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Princeton Public Schools January Referendum and its Impacts on Our Communities

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On January 28, 2025, Princeton voters will be invited to the polls (or can have the opportunity to return Mail-in ballots) to cast their vote for the latest Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Facilities Bond Referendum. This direct vote by the electorate could authorize the district to raise up to $89.1M for expansions and renovations at PPS facilities. The vote could have a major impact on both Princeton Public Schools and the greater community. What are the impacts? We’ll break it all down for you here.

WHAT DOES EACH QUESTION OFFER?

The full $89.1M is a large sum, and PPS knows that. So, it has broken its desired goals down into three questions, giving voters a greater role in deciding in how much and which projects the district will pursue.

To understand the impact of the referendum approvals on the district, it is important to gain insight as to what each question will provide for.

It is essential to understand that Question 2 can only pass if Question 1 passes, and Question 3 can only pass if voters approve Questions 1 & 2.

Question 1 ($37.9M) will allow for expansion at Community Park Elementary School with creation of additional classrooms, a multipurpose room and enhancements to the cafeteria, library and music room. It would also replace and rehab Princeton High School HVAC systems.

Question 2 ($38.3M) provides for expansion of the vocal music and bands rooms at Princeton Middle School (PMS) as well as the addition of a multipurpose room and new science classrooms. The PMS cafeteria would also be renovated and expanded, and district technology offices would relocate to that school. At Princeton High School, the Numina Art Gallery would be updated as well.

Questions 3 ($12.9M) would cover costs for Littlebrook Elementary School expansion to include new classrooms and a vocal music room, as well as renovations to the student support services and small-group instruction areas.

(for the full scope, details are on the PPS Referendum website.)

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND IMPACTS

If the full referendum request is approved by voters, approximately $19.9M will be covered by the state of NJ in Debt Service Aid. That leaves $69.2M to be purchased by the district as bonds, ultimately paid off over time through municipal taxing (projects in Question 1 will be funded over 25 years, while those in Questions 2 & 3 will be funded over 27 years). The tax impact, based on the average Princeton assessed home value of $853,136, would be an additional $532/year if all three questions pass. It would be $447/year if just Questions 1 & 2 pass, and $222/year if just Question 1 is approved.

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Princeton Public Schools, like all schools in NJ, can only fund infrastructure projects through referendum or via money allocated to Capital Reserves. Most recently, Princeton voters have approved PPS referendums in 2023 ($13M), 2022 ($17.5M) and 2018 ($26.9M). The averaged assessed homeowner today is currently paying $375/year towards debt service from previous referendums.

In a few larger school districts around New Jersey, such as West Windsor-Plainsboro, they have been able to put aside money in Capital Reserves to accumulate larger sums (the district had in excess of $20M last year, and as much as $28M in recent years). Such large fund balances can be used to cover the costs for major projects, without the need for a public bond referendum. This would mean money not spent from the operating budget gets moved into and builds through the years in Capital Reserves, which some suggest is rarely feasible. Others wonder why PPS doesn’t try harder to do this.

“With the huge amount of money we send to the schools via our taxes, why pass yet another referendum?” local Warren Land questions. “And this one will increase my taxes another $600 or $700 dollars a year!”

“I would like the board and superintendent to set out how they have tried to control costs to reduce the impact of the property tax increase based on issuing new bonds. How have they addressed health insurance costs? How have they addressed the number of administrators?” another resident, William Hare suggests, “While asking for a tax increase on the one hand to pay for capital improvements, it would be helpful to see that they have tried to reduce the annual tax increase by creative thinking to reduce or at least control other costs.”

PPS says most of its budget goes towards teachers and support staff. Funding decisions can also have limited flexibility due to inflation, requiring the need for buffer monies. Operating budgets also need enough funding to cover mandates, such as through agreements it makes with the unions when it comes to health insurance and other needs. While the reality is that non-general operating expenses are not required to be funded through referendum – there are other reasons why it is sometimes more feasible or sensible for a district to do so. When it comes to school district budgeting in smaller districts like Princeton, cutting other spending and accumulating in Capital Reserves for future projects is further limited due to the state’s 2% tax cap increase. PPS tells Princeton Perspectives it often uses Capital Reserve savings for HVAC projects and other needs, likely not exceeding $1-2M in costs. Allocating money into Capital Reserves can be complicated and some argue that structure would lead to overtaxing for a period of time; but it can sometimes be done through prudent fiscal management.

“The failure in leadership of the Board to have selected an appropriate superintendent and the firing of the high school principal makes me hesitate to vote for this large expansion,” a Princeton taxpayer shared anonymously, as she ponders the decision. “I have been a long supporter of the Princeton Public Schools, but the lack of good decision making on the part of the school and Planning Board makes me lack confidence in their ability to manage such a large project. However, the students will pay the price.”

Another financial concern that has been raised by members of the community is why the referendum vote is taking place as a special election, at additional cost to the district, rather than paired with the General Election held back in November. Turnout is also a concern. The 2024 General election had votes cast by 55.6% of registered voters compared to recent special referendum elections such as in 2018 (18.67% turnout) and 2022 (17.66% turnout). As we shared in the Perspectives Revisited section in September, PPS BOE President Dafna Kendal said there was no intentional delay, but once submissions were made to the state and responded to, turnaround time was not sufficient for a November vote. Despite the skepticism, there are those in the community not bothered by the timing and feel the referendum is a prudent way to benefit PPS, where the state kicks in aid to reduce the overall impact of the cost.

“I’ve been following the referendum planning pretty closely, and I’ve been really impressed by how carefully the district has planned this referendum to provide essential additional space in a way that maximizes state aid,” says Princeton resident Jane Manners. “I’ve got three kids, one in Littlebrook, one at Princeton Middle School, and one at Princeton High School, and I can tell you the schools are already bursting at the seams— and we’re expecting big enrollment increases in the years ahead. This referendum is an extremely well-planned solution to the challenges posed by our town’s growing population, and it will preserve both our schools’ excellent quality and high home values for all Princeton homeowners.”

Tara Oakman also has children in Princeton Public Schools. She adds, “In Princeton, we pride ourselves on our public schools and the quality of education they provide.  But excellence requires sustained investment. I am highly supportive of this bond referendum because it provides some of the critical and baseline support that our school facilities need to keep up with modern educational standards and population growth in town. But even setting aside those changes, these investments are overdue — they were necessary years ago and are absolutely critical now.”

OTHER IMPACTS AND LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

PPS says there will be substantial redistricting and increases to class sizes if the referendums do not pass. It says one reason the referendum is needed is due to 1,000 additional units of housing garnered through the multi-unit developments recently built, such as at Avalon Princeton Circle, The Alice Princeton and Avalon Princeton on Harrison.

“The town should pay for some of this as they created the issue with so many apartments coming online with no money going to the schools,” a frustrated Princeton homeowner shared with Princeton Perspectives. “It would be great if we could vote on individual items and priority. Also, on a spending limit. So, we would need to know how much each aspect of this plan is expected to cost and we could hold people accountable.”

Some cite that several of the referendum items have been on the docket in different ways for years, before those apartment complexes were a reality. Others questions how the slow turnover in Princeton’s housing market might be countering the narrative of the new student impact. Former BOE member Daniel Dart does not believe the PPS population will feel the brunt that’s being feared.

“Princeton Public Schools is shrinking due to aging populations and declining birthrates. PPS reported that a recent peak in enrollment occurred in 2019 with 3,855 students and has shrunk to 3,669 students, a net reduction of 186 students,” Dart states.

Should there still be needs for expansion, others feel the funding should come by way of the PILOT agreements (payment in lieu of taxes) made between the municipal government and those large development contractors.

Why aren’t monies from the PILOTs immediately offsetting the increased enrollment and limiting the need for referendum? Of the three major developments recently built, much of the money from the PILOT agreements has been redirected, as part of the agreement to build. For example, at Avalon Princeton Circle, PILOT monies funded Thanet Development – Princeton Senior Living affordable senior housing. At The Alice, remediation, sustainability elements and the addition of public pedestrian/bike paths are some uses of those funds.

Where a valuable amount of money may become available is from the PILOT made with Avalon Princeton on Harrison, but that would not be available until the units are filled (likely bringing in up to $1M in 2026). Once that money starts coming in, the municipality will have leverage to decide how to use those funds. Some possibilities include adding it to the general tax base to bring everyone’s taxes down or it could be given directly to the schools for facilities expenditures as done in other NJ districts. Should the municipality soon become owners of the Westminster property, and the school district decide it wants to use part of it for expanded school structures, perhaps PILOT funds could be used to defray those costs.

“As an empty nester I think nothing should be done until we know what the future holds for the Westminster college property. If the municipality is contemplating this purchase, the entire district-wide plans need to consider what this offers in facilities,” says longtime taxpayer, Ken Verbeyst.

While home values in Princeton remain higher than some neighboring communities, in part, because of its strong schools, other longtime members of the community suggest the impact of another referendum that creates a deeper tax burden is making their homes unaffordable.

“While it is understandable that facilities, classrooms, etc. need maintenance and expansion, the current system of raising taxes to pay for what is needed is unsustainable for longtime residents. Increasing real estate taxes every year or so is easily absorbed by persons in the work force with increasing income, but many residents are absorbing the real estate tax increases by cutting back in other expenses, sacrificing their standard of living,” another Princeton resident anonymously explains. “There is so much emphasis on affordable housing by the socially conscious town council, but very little consideration for the affordability of staying in Princeton as a long-time homeowner.”

THE NEED FOR CHANGE AT PPS

Though many are feeling the pressure of additional taxation, PPS says some changes are needed. The additions of students from the current apartment units and those expected to be built in the near future are expected to be added primarily in the Community Park area as well as in Littlebrook. That is why additions are specifically recommended at those schools, as well as at Princeton Middle School and Princeton High School. The construction timeline for the referendum items would likely run into 2028, when an expected fuller impact of additional students will be here.

“We are really excited about the referendum. We believe that it is a very cost-effective way to add classroom spaces to our buildings to ensure that we are able continue the high level of teaching and learning that is the hallmark of the Princeton Public Schools,” notes Princeton BOE President Kendal. “If all 3 questions are approved, we will receive more than $19 million in state aid. However, we also understand that the tax impact of all three questions might be too big a lift for the community, so we’ve prioritized the questions in order of our most critical needs. We will have many opportunities for engagement over the next two months and we’re excited to share our plans to address student enrollment growth in our schools with the community.”

If you have further questions you want answered, or simply want to learn more about the schools and student-body impacts, there will be a Public Community forum Saturday, January 11th, 9-11am at Princeton Middle School. You can also signup here to tour the school buildings that would be most impacted by the referendum.

