us to all of you. We look forward to joining again this spring for our 2023 Book Lovers Luncheon with author Lynne Olsen. Stay tuned for more details.

Andrea Bradley
Governors Lane

Rosalind Muir
Littlebrook Road North

Co-chairs, 2022 Beyond Words
Co-chairs, Friends and Foundation Board

To the Editor:

The Board of Education (BoE) elections are coming up this November, and the campaign signs around the town make it quite evident. While three incumbent BoE members are running for another term, it is time for Princeton residents to take stock of how our school district has been trending in its performance. But first let’s take a look into why all residents should pay attention to this BoE election, regardless of whether we have kids going to Princeton Public Schools.

The ranking of a school district is an important measure as it is a good indicator of the learning and development among its student population. Every student matters, and a school district that takes that approach of no child left behind is the one we all should strive for — a great school district. Such a district acts as a magnet attracting the best school staff (teachers, musicians, coaches, administrators, etc.), and newer residents. It is a key factor in real estate values, which in turn funds (via taxes) the costs of public services to keep this town safe, resourceful, and beautiful. Hence it is of vital importance to Princeton residents to pay attention to the BoE elections, and more importantly to go out and vote to elect the right candidates. 

Let us take a look at how our school district has been performing. For some years now, PHS has had a gradual downward trend in key measurable indicators. Some examples: Niche Ranking — from 16th place nationally in 2019 to 43rd this year; U.S. News — from a Top 100 (94th place) nationally in 2009, to 490th this year; Math Proficiency — PHS 51 percent vs. Montgomery 70 percent and West Windsor 67 percent. more

To the Editor:

On November 8, Princeton residents will vote for three candidates for School Board, and we urge you to vote for Susan Kanter. We enthusiastically endorsed Susan for her first term, and we just as enthusiastically support her for re-election.

Susan brings a breadth and depth of experience professionally, in our community, and most importantly in our schools, having served on and co-led the middle school and high school PTOs for 18 years and having served on our Board of Education for the past three years.  Susan is passionate about education and the social-emotional well-being of our students, she worked with the district as it made hundreds of decisions to support our students and teachers through the pandemic, and she continues to work tirelessly to promote positive changes in the district. 

Some of Susan’s top priorities include ensuring that the district meets the academic needs of all its students, that students feel supported and represented in their learning, and that its facilities are maintained and operate sustainably. As co-chair of the Operations Committee, Susan helped the district make important maintenance and improvement decisions and is making major strides in terms of sustainability and the district’s ability to meet the changing needs of a growing student body. more