Today's letters: more endorsements
I am writing this letter to show my whole hearted support for Jordon DeGroote, who is running for the Board of Education at West Windsor in November. I met Jordon DeGroote at the board of education meetings and learned about his policy and ideas. What strongly resonates with me is his strong advocacy for improving transparency in decision making processes and communication between the board and the students/parents, which is urgently needed in our school district now. For anyone who has been following the school news, there is an increasing tension regarding the reform actions that the school has been taking. Many excellent programs have been eliminated or on the edge of being eliminated soon. These changes made me confused, but the fact that some of the changes happened without solicitation of input from the community is an even bigger problem. It demonstrates that there is a huge gap between the Board's perception of the issues, and the reality of the issues themselves.
It is about the time that we have new blood at the board of education, someone who can communicate better with students and parents, someone who is willing to take input from the community. The only way to reconcile different opinions and beliefs, the only way to resolve the issues that the district is facing, the only way that all students benefit and receive better education is through effective and open communication. And that is why I support Jordon DeGroote!
Jie Gao
West Windsor
West Windsor residents are facing a significant choice in this year's Board of Education election: The current BOE Vice President, Michele Kaish, is running against a high school senior, Jordon DeGroote. Kaish's platform revolves around her considerable experience within the school district, as a board member, a former PTA president, and as a parent. DeGroote's platform is that he is a student, and therefore has a student's perspective. While I respect DeGroote's ambition, after carefully considering the candidates' positions on school issues, it is clear to me that Kaish is by far the better choice for the school board.
Our district is not only a high-achieving, academically-oriented district, it is an ever-growing district, one that faces greater pressures every year to provide the highest level of education to its students while practicing fiscal restraint. As a current Board member, Kaish has developed expertise in reviewing the school budget, evaluating and revising the curriculum, negotiating teacher contracts, and interacting with staff, parents, and students. In this era of increasing academic, financial, and professional stresses, Kaish's experience is both needed and welcome. DeGroote can offer none of these things, which is why Kaish has my strong support--and my vote.
Sue Roy
West Windsor
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