My name is Isaac Cheng and I am running for the Board of Education in Plainsboro.
The Board consists of nine representatives, many of whom are parents with children in the school system. In full disclosure, I’m not yet a parent, and it will be some time before I have kids of my own. When speaking with some people about my candidacy, one person asked: What outlook could I bring to the Board, as someone without any children in the schools?
Good question.
I believe that my personal and professional background allows me to bring a fresh perspective to the Board of Education. I am a WW-P alumnus (High Schol North, Class of 2008), who returned to his hometown to start a career, after graduating from the University of Chicago. This was initially a difficult decision for me, as I had the opportunity to remain with friends in Chicago, New York, or Washington DC. However, I missed my family in Plainsboro and wanted to give back to the community that raised me.
After a few years back at home and after becoming re-familiarized with the issues facing our schools today, I realized that I could be an asset helping the district make decisions. My unique viewpoint adds value to the Board in two major ways.
First, my history as a WW-P alumnus enables me to provide a student-centric perspective to Board discussions. Having been through the school system from Wicoff to High School North, I have experienced firsthand the challenges that our students face. As a former member of the student council, I have worked with administrators and the Board on student programs, and have seen the impact of policies that directly affect student life. I have also experienced firsthand the quality of our teachers and how decisions made by the Board are ultimately reflected in the classroom. Most importantly, I have had ample time since graduation to reflect on my experience, while still being young enough for my experiences to remain relevant.
Second, my years as a professional management consultant enable me to help the Board make thoughtful, evidence-driven decisions. When advising the senior management of Fortune 500 corporations on how to shape strategy and optimize resources, a fully transparent and bulletproof analysis is paramount. When shaping the vision and budget for the school district, the families of Plainsboro deserve no less. If elected, I will bring the same rigor and transparency to the Board that I bring to my clients on a daily basis. I will never make decisions based on a personal agenda and will always make sure that my decisions are thoroughly examined and beneficial for every student.
If elected, I believe that my background will provide a fresh and valuable perspective for the Board. I am committed to using the education I received here, to help the community continue to provide the best possible education for our students.
I ask for your support on November 4 and hope that together, we can maintain the excellence of our schools for the next generation.
Isaac Cheng
Plainsboro