HOW CAN YOU VOTE?

Whatever your view of the referendum questions, you should be prepared to weigh in at the polls.

To vote on the referendum, you must be a registered Princeton voter by January 7th.

If you have previously registered to vote by mail for the general election, the vote by mail ballot will be automatically sent to you. If you have not, and prefer or need to vote by mail, you can access an application here.

Mail-in ballots can be returned a few ways:

  • if mailing it in, it needs to be postmarked by the 28th; or
  • it needs to be deposited in a drop box by 8 pm on the 28th; or
  • hand delivered to the county clerk’s office by 8 pm on the 28th

Should you choose in-person voting, there will be four locations to vote at on January 28th (locations soon to be announced), and residents can cast their votes at any of the locations, regardless of your voting district.

Choose to Spread Feelings of Joy, Not Hate

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As the end of the year approaches, we are surrounded by positive vibes. First of Thanksgiving and then the winter holidays. We tend to be inundated with music, lights and uplifting spirits of the season. The idea is to spread joy and to ensure that those around you, despite what they’re going through, are also feeling that joy. Many assume all others are feeling joyous, too.

In Princeton, where there should be joy, some in our community have been feeling threats and hate instead. Have you seen the messages? Have you heard about them? To further spread joy, one must first be informed of the troubling realities that some in our community have encountered and are facing, for being who they are.

POLITICAL PAIN

Back in early November, as the General Election was approaching, people wanted their candidates to win. Some went to all ends to make that happen. But, at what costs?

When a candidate throws their hat into the ring, they know that will mean unearthing of anything and everything they may have said or done. Though sometimes difficult, they open themselves up to that scrutiny. What is harder to swallow is when the accusations are not election-focused, or appear targeted and hate filled. Were you aware this happened in Princeton?

“I have never felt discriminated against since arriving here in 2000, so those attacks really did not bother me,” shares 2024 Princeton Public Schools Board of Education (BOE) candidate, Shenwei Zhao. “However, my experience during this Board of Education election in Princeton felt more like an ideological attack. Unfortunately, it seems that some people believe labeling others as racists simply for holding different opinions is an effective way to silence opposition and win the debate.”

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Zhao is referring to a comment he made public, allegedly made from one Princeton resident to another via text about him and another BOE candidate, Z. Lisa Potter, that urged a need to prevent the two candidates from joining the BOE due to a “history of racist provocations.”  Zhao publicly questioned what they had done that could be deemed racist.

For weeks, Zhao’s question was a launching pad for members of Princeton High School and Princeton Public School Facebook groups, speakers at Board of Education meetings and others to go on a public rampage, where instead of getting answers, both Zhao and Potter felt bullied and attacked. They felt a barrage of often twisted truths, made to seem relevant, or situations misinterpreted to send a political message. Often lacking a desire to understand the candidates and what they may have actually said or done, the attacks felt hate-filled against the only two Asian candidates.

“I haven’t experienced this level of discrimination since I first moved to the U.S. in the mid-1980s. During my time in West Windsor, I didn’t encounter anything like this, so facing such hostility here in Princeton was shocking. However, I don’t believe that this reflects the views of the majority of residents,” former BOE candidate Z. Lisa Potter explains. “Some groups resort to targeting others and framing them as ‘the enemy.’ Identity politics becomes the easiest, albeit lazy, way to do this—especially when there are no concrete facts or behaviors to substantiate their positions. This approach undermines genuine progress and fosters division, which is the opposite of what our community should stand for.”

The judgements often used stereotypes to cast a negative light. Zhao was, on several occasions, misidentified for other Asian men in Princeton and attacked for comments or actions they had made. He also had rumors spread about his response to questions, framing him negatively as an extreme Conservative. Potter was wrongly accused of aligning with others in the Asian community on things some had issue with. She was also called out as being unfit for the BOE role after her campaign lawn signs were found on properties that also hosted signs for Republican political candidates.

In an email to prospective voters during the campaign, Potter responded to the attacks.

“Moreover, the false narrative that Shenwei Zhao and I—the two minority candidates, both Asian—are ‘anti-DEI’ not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes, but also undermines the important conversations we need to have about inclusion and equity. If these remarks were made by Princeton Public Schools students about their peers, they undoubtedly would violate the district’s Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) policy. As adults, we have a responsibility to model respectful and inclusive behavior, especially for the younger generation watching us.”

Asians make up more than a quarter of the Princeton population but have not won an election here. Many are here as first-generation Americans, where they desire a more open debate on ideas. Since Princeton Perspectives began covering elections in 2020, we have seen Lisa Wu and Jeffrey Laio also run unsuccessfully.

“Neighboring towns (West Windsor, Montgomery, Bridgewater, to name just a few), all have already elected Asians, including first-generation immigrants, to their governing bodies. Yet Princeton seems to struggle with accepting that people from different backgrounds might not align with its so-called ‘progressive’ ideals,” Zhao says.

In America, voters get to decide what candidates they want to put into office (Potter lost by 277 votes, Zhao by 1,627). It has left some pondering the costs.

FROM POLITICS TO RELIGIOUS HATE

Just one week after the election, others became the target of local hate. Though Donald Trump lost in Princeton 5:1, he won the national election to become the next President of the United States. Some locals took that reality so hard they found a population to blame: the Jews.

While going for his morning run on November 12th, Princeton resident Oleg Bleyman came upon a sticker attached to a light pole on Harrison Street. The sticker contained an image of Donald Trump, wearing a top hat with a Jewish star on it and the words “I want YOU to die for Israel” followed by “because I’m owned by Jews.” A small sign, it was a subtle way to spread not just a political attack, but Jew-hatred.

“I grew up in a country where antisemitism was part of life,” explains Bleyman, who was raised and lived his early adult life in Russia. “I can’t say I saw this coming, but I saw antisemitism growing with what’s been going in the cultural world. I’ve seen antisemitism shifting from right wing to left wing. I’m not surprised to see it in Princeton.”

Bleyman went on to explain that he left Russia because he thought America was great and would give him a chance (and he still does). He doesn’t fear yet that it is reaching the levels of antisemitism seen in Europe in the 1930s but does see antisemitism becoming part of a dangerous pervasive ideology.

OTHER CONCERNS OF HATE

Donald Trump’s election as President also immediately led to another group of people feeling threatened. Fear and anxiety began to spread amongst the Queer community almost overnight, including right here in Princeton.

“What we’ve noticed most is an overwhelming feeling of despair, a lack of hope, and a true fear for physical and emotional safety, the ability for people to continue existing as they are, being respected for who they are, being able to love who they want,” notes Dr. Sara Wasserman, Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice (BRCSJ) Queer Educator & Local Community Organizer.

Concerns of access to gender affirming healthcare, marriage equality and community support have become overwhelming for many. The day after the election, an influx of people went to BRCSJ, seeking a safe place to feel their fears, make sense of what happened and feel support in a safe community. One young man arrived that day feeling desperate.

“He spent the day with our Safe-Space Hosts where he found a queer mentor of sorts with whom he continues to draw strength from and be in contact with to this day. Having a Safe-Space to not only talk with others but truly be heard, was in fact lifesaving for him and so many other folks. We have all now truly become essential workers, and here at BRCSJ Headquarters, we hold our service across the spectrum that much more sacrosanct. Now more than ever, we need to gather together in community, camaraderie, and co-conspiracy,” BRCSJ shared with Princeton Perspectives.  

To be there for any member of the community, BRCSJ now has its LGBTQIA+ Safe-Space open seven days a week. It will also remain open on Christmas Day from 11am-3pm for those who need or want to celebrate.

PEOPLE ARE FINDING HATE IN OUR TOWN

Throughout the year, there has been many-a-discussion about ‘Free Speech” and when that speech can cross the line to be antisemitic. Is it actionable? Is it posing imminent harm? Does it damage property? Such was the case in recent weeks along the sidewalks of the Ettl Farm neighborhood in Princeton, where the expressions started to feel too close to home.

The concrete was left wet overnight as crews poured new sidewalks at the entrance to the neighborhood. On the morning of November 16th, local residents woke up to find “Death 2 Zionists” had been etched into it. Jewish parents shared numerous concerns that such words go beyond evoking concern for Palestinians, with death threats to those that believe in the right to the Jewish historic homeland.

“We have been barraged with antisemitism since the October 7th attack on Israel. It is everywhere, we can’t ignore it. When I saw this in my own neighborhood, I realized that this is as close to home as it has been. It is frankly scary to think that my neighbors are calling for the death of my family and numerous other families in Ettl Farm,” shares Julie Ramirez, 21-year Ettl Farm resident.

That sidewalk was promptly removed, and clean concrete poured to cover up the message, only for more to come. On November 26th, newly poured sidewalks in Ettl Farm had new graffiti, this time with the words “Free Palestine” and “Gaza Rise.” The culprit added to the words an image of an upside-down triangle, defined by American Jewish Committee as a symbol meant “to identify, harass, and target Israelis and Jews.”

The next day, on November 27th, “Free Palestine” was carved in large letters across four sections of newly poured sidewalk, also at Ettl Farm. Princeton Police Detective Bureau has been working with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office to actively pursue all leads and investigate these acts of criminal mischief.

“These incidents made me wonder why there is so much tolerance for this hate in our town, country and around the world.  So much silence. It also made me fearful. What if the hate comes even closer to my house?” worried Ramirez. “I can’t rationalize the hatred on the streets of New York City where I grew up, the Princeton campus where my sons went to school and now on the sidewalks of my own neighborhood. It is clearly not about Israel and Gaza anymore.”

PRINCETON LOVES

If you leave Ettl Farm, and travel across Princeton, you will see signs like “Hate has no home here” and “No hate in the Garden State.” But, in situations like those mentioned above, some feel that hate has been welcomed.

As the music and lights of the holiday season spark a spirit of joy for you, remember that not everyone is feeling it. This is the time of year that you may feel encouraged to make an extra effort to ensure your neighbors know hate has no place near your home, too.

Editor’s Note

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Have you gone shopping recently (with holiday music on repeat throughout the store), and later found yourself humming a holiday tune in your kitchen? Have you thought about what you will wear to your annual holiday work gathering? Whether you observe any of the upcoming holidays or not, our society has made them a part of life. And, you tend to get involved somehow, whether it’s in adopting the positive spirit of the season, contributing to food or clothes drives, or by delving in to prepare the meal and gathering with family or friends to celebrate.

With Thanksgiving soon approaching, and December’s religious holidays following suit, it seemed the right time for Princeton Perspectives to focus our issue on Getting into the Holiday Spirit, No Matter What You Celebrate.

