I am in the unique position of being a long term West Windsor resident (1991-present), former WW-P employee (school counselor, Millstone River/Village/Hawk, 1991-2012), and parent of children who attended our schools (1995-2012). As such, my impressions of and interests in the election of our school board members are couched from the perspective of just service for resident, academic, and parental stakeholders.
I consider the rich history of WW-P leadership that provided compassionate collaboration, put people first, and valued relationships and the needs of others. I look to consider future leaders who are skilled communicators, whose efforts work to align us in a culture of collaboration toward the goals outlined in our district mission statement. Finally, I consider leaders whose motivation for producing organizational change is grounded upon a personal vision of inclusiveness, while also being both willing and able to exercise moral authority in order to empower our rich community of 21st century life long learners.
Such lofty ideals are difficult to strive toward, no less achieve. Michele Kaish has consistently exercised her abilities to succeed in each and every endeavor in her position as a school board member. She possesses an ability to make sound, ethical decisions rooted in rational principles, experience, and common sense. She fully understands the parameters imposed by the state Department of Education and has a well-formed conscience that guides her in sound decision-making. Extending her tenure with the Board is essential for continuity in our rich academic history.
Dr. Karen Cook
I first met Michele Kaish nine years ago when we worked together on the PTA International Game Night at Dutch Neck. She is easy to work with and dedicated to helping out in the schools whenever and wherever help is needed.
Whether on the PTA or the School Board, Michele has always been transparent in her actions and willing to listen to concerns from parents, students, and teachers. She is sensitive to students’ different learning styles and believes that one size does not fit all.
Also, Michele considers all sides of an issue before taking a position and remains respectful to all parties involved.
Motoko Culp
West Windsor
Michele has a 20-year track record of dedicated service to the WW-P community. During her first term on the School Board, she has demonstrated the same qualities we have admired for so many years: strong character, effective leadership, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, and most importantly, a tireless commitment to our students.
Like Michele, we moved to West Windsor many years ago based on the strength of the school district. From the start we have been dedicated to community service and outreach. We have had the pleasure of getting to know Michele in the process. Like Michele, we believe that personal engagement is fundamental to maintaining and strengthening our public schools. We cannot think of anyone who has been more committed to this ideal than Michele Kaish.
Under Michele’s leadership we launched a highly successful fundraising campaign. Michele’s experience, resourcefulness, organizational skills, sound judgment, and leadership enabled the PTA to exceed its financial goals and make important, equitable, and lasting contributions for the benefit of the entire student body. Throughout those years on the executive board, Michele was a consistent, enthusiastic, and tireless advocate for all students. And this is exactly what she has done during her tenure on the School Board.
Michele’s involvement in our school district at every level has made our community a better place in which to raise and educate our children. At a time when the issues we face have grown more complicated and the budgets more constrained, we need a person of Michele’s intellect, judgment, compassion, fairness, fiscal responsibility, conscientiousness, and drive on our board.
Michele wants the same thing we want — a high-quality education for our students while remaining cognizant of economic realities.
Mary and Mike Meduski
Marian Drive, West Windsor
When I first met Michele in 2002 at Dutch Neck School it was apparent that she was a person of integrity concerned for the well-being of the students in this district. For 18 years Michele’s collaborative nature and measured approach to decision making have directly benefitted our schools and enhanced not only the academic experience but also the co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences for our students.
I have served on audit committees that have examined PTA financial records for which Michele was responsible and without exception I found Michele to be an honest, conscientious, and wise steward of the resources entrusted to her. She has encouraged open communication, transparency, and fairness. She constantly strives to find solutions that are in the best interest of our children and for the greater good of our schools.
I recently had the pleasure of serving on a special committee with Michele. She was acting as a representative from the School Board and I was a community representative. An issue charged with deep emotion had been brought to the Board’s attention and a resolution was being sought. Michele did not hesitate to extensively educate herself about both sides of the issue and the policies that would frame the committee’s decisions.
Her unflagging efforts to make the entire process transparent, to clearly and effectively communicate critical decision-making information, and her willingness to listen to all who desired a voice in the matter was not only the best way to approach a solution, but embodied the skills our school district strives to instill in our students as 21st century competencies. We have not only an incredible resource in Michele Kaish but also a great example from which we can all benefit.
Heather Nielsen
Conover Road, West Windsor
For more than a decade, I have had the privilege of working closely with Michele on numerous boards and committees within the WW-P district. From Dutch Neck Elementary School’s Dexter’s Emporium through High School North’s Post Prom, Michele is always a source of wisdom, support, and encouragement. She is a calming force in all situations and truly helps to keep a group on task. No matter what the project Michele approaches it with a positive attitude and an ever-present smile.
What sets Michele apart from many other volunteers is her genuine desire to look at all sides of an issue before constructing an opinion. She actively seeks out information from all parties involved, so that she has the fullest understanding of the situation. Using that knowledge, Michele constructively and respectfully finds solutions that best serve the needs of the group. I think it is vital that we have someone with Michele’s sense of fairness, integrity and commitment as our representative.
