What Should Princeton Schools Consider Before Appointing Next Math Supervisor?

PRINCETON, NJ – Princeton's current math supervisor, Stephenie Tidwell, will be departing the school district after the Board of Education did not renew her contract during Tuesday’s meeting.

The position of math supervisor at the school district has been under intense scrutiny for some time now. Since early 2022, Princeton parents have been in discussion with administrators about the mathematics curriculum.

During a review of the curriculum last year, some parents interpreted that the district was planning to eliminate accelerated math courses including calculus.

The problem was further compounded when during a community meeting during the strategic planning process, the consultant described equity as “equal outcomes for all students.” This was interpreted by many as the district trying to dilute the math curriculum much to the detriment of high achieving students.

The rumor was later put to rest by a statement from the district.

“Please be advised that there is no truth to these rumors and that administrators at Princeton Public Schools are making no such recommendation,” the statement dated July 1, 2022 said. “No one within the district has advocated for the elimination of any upper-level math courses.”

It came as no surprise when on Tuesday a few parents asked the district about the criteria for choosing the next math supervisor, urging the Board to consider public participation in the process.

“How will the district consider the community’s input in this? I know that personnel decision is not open, but the search criteria should get input from the community,” one parent told Board members.

Board President Dafna Kendal said she understood the community’s interest in the math supervisor’s position and said the Board had “full confidence” in Kimberly Tew and Rebecca Gold to find a supervisor that “meets the needs of the community.” Tew is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and Gold is the Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

Another resident asked the Board if residents could get more clarity on what the district thought the community's needs were with regard to the math curriculum. Tew responded by saying that the requirements posted in the job listing usually described those needs.

“In preparation for the requirements of the job listing, some kind of detailed discussion would be productive, both in helping the community and in finding the best math supervisor,” the resident said.

Tew told residents that in the next few weeks, PPS will be seeking input from the community on the district’s math program.

“We will be sending out a focused group sign-out to the community who would like to participate in the math program review,” Tew said. “There’ll be a survey to all constituents about the math program as well.”

In September the district will have another round of focused groups with more surveys going to residents.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com