To do so, we started with our community, asking locals, what they are most looking forward to for the holidays? Thanksgiving is closest on people’s minds, and they are excited about it. Watch this month’s Pulse of Princeton video to catch a bit of their energy.

While we normally think of positive spirit around the holidays, it can also be a difficult time for many. Whether you are ill or have lost a loved one, gathering can take a mental and emotional toll. This year, once again the celebrations fall at a time when life isn’t going on as normal in many parts of the world. In the article, How to Celebrate When the World is at War, we hear from locals who are directly impacted and gain some advice on how we can allow ourselves space to celebrate.

Ironically, many of the season’s holidays came about because of war or fighting – whereas the holidays embrace the survival and advancement of a people. Four holidays within a two month span use candles and other lighting to observe, so we gathered some local experts to share with us what they mean. In The Lights of the Season and What They Represent, you can learn more about your neighbors and friends.

One of the joyous ways that people spend time through the remainder of the year, is by indulging in music, theater and other activities and events. Holiday Happenings that Entertain and Others that Give Back shares a glimpse into what is taking place in our area, so that you can plan ahead.

And of course, “the giving season” as this time of year has been called, is a time where organizations often see people donate two times more than they receive throughout all other months. Wanting to make sure everyone has what they need is an innate part of being human. One of our area’s largest organizations works towards this, and you can read about it in Giving of Your Time or Money Can Have Big Rewards.

Speaking of giving money, you may have to pay more towards taxes next year if the upcoming Princeton Public Schools referendum passes. The original idea has been broken down into 3 parts. You can read the latest details in this month’s Perspectives Revisited. We also share about the most recent natural area to become public space, so you can spend the holidays traversing some new trails!

With all its joys, the holiday season can still be hard. We hope this issue helps you realize you are not alone and provides you with ways to see the light and look forward to what’s to come.

Pulse of Princeton: What are you most looking forward to for the holidays?

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How to Celebrate When the World is at War

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With major wars currently taking place in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan, you likely have seen or heard about what is happening and may even know someone or have family involved. Though the fighting is occurring thousands of miles away, their impacts can be personal and difficult.

With just weeks until Thanksgiving and then the arrival of winter holidays, there is a lot to look forward to. But it can be hard to allow yourself space for happiness and celebration when there is so much pain and trauma happening around the world.

“Finding happiness can be challenging during difficult times,” says Riva Levy, group therapist at Princeton House Behavioral Health—Inpatient Princeton and the Prevention Programs Coordinator at the Municipality of Princeton’s Human Services Department. “As a therapist, I facilitate groups focused on dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). ‘Dialectical’ refers to the idea that two opposing truths can exist simultaneously.”

Levy deals with multiple truths on a daily basis. As a therapist and an Israeli American living in Princeton, she uses the tools of DBT in her own life.

“I embody this concept by acknowledging that while I experience sadness, I can also find joy and meaning in my life. To nurture that joy, I prioritize self-care. I practice yoga regularly, swim, walk, and spend time with family and friends. I also make it a point to participate in and organize events supporting Israel and our Princeton community and youth, which are very important to me,” Levy shares. “Over the past year, I have experienced deep sadness due to the devastating events that occurred in Israel on October 7, 2023, where most of my family resides. As the holiday season approaches, I strive to find joy with my family and friends amid the pain.”

Whether your family celebrates holidays at this time of year or not, it is hard to live in America and not hear the holiday music, see the holiday sites, and notice programming and events popping up on the calendar. When one goes to sleep with news of an attack, and wakes up to learn about another, it can be difficult to get excited for what is to come. Yet, how you think about it can help you to endure.

“I always talk about mourning as a double entendre – mourning and morning. Part of mourning is there is a new day (a morning) – and to have hope, there has to be,” notes Dr. Sharon Rose Powell, licensed Princeton-area psychologist.

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To help get through the years of war going on in Ukraine, Princetonian David Gelfgat and his wife Margarita have been embodying this idea, waking up each Sunday morning to display their hope outside the FitzRandolph Gate at Nassau and Witherspoon Streets. David was born in Moscow but spent part of his childhood in Rony, in the Sumy region of Ukraine. His wife was born and raised in Donetsk, Ukraine. The shock of what happened in February 2022 has led them to do what they can to help.

“I couldn’t remain indifferent. So, [on February 25, 2022] I went out to the center of Princeton with a banner ’STOP Putin’s aggression against Ukraine!’ Many Russian, Ukrainian, and English-speaking Princeton and surrounding area residents united around me in our Facebook group Princeton for Ukraine. Our group regularly holds rallies not only for the purchase and delivery of medical supplies to wounded Ukrainians, but also to remind people that Ukraine is fighting not only for its independence, territorial integrity and freedom, but also opposes the dictatorial regimes of Russia and its allies North Korea and Iran in their efforts to destroy the foundations of democratic values of Western civilization,” Gelfgat explains.

Worried about all of their relatives, friend and all Ukrainians, this is what they can do to help. They will all remain strong in their hearts and minds, but it won’t keep them from celebrating Thanksgiving with family later this month.

When they do gather, will they let themselves feel the joy of being alive, and be thankful with family? Dr. Powell says as much as suffering is part of the human condition, so is the need to connect and laugh.

“We have to be able to hold both at the same time. It feels incongruous to be so sad and yet feel joy but that is what allows us to survive, have strength, resilience and be fortified. At family gatherings, more than ever, we need to come together to connect to laugh, hold one another, appreciate what we have and pray for those suffering right now,” Dr. Powell adds. “It’s the only way we can survive.”

In Princeton, many are working to find moments of laughter amidst the worry and fear for family abroad. One Lebanese-American family, who asked to remain unnamed, detailed how family members in Lebanon have had to routinely weigh fleeing their homes or the country with staying and hearing bombs overhead.

“It’s been a tough year, for most of the world I would argue. Between Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, the US election, school shootings, hurricanes, historic rainfall and flooding and on and on. One heartbreak after another. Processing the daily traumas across the world while wanting to protect and shield the kids is a lot for all parents. Part of protecting them is trying to carry on as normal including enjoying the holidays. We love Thanksgiving and Christmas times, the lights, decorations, treats, the winter village in Bryant Park, good food, good drinks, sweet treats, spending time with our family – all of it feels magical. And precious. As we get older you realize life really is short.”

With this realization, they make it a point to celebrate and enjoy time with each other. Though they have constant thoughts of the mothers and fathers that no longer have children to celebrate with, or of kids searching for their next meal, they believe living and celebrating must go on. Added to that, is trying to learn and understand each other better while doing so.

“We try to celebrate as many holidays as possible because one way I really believe we can challenge the othering and dehumanization of others is through relationships and education,” the family shares. “My husband and I are Jesuit educated, so we learned about all three monotheistic religions and studied world religions in high school but not in depth like Christianity, Judaism and Islam. My husband grew up experiencing several wars, so what’s happening today is resurfacing many years of trauma and makes us acutely aware of the dangers of othering. Over the years we’ve celebrated Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan. It is very similar to Christmas or Hanukkah. Kids get gifts or money, they wear new outfits, visit family, etc. We’ve also celebrated Christmas, joined friends for Passover Seder, had Easter egg hunts, and joined friends to celebrate Diwali and the Chinese New Year. We will continue to join friends for holidays and celebrations. Now more than ever, it’s important to take every opportunity to share traditions, show people that we have more in common than not, and make sure our children have a global understanding of the world.”

Since moving to Princeton, this family has made volunteering a part of their holiday tradition. Each member of the family works with a family participating in Princeton’s Holiday Gift Drive, allowing them to help others that live nearby.

There is also comfort to be found in helping those far away. Students at Princeton University have been invited to help with TeleHelp Ukraine, “a nonprofit providing free, quality mental health and medical support through telemedicine to Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion.” Volunteers are helping in non-clinical ways, such as working with people to sign up for appointments, assisting in operations, web development and project management. Clinically, they are also helping with support and follow up care.

Another way to help those fighting for freedom is through the Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program, organized by Soldiers’ Angels. Though American soldiers do not have their boots on the ground in most of the current conflicts, many have been positioned to jump in if necessary, and others remain in difficult situations and away from their families as a whole. To help, businesses, organizations and individuals are able to sign up to provide gifts for the children of qualifying Veteran and Military families as well as a grocery gift card to help them celebrate with a full holiday dinner.

It is human to care about and think about those that are in harm’s way, especially if they’re family. If those feelings become too cumbersome or preclude you from living your regular life, you may want to seek out help. If you do not have access to a provider, Princeton Human Services and Princeton Integrated Behavioral Health can offer help or guidance. In addition, finding ways to help others could enable you to move forward, knowing that you are doing what you can in these times. Beyond the above examples, there are numerous causes and organizations helping those both here and abroad.

Though finding happiness can be challenging right now, we hope that you find ways to laugh, love and celebrate this holiday season. And as we do so, may we all wish for peace around the world.

Holiday Happenings that Entertain and Others that Give Back

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You simply have to walk down the street or into stores to be reminded it is time for the holiday season. Now that the tricks and treats have passed, Thanksgiving is approaching and many around us are gearing up for the winter holidays. Princeton streetlamps are wrapped in holiday lights, stores have begun looping holiday music, and when night falls, houses are glowing in lights, too. One aspect of Princeton that attracts many to this area, is it is home to a wide array of people and religions. Yet, whether you have a holiday to celebrate or not, it can be hard not to feel the joy and excitement all around. Should you choose, there are many happenings in the area that can help you get into and take part in the holiday spirit as well.

MUSIC OF THE SEASON

If for you, that means music, then open your calendar and get ready to attend some live performances. Between Westminster Choir College, Princeton University Concerts, Princeton Symphony Orchestra, Princeton Pro Musica and Capital Philharmonic of NJ, there are multiple evenings of entertainment being offered.

Princeton University Chapel will be the site to the first two musical events of the season. On December 7th, you can gather family and friends for Princeton University Concert’s performance of A Chanticleer Christmas. Enjoy a variety of a capella choral music from Chanticleer, the Grammy-winning ensemble known to have “an orchestra of voices.” Westminster Choir College of Rider University will then hold their holiday concert, An Evening of Readings and Carols, on December 13th and 14th. The music will feature the Chapel Choir, Symphonic Choir, Concert Bell Choir, Jubilee Singers and Westminster Choir.

For years, Princetonians have also looked forward to Princeton Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday POPS. This year, the December 14th event will feature Broadway vocalist Andrea Ross and include longtime holiday favorites, traditional carols and the beloved sing-along which has included the Princeton High School (PHS) Choir since 2003.

