Board of Education Meeting, June 11, 2024

These highlights are an unofficial summary of actions taken and topics discussed during a public session of the Princeton Board of Education on June 11, 2024. They are intended to provide timely information to our community, but do not represent the official minutes of the meeting. The full Board meeting is available to watch on the district’s YouTube channel.

Appointments

President Dafna Kendal opened the meeting, noting that this is the last meeting of the academic year and that the end of the school year should be a time of joy and celebrating our students. She asked that this evening's commenters be kind and respectful.

The minutes for May 21, 2024 were adopted.

Todd McDonald was appointed chief technology officer. Currently second in command at Hillsborough, he is scheduled to start in August.

Alicia Carsdale was appointed assistant principal at Princeton Middle School. A sixth grade math teacher for many years, she was called "a very strong leader in the teaching community," by Acting Superintendent Kathie Foster. PMS Principal Jason Burr said Ms. Carsdale was the first teacher he hired when he became principal, adding that "being able to bring somebody from our staff to this position is special."

"I hope to lead with positivity, with passion, and with purpose, always with student achievement at the forefront of my mind," said Ms. Carsdale.

Dr. Foster and Ms. Kendal paid tribute to Oliver Huang and Alexander Margulis for their service as student representatives to the board and congratulated them on their graduation. Dr. Foster said they are looking forward to hearing about how Oliver and Alex "are making a difference in the community and the world."

Curriculum

Princeton Engineering Innovation

Adeen Aabid Abbasi from the Princeton Engineering Innovation team presented their project, Engineering Food Production. He explained how the team improved the topography of an existing garden bed to make it more suitable for growing plants and rebuilt its surrounding structure for improved strength and weatherproofing.

They incorporated geothermal heating and insulation, allowing plants to grow all year. They reused wood, bricks, and other materials to be sustainable and save money, and even designed their own logo. They have written a research paper on their process and achievements for future students to learn from and expand upon.

Adeen Aabid Abbasi from the Princeton Engineering Innovation team presented their project, Engineering Food Production. He explained how the team improved the topography of an existing garden bed to make it more suitable for growing plants and rebuilt its surrounding structure for improved strength and weatherproofing.

Pride Month: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students

Kimberly Tew, assistant superintendent, and Keisha Smith-Carrington, supervisor of 6-12 humanities, presented their findings regarding support for LGBTQIA+ students. A climate survey and meetings with student groups revealed areas of concern and informed possible ways to respond. Data revealed that concerns included failure to use preferred pronouns, insulting comments from fellow students, and the need for education for staff and support for families. Conversations will continue.

Moving forward, the PMS Pathways to Racial Literacy course will be taught by PMS educators, rather than HiTOPS, as part of the district's commitment to supporting this initiative. HiTOPS will remain an external community resource.

Superintendent's Report

Dr. Foster said that the 2024-25 district calendar would be emailed on June 12. "We have a lot to look forward to in the fall." The first day of school is still September 3. Ms. Kendal thanked Princeton's mayor and other officials for helping to move voting, which disrupts the school day and routine, out of two schools—Community Park and Johnson Park.

Student Board Members Report

Oliver Huang and Alexander Margulis shared that they wanted to look back at what PHS has meant to them. The values that Princeton embodies that have been deeply meaningful to them are diversity, dialogue, and drive. They also announced that PHS seniors and juniors held their prom two weeks ago; that PHS held a pride event on the front lawn; and that the school's New Studio Band has released an album recorded at the famed Abbey Road studios.

Public Comment

Members of the community, and a few individuals who were not members of the community, spoke to share their concerns about Gaza, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.

On a different topic, a PPS parent spoke in support of the HiTOPS organization, praising the organization's support of students and educational programs.

Committee Reports

Long Term Planning discussed timing and next steps for proposed growth referendum projects.

Operations discussed a wide range of projects, Chromebooks, and ongoing efforts related to sustainability.

Personnel discussed several revised and new job descriptions, the climate change resilience grant, new hires, and the possibility of establishing summer hours for a counselor to be available to students.

Policy discussed the recent walkout and relevant policies.

Student Achievement discussed professional development options for teachers and an autism group that helps students with skills; they also discussed upcoming overnight trips.

Ms. Kendal announced that the extension of Dr. Foster's term as acting superintendent has been approved.

The consent agenda passed.

Public Comment

The focus on Israel and Gaza continued, with the same concerns and perspectives raised at the first Public Comment session.

The meeting was adjourned.

The next Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for July 16, 7:30 PM, at 25 Valley Road.