Meet The Candidate: Dafna Kendal For Princeton Board Of Education

PRINCETON, NJ — Incumbent Dafna Kendal is seeking a third term on the Princeton Board of Education.

Currently serving as Board President, Kendal believes the biggest challenge facing the school district is the mental health of students post-pandemic. An “independent thinker with established relationships,” Kendal said she’s well suited to create solutions and build consensus for the benefit of students.

Below is Kendal's candidate profile

(All candidates were given the same questions. Answers are candidates' own.)

Editor's Note: Patch sent out the questionnaire to each candidate's email address provided by the County clerk's office. All responses received will be published between now and Nov. 8 general election. Local candidates who did not receive the questionnaire from Patch can contact sarah.salvadore@patch.com.

Name: Dafna Kendal

Town of residence: Princeton

Position sought: Board of Education

Family: Married with two children

Education: B.A. Lehigh University, J.D. Seton Hall Law

Occupation: Lawyer

Previous or current elected appointed office: Board of Education (2 terms)

Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/dafnakendalprinceton

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

I’m running for a third term with three main goals:

1. To maintain educational excellence in our district
2. To ensure that all students have opportunities to reach their potential; and
3. To manage rising enrollment in the district while being respectful of tax payers.

COVID-19 resulted in learning loss for many students. What will you do to ensure students bounce back?

Many students experienced setbacks from instructional loss and learning a new way to learn on Zoom. Nationwide, studies have shown that economically disadvantaged students experienced the greatest decline from instructional loss. In Princeton Public Schools, approximately 12 percent of our students are economically disadvantaged. There is a lot of work to do. Students are assessed at the beginning of each school year, and that alerts teachers to which students are struggling, although many of these students are already known to their teachers. This past summer, we offered a rigorous summer course for students that were identified as needing support. Mental health of students is also a big need, that we must address so that students are able to focus on learning.

During the last school year, students and parents expressed concern over equity in the school district. What will you do to address the issue?

Equity in education means that each student has access to the support and resources they need to reach their potential, regardless of a student’s background, language, race, economic profile, gender, learning capability, or disability. I think PPS is making progress, but we are not there yet. Our students of color, students from low-income families, and students with special needs remain underrepresented in higher-level courses, and Black and Latino students are classified for special education at a higher rate than their peers. We are making strides at giving students the general education interventions they need at the elementary level, and the district recently hired a (budget-neutral) supervisor of elementary education, who is in each elementary school every week to assess needs and provide feedback and support to teachers. There should be no ceiling put in place for students. And there isn’t. I don’t want to take any opportunities away from my daughter or any students. Last year, the district added another AP class, Latin, and we offered 32 different AP exams. Many students take classes at Princeton University, I would like us to bring some of these higher-level classes into our schools and I would like to see this number increase, not decrease.

What is your view on the sex education curriculum that Gov. Murphy put forth earlier this year?

As a board member, my view is that we have to implement the curriculum as mandated by the state, as the school district must comply with the law. As a parent, I think some of the curriculum is somewhat aggressive in terms of teaching children a little too early in terms of age. State law provides parents and guardians with the right to opt their children out of certain lessons. As a school board member, I support parents and guardians in making the right decision for their families. As a parent, I would allow my children to participate in the lessons, because ultimately, I trust that the teachers are sensitive and know the students and will teach the legally-required curriculum in a thoughtful and respectful way.

What according to you is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

My biggest concern is the mental health of our students. The pandemic was rough for everyone, but especially for children. They spent the better part of two years isolated, learning on screens, alone. They missed rites of passage and social interactions and fun. This year, the district brought in additional mental health resources to assist with the need. If students aren't in a good place mentally, they will have difficulties learning. We will continue to provide support as needed in coordination with students and their families.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am completing my second term as a board member. I have held a variety of leadership positions including as president and vice president, and have served on every BOE committee. I understand how the district works, and how to get things done. As an independent thinker with established relationships, I am able to see both sides of an issue, create solutions, and build consensus for the benefit of students. I have a proven track record of getting things done and making the right decisions in the best interests of students.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I try to always make decisions with the best interests of students at the forefront and hope to continue to represent our community in making decisions in the best interest of the students in our schools.

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