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“The Holiday POPS has become a tradition for us and is now part of our festive season,” shares Princeton resident Rene Obregon. “It’s also a time for 3 generations of our family to get together, dress up and listen to holiday classics in an amazing venue. This year and next it’s extra special because our youngest performs with the PHS choir on stage. And I can’t forget the ‘sing-along’ at the end that everyone gets involved in (regardless of your singing ability!). We are lucky to live in a town that offers these types of events, and we are proud to support them.”

For another night of music, Princeton University’s Richardson Auditorium will host A Feast of Carols performed by award-winning Princeton Pro Musica on December 15th. Described as bringing “together all the sounds of the season,” this concert will include holiday classics and favorites in a choral-orchestral arrangement.

If you love the live festive performance, but want something more secular, Conductor Sebastian Grand will lead Capital Philharmonic of NJ at The New Year’s Eve: The Tradition Continues on December 31st with a repertoire including the music of greats such as Johanne Strauss, Leonard Bernstein, Nino Rota and George Gershwin. A champagne reception and desserts will be held backstage after the concert, with members from the Philharmonic continuing as a jazz trio helping you ring in the new year in style.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PRODUCTIONS

Beyond music, there are many other special events and performances you can experience this holiday season.

Morven Museum & Garden has chosen a theme for its annual Festival of Trees this year with inspiration from its current exhibition Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home. One of the stories that is detailed there is about Governor Richard Hughes, from just before he became governor and just weeks after he lost his first wife, Miriam. It explains: “Hughes did his best to pull Christmas together for his four small children, but nothing seemed right. When his Jewish friends got word of his situation, they arrived on Christmas Eve ready to decorate the tree. The interdenominational Christmas Eve visit became a tradition that continued after Hughes married Betty. She christened the event “Deck the Halls with Matzo Balls!”  And so, from November 20th through January 5th, Festival of Trees 2024 “Deck the Halls with Matza Balls” will include displays created by local groups, clubs, schools and nonprofits.

Local resident, Nessa Tallo regularly attends this event and is looking forward to it again this year. “The festival of trees is such a sweet event where people get to peruse the beautiful museum galleries, mantels and porches all decorated with clever themes for the season. It’s a very relaxed environment to take in the spirit of the holidays. I’ve been there when it’s not busy and I walk around wondering what it was like to live in such a grand place. I love that the museum is decorated by local organizations in town. You get to vote for your favorite décor, which adds to the fun.”

Two other favorite traditions in Princeton take place at McCarter Theatre, The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Just before Thanksgiving, you can attend the opening performances of American Repertory Ballet’s The Nutcracker, November 29th through December 1st (it will then move on throughout December to Two River Theater in Red Bank, Patriots Theater at Trenton’s War Memorial and State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick). Then from December 10th through 29th, A Christmas Carol returns. The magical journey of Ebenezer Scrooge is a seasonal joy for many.

If you enjoy theater, there will be four more holiday performances at Kelsey Theatre at Mercer this December. You can bring your family to share in the excitement of Santa at ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas on December 6th-8th. Another portrayal of The Nutcracker will dance across the stage December 13th through 15th. Also, on December 14th, the White Christmas Movie Sing-Along will be held, as the audience are guided to sing and play along with the movie. This event is complete with holiday treats and an ugly Christmas sweater contest! And lastly, The Kelsey Holiday Extravaganza is a concert-style show on December 20th through 22nd, to highlight the holiday magic just before Christmas.

SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE

Beyond the stage, the spirit of the holidays can also be felt when you do for others. This year, you can benefit several local charities, while buying something special for yourself or those you love.

Start your morning on November 23rd at the HomeFront Holiday Market, which will be raising money for families in need at its ‘Homemade for the Holidays’ themed event. More than 40 local artisans will offer up holiday décor, clothing, art, one-of-a-kind items and other specialty gifts at HomeFront’s Lawrenceville Campus. The event will also be held on November 24th.

Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Holiday Boutique, in the afternoons of November 23rd and 24th, will benefit its collections and programs. The museum will open up its galleries to local artisans selling unique and homemade crafts, jewelry, artwork and more.

If you like to shop and lunch, you can do so December 3rd at the Greenwood House Holiday Gift Boutique at Cobblestone Creek in Lawrenceville. You can feed your soul by shopping through a room full of vendors selling high quality brands and homemade items, then feed your body at the lunch buffet in the neighboring room (registration and a fee for lunch are required). Proceeds benefit Greenwood House’s senior care services and facilities.

“The Greenwood House Holiday Gift Boutique is a fabulous event with top-notch vendors for all your holiday shopping!” shares local Linda Grenis. “It’s a great day to shop and to lunch with friends at Cobblestone Creek Country Club. Greenwood House is the last nonprofit senior organization in Mercer County, NJ, so it’s a true benefit for you to come shop till you drop!”

If you prefer a drink over a nosh, on December 4th adults are invited to support Pennington’s The Watershed Institute at the 2nd Annual Sip & Shop Holiday Market. Check out the craft offerings while you sip on beverages and enjoy light refreshments as well.

With your calendar full of ways that you can have a taste of the holiday season, we hope that you are excited and looking forward to all the area has to offer. By the time the new year rolls around, you should be full of spirit and ready for 2025.

Editor’s Note

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The most engaged society is an informed society. After discovering that it can be very difficult to find details about some candidates running for office (particularly at the county level), we made it a priority to help share that information. That is why this and every October, Princeton Perspectives puts out an issue all about the elections and every major party candidate you will find on your ballot. We also help voters to gain insight into Princeton’s non-partisan election, for Board of Education. The more you know, the more engaged you can be.

In this month’s issue, Vote! Your Comprehensive Guide to the 2024 General Election! you will find details about where and how to vote, candidates’ insights as well as perspectives from a local Democrat and Republican on an issue on voter’s minds this year. We hope this will all help inform your decisions.

When it comes to voting, there are those that vote along party lines and those that vote based upon issues. What issue is most important to you as you consider this General Election? We asked locals their thoughts for this month’s Pulse of Princeton. Watch the video to see what’s on their minds!

So, what issues are most important to YOU this election? In our article, Registered to Vote? Now Learn Who is Running for Every Seat, we share information about every major party candidate you will find on the Princeton ballot, so that you can better educate yourself. We also inform you about the three different ways that you can vote, to make sure that you have things planned out, to best take advantage.

Beyond the political offices, Princeton also has three seats open this year on Princeton Board of Education. Using our popular comparison drop-down tool, you can compare and contrast each candidates’ perspective on a number of questions in the article Insight into the 2024 Board of Education Candidates.

In addition to information about the election and candidates, every year Princeton Perspectives leaves space in our election issue to take a closer look at what is being discussed amongst the public. This year, we offer two articles, Addressing the Political Divide – A Democrat’s Perspective and Addressing the Political Divide – A Republican’s Perspective, aiming to inform about ideas you may agree with, and enlighten you about those you may not.

We delve even deeper into voting in this month’s Perspectives Revisited, as we share the latest on a story we brought you earlier this year about the layout of the voting ballots. We are also updating you on changes happening at Trenton-Mercer Airport, a major transportation hub for this community.

Once you’ve read our latest issue, you can decide how and when you intend to vote. We are grateful that you have made us a part of this process, and we look forward to informing you about more on Princeton and the greater Mercer County community next month!

Pulse of Princeton: What issue is most important to you this election?

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Registered to Vote? Now Learn Who is Running for Every Seat.

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Jump to:
Princeton Council Candidates
Princeton Mayoral Candidate
Board of County Commissioners Candidates
District 12 Congressional Candidates
U.S. Senate Candidates

At the last Presidential General Election, November 3,  2020, there were 21,631 people in Princeton registered to vote. Back then, during the height of the COVID pandemic, where 95% of votes were cast by mail, 14,338, or 66% of those eligible, cast their vote. In 2016, only 56% of eligible voters turned out, with 10,817 Princeton voters weighing in.

This year, with the Presidential race on the line along with candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, Board of County Commissioners, Princeton Mayor, Council and Board of Education on the ballot, how many will take part in this inalienable right?

Princeton Perspectives helps you to do so by once again providing you all you need to know about how and where to vote along with details about every major party candidate you will find on your ballot.

The deadline to register to vote was yesterday, October 15th, so if you missed it, you would have to sit this year out. The important deadline to take note of now is November 5th, the final date to cast your vote.

VOTING METHODS

Throughout Mercer County, new voting machines were implemented for Early Voting in 2023, and they will be used for all in-person voting this year. Voting can be done in three ways in New Jersey: Vote by Mail, Early Voting and Election Day. The government has worked to make voting easy and accessible, but planning is key.

If you registered to vote, but did not complete your application to Vote by Mail, you can access it here. This application will provide that the mail-in ballot is sent you, which then must be filled out and returned by 8 pm on Election Day, November 5th, to any Drop Box (in Princeton you’ll find them at the Princeton Municipal Building on Witherspoon St. and the Princeton University Wawa/Dinky Station on Alexander St.), mailed back (postage pre-paid and postmarked by Nov 5th) or returned in person to the Mercer County Board of Elections.

If you plan to take part in Early Voting, there are seven locations throughout Mercer County that can be utilized by all voters, regardless of your voting district, between October 26th and November 3rd, Wednesday – Saturday: 10am to 8pm, Sunday: 10am to 6pm. In Princeton, the Early Voting will be held at the Princeton Municipal Building Community Room, 400 Witherspoon Street.

If Voting on Election Day is your desire, polls will be open from 6am to 8pm on Tuesday November 5th. Your polling location will be printed on the front of the sample ballot mailed to your home.

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THE CANDIDATES

To educate yourself about the candidates and help to make an informed decision, Princeton Perspectives reached out to every major party candidate you will see on your ballot. You can read through by office, to gain insight and understanding about past experiences, viewpoints, and priority issues for each. Should you desire, at the top right of this article, we have a jump menu that allows you to go directly to a specific elected position and those candidates. Because we are a hyperlocal publication, we are presenting the offices that will only serve New Jersey, from bottom to top of the ballot order, with each candidate listed in straight ballot order.

PRINCETON’S POLITICAL CANDIDATES

PRINCETON COUNCIL CANDIDATES: Leighton Newlin (D) and Brian McDonald (D)

This year, two seats are opening on Council and there are two Democratic candidates vying for them. One is the incumbent, running for re-election, and the other is new to this office. The position is for a three-year term. As the races are uncontested, no minimum vote is required to get elected.

LEIGHTON NEWLIN (D) is running for his second term on Council, citing there is still much more work to be done and he wakes up each day inspired to represent.

