Princeton School Board Elects New President, Welcomes New Members

PRINCETON, NJ – Dafna Kendal was unanimously elected Board president at the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education reorganization meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 4.

Kendal was nominated by outgoing president Beth Behrend who said she admired Kendal’s “laser focus” and “big heart.” Behrend served as BOE president for the past three years.

“I would like to thank my colleagues for their trust and confidence in electing me as the Board president. I would like to thank Beth for her leadership of this Board over the past three years,” Kendal said.

She then nominated Michele Tuck-Ponder to serve as vice president of the BOE. “Michele is a tireless advocate for students and equity. She has the courage of her convictions and maintains them,” Kendal said when making the nomination. Tuck-Ponder was elected unanimously.

At the reorganization meeting, Board secretary Matt Bouldin administered the oath of office to Betsy Baglio and Brian McDonald who are returning to office for their third and second term respectively.

The Board also welcomed newcomer Mara Franceschi, who will fill the seat held by former Board member Daniel Dart.

Robert Christopher from the Cranbury Schools BOE was welcomed to sit on the Board. Students from Cranbury attend Princeton High School.

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