“Leadership should reflect our values and diversity, and I take that responsibility seriously,” says Newlin. “Throughout my first term, we’ve made strides in building a comprehensive infrastructure of care – enhancing affordability, human and social services, transportation, public safety, and the arts. But for me, it’s not about individual achievements; it’s about being local, not being hard to find, and understanding the everyday impact of our decisions on people’s lives.”

In a second term, Newlin hopes to work to rebuild Princeton’s public housing, take a closer look at the impact of absentee landlords, affordable housing, mobility and focus on promoting and supporting DEI initiatives through programming.

“I thrive on being a good neighbor, staying engaged, and meeting people where they are. I don’t take this role lightly—I’m here to listen, advocate, and act. I’m only getting started, and I’m excited to continue this journey for our community. Together, there’s so much more we can accomplish!” he adds.

Brian McDonald (D) is seeking to join Council, filling the seat being vacated by three-term Councilwoman Eve Niedergang. As he completes his sixth year on the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education (PPS BOE), he feels his 25 years of service to the Princeton area make him the right man for this job.

“I’m very familiar with Princeton and have demonstrated a high level of commitment to my community. I believe that my skill set and my work experience, including my first career as a municipal finance professional, make me well suited to serve as a member of Princeton Council. I work hard, believe in data-driven decision making when possible, and am open, honest, caring and compassionate,” McDonald shares.

McDonald, who was approached by several local leaders to pursue this opportunity when Niedergang announced she would not seek re-election, felt like it was the right next step after his experiences, not just on PPS BOE but also on other local boards including McCarter Theater, The Watershed Institute and Sustainable Princeton. McDonald also feels 11 years as a Princeton Little League coach coupled with seven years as part of the Citizen’s Finance Advisory Committee make him a strong candidate, prepared to take on what he describes as his top priorities, if elected.

“First, to consistently deliver excellent municipal services as efficiently as possible to keep tax increases as low as possible. Second, as our community grows, to ensure that the growth is smart, strategic, and carefully managed. Third, to work for ALL residents with a special focus on the needs of our most vulnerable residents, including children, senior citizens and members of the community who experience food, housing and financial insecurity,” explains McDonald. “I have a personal passion for sustainability and that will also be a major area of focus for me.”

PRINCETON MAYORAL CANDIDATE: Mark Freda (D)

This year, the incumbent is running unopposed for re-election to another four-year term.

Mark Freda (D) is looking to continue as Princeton’s Mayor, offering what he describes as invested and effective leadership. He says there are four main reasons that he has chosen to run again.

“One, I believe I bring significant leadership and experience to the role of the mayor. Two, I believe I make a difference being in the role of mayor. Three, I am motivated to do what I can to help our town; there is no personal agenda or need to take credit for what we accomplish. I want to move us ahead and get things done. Four, I enjoy the work. It is a lot of work and a lot of time. But having lived here my entire life, it is good work and worth the time and effort.”

Freda feels, working with Council, staff and the public, his administration has achieved a great deal in the past four years including involving more people in the financial processes therefore creating more open and robust reviews of operating and capital budgets. While many politicians preach transparency, Freda believes he and his colleagues have worked hard towards this goal. Part of this includes efforts to show up, engage with and respond to all constituents throughout his term. Freda feels there is still a lot to be done through another term.

“There is a demand and a need for housing that is affordable. Not just mandated affordable housing, but that next level of housing. It is now one of our goals; but we need to find ways to address this. Two, density, where does it make sense? How much makes sense? More public discussion on this is needed. Three, transportation, can we come up with a well thought out and functioning public transportation system?” Freda mentions, amongst many other important initiatives.

MERCER COUNTY CANDIDATES

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES: Samuel Frisby (D), Andrew Curcio (R), Kristin McLaughlin (D), Pedro Reyes (R), Terrance Stokes (D), and Denise “Neicy” Turner (R)

29% of your property tax bill goes to the county. This year there are six candidates (three of which are incumbents) running to fill three open seats on the legislative branch of county government, the Board of County Commissioners.

Samuel Frisby (D) is running to retain his seat as a County Commissioner after two terms in office. He says he most proud of the way his board fought for and helped the community throughout the pandemic. He also highlights his work to diversify Mercer County’s vendors through the creation of the Mercer County Set-Aside program ordinance, which expands opportunities for businesses owned by veterans, women, LGBTQ and minorities to contract with the county.

Frisby says he loves listening to constituents and working to create an administration that can meet their needs.

“There are several projects that I have strongly supported which I would like to see through to completion, such as, the completion of the county airport expansion, which will be a foundational hub for economic growth in our county.  The airport redevelopment project will be the largest upgrade in over a generation to the Trenton-Mercer Airport, this transformative process is vital to increasing our competitive standing. The largest responsibility of a County Commissioner lies in the fidelity of our County’s fiduciary responsibilities to the budget, for our citizens. I remain committed to ensuring our county recovers from the previous administration’s financial mismanagement that left us with 11 million dollars of deferred charges,” Frisby states.

If re-elected, Frisby looks forward to continuing his work under the new leadership of Dan Benson, appreciating the levels of transparency and vision he says are now in place.

Andrew Curcio (R) is vying to become a County Commissioner because he wants to be a voice for the people. Growing up in poverty in Trenton, to an alcoholic father, Curcio says he knows what it’s like to struggle.

“I’ve been there. I’m here for them. I am their voice. I will go to Congress for them. I will go to the Statehouse for them. There is a way for us to help the school and property taxes, we can lower them,” he says.

With a 20-year history as a State worker, Curcio knows what it’s like to work hard and live on a tight budget. He’s been a grounds worker, bought goods for the state, handled inventory for the armories and is now working with the vehicles for the Department of Corrections. Curcio, along with his fellow Republican candidates, pledges to take a 10% pay cut (from the $39,000 salary) and to refuse health benefits. He says this could save taxpayers more than $103,000 annually, per commissioner. Money that he promises to put towards the budget and hopes will give people the break they need.

“As a Republican, we can make a difference. I will listen to people. I will fight for the people,” Curcio explains. “I see fire departments and police departments merging – they’re not using the money for the community. It’s going into people’s pockets. They are giving people promotions – part time people are making 6-figure salaries. I don’t make that! It’s the time to give back to the people.”

Kristin McLaughlin (D) says there are two simple reasons that she is hoping to retain her seat for a second term as County Commissioner.

“One, I enjoy working with our residents, business owners, NGO’s, clergy, kids, and the people who are elected to represent them to help solve challenges and grow opportunities in Mercer County so people can build their lives and pursue their goals here. Two, as a County Commissioner, my work is simply not done yet. With the previous administration, I was focused on promoting transparency and making sure the public knew about the ongoing issues that were quietly and constantly being swept under the rug. With the new administration there is a shared commitment to transparency which now allows me to focus on other goals.”

McLaughlin says under the Benson administration she looks forward to implementing the Mercer County Master Plan, which includes plans for preserving more open space to create more room for recreation, which she has long sought out. She also hopes to better enlighten the community about all the county is responsible for, such as recycling, providing transportation for those who need, running the CURE Insurance Arena and Trenton Thunder Ballpark, offering a community college, technical schools and more.

“One additional area of focus for me is economic development, “McLaughlin notes. “Mercer County is ready for business, with firms of all sizes. The Commissioner Board passed and regularly champions our set-aside program which ensures that a portion of county dollars are spent on minority owned, veteran owned, and women owned businesses. I am very interested in working with County Executive Benson to foster growth that reaches all corners of the county.”

As a member the legislative branch of county government, McLaughlin and her fellow commissioners oversee and adopt the budget. She says she feels the new administration better supports their goals and hopes to continue working in partnership for the residents of Mercer County.

Pedro Reyes (R), an executive in the manufacturing industry, is running for County Commissioner to give back to the country that has given him so much. An immigrant from Dominican Republic, Reyes came as a child and grew up with the belief that hard work can lead to better things. He says change and effective leadership, fiscal responsibility and transparency is what Mercer County needs.

“The current commissioners have been in their roles long enough to allow severe financial mismanagement to take root, resulting in $4.5 million in fines and interest levied by the state comptroller’s office. This gross mismanagement has contributed to unnecessary property tax increases in the 2024 budget, further burdening our residents,” he explains.

For his part, Reyes and his fellow Republican candidates say they’ll start trimming spending on day one by not taking County benefits, proposing a 10% pay cut in Commissioner salaries and putting a freeze on those salaries. He says they also want to put forth term limits for this role, to prevent another cycle of years of trouble before someone is willing to speak up.

“It’s about putting politics aside and tackling the significant issues facing Mercer County. When there is no balance in government, situations like our current financial crisis arise,” Reyes states. “We need to restore balance, and that means holding leadership accountable, whether they’re Republican, Democrat, or Independent. Our focus is on fiscal responsibility, efficient spending, and eliminating the waste that have contributed to our financial problems. It’s time to stop the waste and start solving the issues.”

Terrance Stokes (D) also feels there is more work to be done, should he get re-elected to serve a 2nd term as County Commissioner.

“I am seeking re-election as a County Commissioner to continue being a voice for marginalized and underrepresented communities. I want to continue advocating for increasing the representation of small, minority, women and Black-owned businesses in awarding county contracts. I want to continue moving the airport project forward. I want to continue advocating for and implementing sustainable environmental policies.”

Over the past term, Stokes says he was a supporter of preservation and open space, something he seeks to continue. His past experiences set him up with other future goals as well.

“I will continue to support investments in roadway and infrastructure improvements as well as working closely with our municipalities to ensure that county government meets their needs and is being equitable in the distribution of resources.  Lastly, I want to work on positioning the CURE Insurance Arena as a revenue generating facility,” Stokes shares.

Denise “Neicy” Turner (R) is seeking the seat of County Commissioner, hoping to apply her real-world experience of fiscal responsibility and service to fellow citizens. As Owner and Director of Trenton’s Green Acres Day Care for 17 years and simultaneously working as a Medical Security Officer at the Ann Klein Forensic Center in Ewing, she has gained perceptive insights.

“When opportunity knocked to run for elected office, I was honored to answer,” said Turner. “My private-sector experience makes me an excellent candidate for Mercer County Commissioner. But more importantly, it will enable me, if elected, to ably serve on behalf of all citizens of Mercer County who rely on the Board of Mercer County Commissioners for astute judgment in key areas including the county budget and county contracts.”

Turner was born in Neptune City, NJ and has lived in Trenton for the past 25 years. A graduate of Trenton Central High School, the mother and grandmother is an active member of Greater Harvest World Wide Ministries, a Baptist church located in Trenton.

“I am proud to be part of this team of Republican candidates. We’re all working hard to share the Republican position on key issues with as many potential voters as possible on the campaign trail,” Turner adds.

NATIONAL CANDIDATES

DISTRICT 12 CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES: Bonnie Watson Coleman (D) and Darius Mayfield (R)

This year, the 12th Congressional District has four candidates on the ballot. Running for a 2-year term, the incumbent Democrat and Republican contender are listed alongside two candidates nominated by petition. We will highlight the major party candidates here.

Bonnie Watson Coleman (D) is running for her sixth term as U.S. Representative for the 12th Congressional District.

Through the years she has focused efforts on criminal justice reform, job creation and an improved economy, healthcare issues with a strong focus on those for women, worked to reform the gas pipeline approval process and more. She is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

According to her latest newsletter, Watson Coleman’s efforts over the past month have included highlighting and addressing the impacts mental health and suicide have on Black youth, co-leading efforts against Black girls being treated differently than their white peers in school, introducing a bill that would help to push for studies linking uterine cancer to hair straighteners and was working to avert a government shutdown.

Darius Mayfield (R) is running for a second time to unseat the incumbent.

“In 2022, despite becoming the first county (Mercer County) in American history to have every single Dominion Voting Machine turned off on the day of election, we still brought Bonnie Watson Coleman down to her lowest numbers ever in her 30+ year political career. That in itself warranted another run,” Mayfield shares.

Mayfield says his love of all people has been proven through the way he talks and acts with others as well as in his policy. With a background in sales and executive management, he feels he has the experience needed to negotiate for what District 12 needs most. Mayfield believes his rise from a childhood in Section 8 housing to a life of successful business and philanthropy make him the ideal candidate to lead our country to change.

“What makes the landscape different this year is the historical failure of the Biden/Harris Administration and the clear distinction between their administration failures and the tangible successes of the Trump Administration. Because of this, I believe we are about to witness a Reagan-esque type victory on November 5th, which will ultimately propel quality candidates like me.”

U.S. SENATE (NJ): Andy Kim (D) and Curtis Bashaw (R)

Senator Bob Menendez had been a Senator for New Jersey since 2006. His seat became vacant in August, when he resigned amid convictions for his involvement in a bribery scheme. Governor Phil Murphy then appointed his former Chief of Staff, George Helmy, to fill the vacant seat. Helmy is not running to retain the seat, so it is open for a 6-year term. Two Senate newcomers are vying to win it.

Andy Kim (D) is completing his third term as U.S. Representative for the Third Congressional District, which includes East Windsor, Hamilton, Hightstown, Lawrence and Robbinsville as well as parts of Burlington and Monmouth Counties. While he wants to become New Jersey’s next Senator, becoming a politician wasn’t what he set out to do.

“Before I ran for office, I worked in diplomacy under both Republicans and Democrats, in war zones abroad and here at home. But when my hometown congressman made it clear that he was leading the charge with then-President Donald Trump to strip away the Affordable Care Act which would have impacted my family and so many others in New Jersey, I knew I needed to step up to give voters a choice,” Kim recalls. “Our grassroots movement has continued to grow, helping us win the Primary in June while creating a massive coalition of voters from across the state who are ready for change.”

Kim was running against Sen. Menendez, who backed out in March after being indicted on 16 counts related to a bribery scheme. Kim then beat out Governor Murphy’s wife, Tammy, for the Democratic ticket. As a Senator, he says he hopes to turn the seat back into one of honor and integrity.

“I decided to step up and run for this Senate seat, challenging a member of my own party, because I wanted to offer a new vision of what was possible in regard to New Jersey politics,” explains Kim. “I’ve represented my hometown in Congress since 2019, and I’ve done so by putting service and people first. I’ve held a town hall every month since being sworn-in, and that’s let me directly hear from people about their priorities and what they want to see from me. I’ve worked from my first month to address corruption issues – working to fight big money in politics, writing a bill that would prevent members of Congress from trading individual stocks and getting rich off their positions, and working to hold every part of our federal government more accountable to the people.”

Curtis Bashaw (R) is a political outsider vying for the Senate seat. A married gay man who is pro-choice, Bashaw went from being a bellhop and waiter to hotel entrepreneur as Founder and Managing Partner of Cape Resorts. He feels now is the time that Independents, Republicans, and Democrats want something different.

“In a year when corrupt U.S. Senator Bob Menendez has dominated the headlines, New Jersey voters are fed up with career politicians, chaos at the border, and out of control inflation. They don’t want another typical Democrat DC insider, like Rep. Andy Kim, who votes with his party 99% of the time,” Bashaw states.

Bashaw has chosen to run for Senate because he believes the founding fathers intended for citizen leaders to step up and serve.

“Curtis has a proven track record as a business leader and job creator who can bring different interests and parties together to get things done for the greater good. He did that with the restoration of Congress Hall and other historic properties in Cape May, which led to a revitalization of the area’s tourism economy. And he will deliver the same results for New Jersey,” explains a Bashaw spokesperson.

OTHER POLITICAL RACES

Since the race for President of the United States is widely covered across national press, we will leave it to the other media to shine light on that race.

We do, also, recognize there is a major race for Princeton Public Schools Board of Education. In Princeton, this is a non-partisan position, so we have dedicated another article to share everything you need to know. Click here to read all about the candidates and their positions.

Insight into the 2024 Board of Education Candidates

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Whether you head to the polls or Vote by Mail, you will be voting for more than political candidates this November, as this General Election also includes choices for Princeton Public School’s non-partisan Board of Education. Three seats are opening up, though two of the incumbents are not seeking re-election. That means Princeton voters will be choosing up to three new members to join the Board.

While you are considering who will get your vote, it is important to think about some of the big items that will be decided by this new Board. Earlier this month, the Superintendent Search Committee put out a survey and held meetings to get input from different engagement groups, but ultimately the deciding vote about who will next lead Princeton Public Schools falls to the new Board. Additionally, an $85-89m bond referendum is expected to be put up for a vote in January 2025. Decisions about this referendum and how any approved monies are apportioned will be handled by the existing and new Board as well.

47% of your property tax bill goes to Princeton Public Schools so, how do you decide who will best represent you and be good stewards of that money? Pulling together all the information you have gathered from candidates’ forums and other publications is important but can also be daunting. So, we have worked to simplify the process for you, creating an easy comparison tool to help you know who the candidates are and where each of them stands.

We asked all six candidates the same questions, including perspectives about the issues just mentioned and more. Their responses are posted in alphabetical order, not ballot order (as pictured below for reference). For each of our six important questions, just click on the + next to each candidate’s name to compare their responses.

Prior to becoming a candidate this year, in what ways have you been involved with PPS and what specific insights has it given you?

I have been actively involved with the Princeton Public Schools since I first moved to Princeton 14 years ago and joined the Johnson Park Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) as Treasurer at my very first PTO meeting. My long and significant involvement with the schools has given me a lot of institutional knowledge. Dr. Foster is the fifth superintendent I have worked with (though the first I was involved in hiring), giving me a solid sense of what skill sets have worked well previously and are important to the community. This depth of knowledge has greatly enhanced my effectiveness as a board member charged with overseeing the breadth of district business, from curriculum and student health, wellness and safety, to finances, operations and future planning.
I have been involved with PPS as a member of the Princeton Middle School PTO Executive Board, which has allowed me to work closely with parents and school administrators to address concerns and improve the school experience. Additionally, I served on the [municipal] Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Social, and Economic Equity, where I gained valuable insights into the systemic barriers faced by many students in our district. Through my role in these committees, I have seen firsthand the need for increased resources for underrepresented students and better communication between the district and families to ensure equitable access to education for all.
I’ve been actively involved in Princeton Public Schools as a booster officer for the Princeton High School football and cheer programs for the past 2.5 years. Volunteering in these roles provided insight into the importance of extracurricular activities and the challenges of securing funding to support these invaluable student experiences. Many coaches, who also are full-time teachers, and parents, who work full-time, bear the responsibility of fundraising. If elected, I’d like to explore how resource allocation for extracurriculars can better support these programs without placing additional strain on the staff, coaches, and families.
I’ve served in many volunteer roles within the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) since my son started at Community Park School, ranging from class parent to chair of the annual school-wide STEAM Day event, for which I built connections with numerous individuals and organizations throughout the Princeton area to present STEAM topics to students. Most recently, I have been serving my 2nd year as PTO Co-President. Additionally, I stay actively informed about the management of Princeton Public Schools by regularly attending Board of Education meetings, BOE committee meetings, and Parent Teacher Organization Council (PTOC) meetings. Last year, all four elementary schools worked together to share ideas and insights amongst us. We can build upon this collaborative approach within the district. We can also further build bridges and foster collaboration with the town and other external organizations. It is my belief that everyone here wants our schools to be the best they can be, and I want to roll up my sleeves and be a part of this bright future!
In my three years in the district, I have been involved with the Community Park Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) serving in the roles of Photo Day Leader, 5th grade Yearbook Committee, and I am now in my second year as co-PTO President where my main tasks have been fundraising. Being co-PTO President gave me a seat on the PTO Council where I observed how the PTOs worked together, with the district, to tackle big questions and issues that faced the district. In these roles, I have seen the board dynamic on focused topics, the strong leadership of Dr. Foster and Dr. Tew, and I have learned of areas where we can unite our schools to work toward common goals for all students. These experiences have built my understanding of the amazing community partners and programs and how we can improve our relationships and build momentum in the future.
Since moving to Princeton in 2016, I have been actively engaged in various PPS issues as a community member. These include the Cranbury Send-Receive Agreement (SRA) discussion, the 2018 referendum, 2022 PPS Strategic Planning Core group, the 2023 proposed math curriculum change, and the protest over the abrupt firing of the PHS principal. Through these involvements, I have come to understand that PPS represents a very diverse community, making it challenging to balance the interests of all stakeholders. Despite this complexity, the board has increasingly made decisions unanimously, which does not always capture the full range of perspectives on the issues.

A need to focus support on Black and Brown students is one BOE candidates have shared with Princeton Perspectives year after year. Do you believe there have been tangible support improvements and outcomes in this area over the past 5 years and if not, what changes would you recommend could make a bigger difference?

Last week the Board heard about encouraging performance gains year-to-year for PPS students of all demographic groups, although some unacceptable gaps remain. Looking ahead, the introduction of the proven Orton-Gillingham structured approach to literacy at our elementary schools is an improvement that I am most excited about. Orton-Gillingham benefits all our children but will hopefully reduce over-classification and begin to significantly close the achievement gap that we see with our Black and Brown children. Focusing on early intervention, the district aims to remedy literacy skill deficits before third grade to narrow persistent achievement gaps.
While some efforts have been made to address the needs of Black and Brown students, there is still a long way to go. Tangible improvements require a focus on equitable access to educational resources, culturally relevant curriculum, and mentorship programs. I believe we need to create stronger partnerships with community organizations to provide holistic support for students, ensuring they not only succeed academically but feel fully included and valued within the school system.
While there have been efforts to support Black and Brown students in recent years, the outcomes still are not where they need to be. I believe that more tangible improvements can be made by increasing the accessibility of academic and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring that all students feel empowered to take advantage of these resources. Additionally, focusing on mental health support and mentorship programs tailored to address their unique challenges could make a big difference in their overall school experience. It’s essential to continually measure the effectiveness of these programs and adjust strategies accordingly to ensure tangible, lasting progress.
There is have been incremental tangible support improvements in the past 5 years. However, it is my opinion that we have so much more work to do in this area, especially since a pillar within the PPS Strategic Plan is “Opportunity and Achievement for All.” These are not new issues that we face, but they are ones that PPS will need to focus on to help bring additional support for Black and Brown students. One example where Princeton has made progress is in the early childhood education arena with the expansion of universal PreK. Universal PreK access has a significant impact on future academic performance. The learning gaps become less pronounced with universal early childhood education before our students enter elementary school. A few examples I can share that I believe would further help outcomes and make a difference in this effort are teacher training and recruitment as well as community engagement. In terms of teacher recruitment, teacher diversity helps our students see role models who reflect their own varied backgrounds. Engagement is always at the forefront of my mind. If our schools successfully build robust partnerships within our communities, it will support students both inside and outside the classroom. There are also other approaches that PPS can take in tandem with regular assessment and community feedback as to what will best serve our Black and Brown students’ needs.
The testing data shows marginal gains, but that doesn’t mean more improvement doesn’t exist in other ways around the schools. If one kid is reading at a higher level or one kid feels safer or more accepted, then that is tangible, just on a small scale. In order to make bigger impacts, we need to shift the culture around teaching and learning to focus more on literacy and the skills found in portrait of a graduate. Test scores in any subject will not improve if reading levels are low, students aren’t seeing real world connections between what they’re learning and life after high school, or if students are disengaged. We will see a big difference if we shift to more interdisciplinary content, practical and relevant application of that same content and support reading at all levels.
I don’t have sufficient data to show whether the district’s efforts have had a positive or negative impact. Rather than focusing solely on what the district can or is willing to do, changes I would recommend include engaging Black and Brown students and their families in ongoing, active dialogues to understand the support they need. By working together, the community and the district can establish measurable goals to track educational outcomes and assess the effectiveness of these efforts.

Anti-Jewish hate crimes accounted for 67% of all religiously motivated hate crimes last year, according to a recent report from the FBI, and we’ve seen incidents of this nature in our own Princeton community. While PPS has a mandatory racial literacy curriculum for students in grade 6 and above and has asserted a zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism, numerous Jewish parents and students told the administration and Board of Education at public meetings last spring that they do not feel it is serving their community and that more needs to be done. What changes would you suggest to PPS to ensure all families feel seen, heard and understood and what role do you feel public schools have in dismantling hate?

While the public schools can’t solve all the problems in the community, by working together we can ensure that our children grow up in a community that is kind and tolerant of all. PPS administration is actively working to bolster a culture of kindness in our schools including through assemblies with Seeds of Peace. Over the summer, staff was reminded of PPS policies and instructed to immediately address unkindness when they see it. To address any specific instances of hate, a formal HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) complaint is the most effective manner for the Board to be made aware of the incident and enforce its zero-tolerance policy.
PPS should expand its curriculum to include comprehensive education on various cultures and religions starting at earlier grades. Establishing open dialogues with affected communities can help address specific concerns and foster understanding. I suggest creating a diversity and inclusion task force that includes students, parents, and educators to proactively address issues of hate. One of my main focuses should I get onto the board will be on making all students feel physically and mentally safe.
I deeply empathize with the fear that many Jewish parents feel as a result of generational trauma. Any situation where a student feels unsafe or marginalized constitutes a violation of the district's Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) policy, and it must be addressed immediately, regardless of the student's background. I believe that all forms of hate, discrimination, and intolerance need to be actively addressed in order to foster a safe learning environment for everyone. I would want to work with the fellow board members and the superintendent to ensure that we foster an inclusive, respectful, and secure environment for all students.
We want our students to be “Informed and Involved Global Citizens” per our district’s Strategic Plan. To achieve this goal, there are a few actions that could support this effort. For one, our students must be taught to value diversity of all kinds, including varied backgrounds in religion, language, race, gender, ability, socio-economic status, orientation/identity, country-of-origin, etc. In addition to stressing the value of, and respect for, diversity, PPS should also foster inclusion by actively pursuing family and community engagement. I believe we can make strides in this area, so all PPS students feel included and safe.
When families don’t feel seen, heard or understood, I think it is important to encourage open dialogue. That might look like holding an open forum for all concerned parents on both sides of the issue that can be moderated so that people feel heard, doing research on what other districts best practices are and what that might look like if we chose to revise or implement a new policy in Princeton, or consultants or experts may need to be brought in to educate the board on the topic in order to better make a change and support those families. Public schools have the role of educating against hate to all and to encourage people to remember that the end goal isn’t necessarily the policy or words on paper, but how it is implemented to make sure all kids feel safe and heard.
Fostering a tolerant, kind, supportive, and inclusive environment extends beyond classrooms. On my campaign website (ShenweiforBoE.org), I emphasize the importance of “Build schools as community connectors”, which requires active participation from the entire community, led by school. Our town’s diversity means divisiveness in any format could directly affect those sitting next to our children in the school. Every group, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, could potentially be impacted by historical or current events in the world. Public schools play a vital role in teaching students to use critical thinking, grounded in balanced facts and respectful dialogue, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and respected. For school curricula, it is essential not to teach hate and divisiveness among different groups. School should apply rules and empathy fairly to all students.

47% of property taxes goes to Princeton Public Schools annually. Voters have additionally approved $27 million (2018), $17.5 million (2022) and $13 million (2023) in referendums in recent years. The district is now looking towards an $85-89.5 million referendum vote in January. Do you agree this is the right course of action and needed now, or do you feel there could be a different path towards what is needed in the district? Please explain.

Referendums are the most tax-efficient way to fund school maintenance because the State of NJ reimburses up to 34% of principal and interest on bonds for qualifying renovations (not new build). The use of referendums returns state tax dollars to Princeton that would otherwise be left on the table and go to other districts. Given a 2% operating budget levy cap, there are no extra funds in the budget for large one-time maintenance ticket items such as new roofs, new HVAC, or new security constructions, for example. Without additional space, in the very near term, we will be tasked with the difficult decisions of redistricting, increasing class sizes, possibly moving art and music to carts, reducing academic offerings, and other solutions to convert all available spaces to classrooms. The town is projecting population growth around 10% and a further fair share plan will be finalized by June 2025. We will then learn where subsequent Alices and Avalons will be built. The proposed January referendum, however, is statutorily not allowed to consider this future growth. It only addresses the immediate and near-term growth we have already experienced. Westminster may offer a future board a perfectly situated property to creatively and cost effectively answer possible future capacity needs; however, in the near term, the January referendum is the most cost-effective answer to respond to immediate uneven growth capacity issues.
I believe we must strike a balance between addressing the district's needs and ensuring fiscal responsibility. While the referendum may be necessary for infrastructure improvements and student services, we must explore alternative funding sources, such as state grants and partnerships with local organizations, to ease the burden on taxpayers. Transparency in how funds are allocated and a clear plan for the referendum's impact will be crucial to gaining the community's trust.
While I recognize that funding for maintenance and improvement of our schools is required, it's crucial that we fully understand the long-term financial impact on taxpayers, especially given that several referendums have been passed in recent years. It’s important to prioritize projects that directly enhance educational outcomes for our students while being mindful of not placing undue financial burdens on our community. I would advocate for a more transparent breakdown of the referendum's benefits and costs and would encourage exploring alternative funding solutions, such as grants or partnerships, in order to minimize the tax impact while still meeting the district’s needs.
First and foremost, I believe strongly in understanding and solving any PPS capacity issues. Many of our school facilities are either partially condemned or outdated, and the more recent referendums have directly resulted in positive improvements in essential security, maintenance and upgrades to our buildings that have been desperately needed. I believe that every Princeton resident wants great schools and, at the same time, wants the Board of Education to be good financial stewards of taxpayer money. Undoubtedly, a future referendum will be needed to ensure that Princeton continues its focus on providing the highest quality public education to our all our town’s children. I’m a strong believer in the power of collaboration and communication, especially when viewed in the context of significant projects. As a person who has been engaged and invested in the Long-Term Planning of our schools, I’ve observed varied and shifting iterations in school enrollment projections from the district Administration over the last several years. There is no doubt that our schools need improvements and any clearly identified capacity issues need to be appropriately addressed. As a strong supporter of Princeton Public Schools, I hope and expect to see district leadership move forward with their next significant referendum in a manner that instills confidence and excitement throughout our community.
I think there is a need for a referendum, though the board recently indicated the larger proposed number may be broken down into smaller questions, so changes might be coming for the proposal in January. Our infrastructure in our existing facilities was ignored for too long and the buildings need work now to prevent further deterioration, escalating costs while addressing the need for increased capacity. The Westminster property offers some exciting options to solve longer term issues including a pre-K center, a potential 5/6 building, shared arts facilities for the middle and high school and potentially affordable housing for teachers. I believe it is a blend of what we need now and what might be possible for the future of the district.
As a parent, my instinct is to support spending what improves our schools and I believed this is why Princeton taxpayers, many of whom don’t have children in the PPS, have been generous over the years. However, for this upcoming referendum that the current BOE has decided to put to a vote, I am unsure if it is the right move at this time. With the declining trend of national birth rate, the actual decreasing enrollment number at PPS in the past few years, and the broader macroeconomic conditions, it seems less prudent. Additionally, asking taxpayers to approve a referendum three years in a row could strain the relationship between the district and the community. It may be wise to pause on further financial requests from the community for now.

PPS has just opened its Superintendent search, for a new leader to begin July 2025. What does PPS most need in this role and what is the first thing you hope they would focus on when arriving at PPS?

I would love to hire a clone, if it were possible, of our current interim superintendent Dr. Kathie Foster. The specific trait that I believe makes Dr. Foster such a superstar is her proactive approach in immediately reaching out personally to the community, her staff, or the family of a student to discuss any issues. She is not only able to effectively handle the administrative duties of her job but does so with kindness and empathy. It is her accessibility to all her constituents that makes her such a powerful superintendent.
PPS needs a Superintendent who prioritizes equity, innovation, and community engagement. The first focus should be on building trust with educators, students, and parents by listening to their concerns and fostering a sense of collaboration. Addressing gaps in student preparedness and ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the resources they need to succeed should be at the forefront of their agenda.
PPS needs a visionary leader with a proven track record of improving student outcomes and fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture. The next superintendent must prioritize rebuilding trust within the community, both with parents and staff, ensuring open lines of communication and transparency in decision-making. Upon arrival, their first focus should be assessing the district’s leadership structure and ensuring stability, especially given the recent turnover, to inspire confidence in the administration’s long-term plans. A strong superintendent also will need to focus on addressing the diverse needs of our students while promoting academic excellence and fiscal responsibility.
After recently attending a focus group session with the Superintendent search firm, the firm had already received critical feedback on what it would take to succeed as the leader of the Princeton Public Schools. Qualities such as leadership and vision, communication, culture-builder, outreach to community, collaboration and financial acumen were all discussed. There was one word that resonated over and over within our focus group and the search firm team as well: trust. The Superintendent should possess all the identified skills, but most importantly the Candidate should be able to build trust within our community. This work won’t be easy and, as a community, our expectations are high. However, once PPS identifies and hires a Superintendent with these qualities, they will be able to build trust within our community and should bring about a successful partnership and bright future for all our students, families and our community.
PPS needs a Superintendent that is excited to build a legacy of excellence, ready to tackle complex challenges, able to articulate a clear and united vision for the district while being innovative in their thinking about how the district runs. I hope that the new superintendent will work to make the culture of the schools and learning environment more inclusive of all students, encourage kindness and empathy, and work to understand the different community challenges that reside in Princeton. I hope they spend time observing first since there is so much to learn about the district and all stakeholders. The new Superintendent should take time to visit each building, observe how the staff’s function, take note of strengths and opportunities that exist, and talk to parents and students which would give them an operational view of what should be included in their strategic plan.
The challenges faced by PPS in recent years have largely stemmed from the instability within the district's senior leadership. Unfortunately, Princeton parents and taxpayers remain unaware of the underlying causes of this instability. The new superintendent must acknowledge the difficulties this has caused while also recognizing the community’s expectations for a diverse, high-achieving district. This role should be seen as an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in his or her educational career by restoring trust among stakeholders, rather than just another superintendent position. Additionally, it will be crucial to boost morale among staff and faculty following the departure of many long-time employees.

Why you? What do you bring to the table that stands apart from others running for Princeton’s Board of Education?

As the only incumbent running for reelection, experience matters to ensure the continued success of our district. With my strong financial background, experience chairing and participating on multiple board committees including Personnel, Operations, Long-Term Planning, and Negotiations, and my long history with the district, I bring critical institutional and financial knowledge. The Board is a serious time commitment with a long learning curve. I am committed to giving the Board, our community, and, most importantly, our children, the time and professional attention to do the job well.
My unique blend of experience as an EMT, business coach and productivity expert, and active community volunteer allows me to bring a fresh, solution-oriented perspective to the Board of Education. I am committed to increasing efficiency and transparency within the district, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need. My focus on collaboration and innovation sets me apart, as I seek to create sustainable, long-term improvements for our schools.
I’m running for the Princeton Board of Education because I believe that our schools are the backbone of this community. As an immigrant, a mom of two, and a product of public education, I know how critical a strong education is to achieving success and the American dream. With over 10 years of experience in human resources, I would bring valuable insights to managing the district’s labor-related expenses, which account for at least 80% of its budget. I am committed to making thoughtful decisions that reflect the diversity and values of our community and are sustainable for future generations.
I am deeply invested in ensuring PPS provides a safe, inclusive, and excellent learning environment for all students. As an engaged parent and citizen, I am aware of the challenges facing our district and believe my extensive business experience, in finance, operations, and board governance, would be assets to the BoE. I hold the value of respect to be one of the most important values I embody – respect for our students, parents, families, teachers, staff, our district, and our community. I would bring a respectful and pragmatic approach. Having served on boards and having a board within our own family business, I have the depth of experience to be ready on Day 1, if elected. I will work collaboratively to tackle difficult tasks and to find solutions that benefit students and the community. I also believe that, through collaboration, we can do so much more. I would work tirelessly to collaborate within and outside PPS so that we can help build on the district’s success. As an elementary school parent, I have many years ahead of me within PPS. It is important we all work together, both within the district and within our broader community.
What sets me apart from the other candidates is my 20+ years of experience in education as a high school teacher, instructional coach for both teachers and administrators, and as the current Director of Cherry Hill Nursery School in Princeton. I have worked around our country with diverse populations in a multitude of districts and I bring that relevant experience and those innovative ideas to our board. Additionally, I have a passion for instructional technology and ensuring that all kids have access to the tools they need to be successful in a post-secondary life.
As someone who has been a critic of BoE for several years, I don’t claim to have easy solutions to the complex issues that current and former BoE members are spending their time and efforts on. However, I am concerned about the tendency for unanimous agreement on many topics in recent years, and I want to bring different perspectives from my life and cultural background. In addition, my professional background as an engineer and consultant over the past two decades has taught me to be very practical. Identifying and acknowledging problems are certainly first steps leading to real results. It is the hand-on efforts to roll up our sleeves and make things work that truly achieves desired outcomes. I am committed to delivering such positive outcomes to PPS parents and Princeton taxpayers.

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To provide a little more background, we are also providing brief bios of each candidate here:

Mara Franceschi

Mara Franceschi is a Princeton Public School parent of three, community leader, and volunteer.  She has an MBA from Columbia University’s School of Business and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder. Mara has over a decade’s experience working in the financial services and asset management industries for firms such as GE Capital and Bank of America.

Since moving to Princeton fourteen years ago, Mara has volunteered extensively in and for the benefit of our schools, most recently on the Board of Education. She served seven years on the Johnson Park PTO – four years as Treasurer and three years as President, and another three years on the PTO Council. On the Board of Education, Mara has served as co-chair of the Personnel Committee and as a member of the Operations, Long-Range Planning, and Negotiations committees. Additionally, she has served on Princeton’s Citizens Finance Advisory Committee (CFAC), as Assistant Treasurer for the Friends of the Library, and continues to volunteer with many other non-profits in town.

Ari Meisel

Ari Meisel is a dedicated community leader, volunteer, and advocate for student success. As a member of the Princeton Middle School PTO Executive Board and the Princeton Committee on Affordable Housing, Racial, Social, and Economic Equity, Ari has worked closely with families, educators, and school administrators to address the needs of all students. He also serves as Vice President of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, where he has led initiatives to improve public health and safety, such as CPR and Stop-the-Bleed training. Ari holds a degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and is the founder of Less Doing, a productivity company that helps individuals and businesses optimize and streamline their workflows. His unique background in emergency services, business leadership, and community advocacy allows him to bring a fresh, solution-oriented perspective to the Princeton Board of Education. As a father of five, he is deeply committed to making sure all students in Princeton have the resources they need to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom.

Z. Lisa Potter

Z. Lisa Potter is a seasoned corporate executive with a diverse background in human resources, technology, and finance. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive transformation, improve processes, and lead teams to success.

Lisa’s professional journey began in finance, but her curiosity and drive for continuous improvement soon led her to technology consulting and, ultimately, human resources. As a human resources executive, Lisa has specialized in talent acquisition and organizational transformation, with a particular focus on talent development and creating inclusive cultures. She has successfully worked across various industries, including financial services, pharmaceuticals, and technology, bringing innovative solutions and a commitment to excellence to every role.

Born and raised in Taiwan, Lisa moved to the United States at a young age and quickly learned that education is a powerful pathway to opportunity and success. She became the first female Asian American president of the student government at Baruch College, City University of New York, and continued her education by earning an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a master’s degree from Cornell University’s Industrial and Labor Relations School.

Christopher Santarpio

Chris was born and raised in southern New Jersey alongside his two older brothers. His dad, who left school after the 9th grade to work at his grandparents’ deli, met his mom, and together they started a family business. Chris is proud to have been the first person in his family to attend college, where he pursued and completed a degree in Finance.

Growing up, Chris witnessed firsthand the dedication and perseverance of his parents, both at home and in their business. This instilled in Chris a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the value of education. These values have carried forward into Chris’ own family life. In 2020, Chris and his husband, Eric and their son moved to Princeton to provide their son with access to high-quality education and a vibrant, diverse community. They stay actively involved through school activities, Little League and ice hockey.

Chris attended Villanova University, and upon graduation, moved to Boston to begin his career in the financial services industry at a large custodian bank. Starting in Operations within the bank’s Prime Brokerage Division, Chris worked hard to advance to the International Equities Sales Trading Desk. Chris’ career trajectory took him to a global management consulting firm, where he led strategy development and execution, and process improvement engagements for financial services clients. Chris is now the 2nd generation owner of the family business. Chris has played a significant role in the growth and development of the family’s business for the past 20 years. Chris obtained his MBA in 2012 from Rutgers while working full time. Chris is also Lean Six Sigma Certified.

Erica Snyder

Erica Snyder is a 20-year educator having been a public high school teacher, instructional coach for both teachers and administrators, and is currently the Director of Cherry Hill Nursery School here in Princeton as well as the Community Park PTO co-president. She has three kids in our public schools, two at CP and one at PMS. Her background includes a master’s degree in instructional technology, expertise in project-based learning, standards and competency-based grading, and school budgeting.

Her experience in education sets her apart from the other candidates and allows her to bring innovative ideas and perspectives to the board from the multitude of districts she worked with around the country.

Shenwei Zhao

As the founder of a technical consulting firm, Shenwei has worked as a systems engineer throughout his career, serving as the Chief Information Office (CIO) for many of his clients across the tri-state area. In these roles, Shenwei oversees technology operations in a range of industries, adapting to their constantly evolving needs and compliance requirements.

Shenwei moved to the U.S. in 2000 to pursue graduate studies in Communication and Mass Media and holds a master’s degree in Information and Communication Science. Since 2016, Shenwei has lived in Princeton with his family. His wife has been a professor at Rutgers University for over a decade, and they have a 12-year-old son attending Princeton Charter School (PCS).

In addition to his hands-on engineering work, Shenwei maintains a strong interest in the social impacts of technology, a passion he developed during his graduate studies at various universities.