Dawn O’Brien
Garnet Lane, West Windsor
As a former WW-P student I have had the privilege of experiencing Michele Kaish’s dedication to the bettering of all students first hand. Michele has proven that she understands students’ needs and is willing to do whatever it takes to act on their behalf.
More than anyone I have ever met, Michele understands that not all students learn the same way. Michele has consistently reminded me that success is not solely measured by GPA. This is exemplified in her support of curriculum reform that promotes the success of ALL students.
When I was an incoming freshman at High School North, my options for classes were limited. While I had never been the strongest math or science student, I was very passionate about social studies and writing and I wished there were more available options to challenge myself with accelerated classes. Now, thanks to Michele’s contributions on the school board, students have the option to take a “World History Honors” class their freshman year.
As young people, we many times feel the student experience seems lost on adults. However, I have never met someone who truly understands students’ needs in classrooms and beyond better than Michele Kaish.
All students can remember the countless hours spent on summer vacations slaving over packets, workbooks, and essays. While the continuity of learning is important, so is the brief time in a child’s life that he or she can spend bettering themselves at camps, playing outside, or on vacations with their families. Michele was instrumental in changing summer assignments so that nothing is due before the first day of school (several classes used to have July and August assignments). Additionally, Michele helped reform the assignments themselves to be more purposeful and less costly to the student’s overall marking period grade.
Like many other students, I was heavily involved with extracurricular activities. From sports teams, to the theater programs, to the music departments, to academically focused organizations, Michele has been and continues to be every student’s cheerleader. Not only has she continued to represent the students’ voice and defend our programs, but Michele “walks the walk” by attending, supporting, and trumpeting all of our successes. Students in every school and in every program, academic and beyond, have felt Michele’s unconditional love and respect.
I firmly believe that WW-P is stronger because of Michele Kaish’s contributions. To say Michele’s passion for bettering the students of WW-P is palpable would be a gross understatement.
Stephanie Siano
The writer is a 2010 graduate of High School North.
Unlike her other supporters, I have known Michele Kaish just over a year. Michele and I became friends immediately when I met her in a PTA meeting a year after moving from Alabama. She always encouraged and guided me through my second year at WW-P.
During the year not only have I found her to be a loving, thoughtful, and humble person, but also learned about her passion, enthusiasm, and deep commitment to WW-P schools, which goes far beyond the interests of her own children. I have seen her in every PTSA meeting as she cares deeply about the quality of education for all students.
WW-P is extremely fortunate to have a candidate such as Michele with her caliber and commitment to improve this school system. I believe that her vision, expertise, leadership abilities, and dedication will enhance the near future of this school system.
Tasneem Qamar Sultan
I met Michele in 2012 during her first campaign. Since then I have had the opportunity to work with Michele on the WW-P Education Foundation (where Michele serves as the school board liaison). My endorsements are based on the three key characters that I felt best advocate Michele’s qualifications.
Michele has the motivation to serve the best interests of all of the students and parents in our district. She is fair, open minded, and a collaborator. Every parent in the district wants the best for their children’s education and wellbeing. With the diverse population in WW-P, agreeing on ways to achieve “best” is a daunting task. Michele does not make decisions without considering all aspects of the situation, and she is also not afraid to make decisions that can be perceived as unpopular. Michele was able to make informed decisions as she reaches out to the community to listen to different opinions; she is knowledgeable of the education pedagogy in our school district and beyond, and apprised of the latest educational developments.
Michele has the experience to champion the needs of all children in our district. A thorough understanding of policies and procedures and a broad network of stakeholders in the community via her long time community involvement are the core foundation to serve effectively as a board member.
Michele has the leadership to be an effective change agent to navigate through balancing conflicting requirements to come up with the best possible outcome. Michele is tireless in her pursuit to build consensus. She devotes time and energy to educate herself about the issues, and is skilled to “agree to disagree” while maintaining respect for all involved.
As the WW-P school board’s liaison to the WW-P Education Foundation, Michele provides district feedback which aids the planning of the Foundation’s strategic initiatives (e.g., funding of school programs). When different opinions are discussed, Michele clearly articulates the driver of her opinion to provide context of her thoughts. These leadership qualities enable her to work effectively and productively with diverse constituents to solve complex issues that the school board faces.
Esther Sun
Huntington Drive,
Princeton Junction
Michele and I met 15 years ago, when her middle son and my youngest daughter attended pre-school together. I was new to town and back then, and playdates for our children meant playdates for mommies too. Those afternoons afforded me the opportunity to get to know Michele and see how she ticked. I’ve always been struck by Michele’s wit and wisdom.
I’ve watched Michele’s dedication to our school district. I’ve witnessed her commitment to the issues and challenges facing all of our children, from kindergarten through 12th grade, always having the best interest of the students in mind. My children may have graduated from our district, but knowing that Michele remains vigilant to the high expectations for our students as well as staff members is what matters the most.
A mature, intelligent, motivated, confident candidate who supports a balanced, well rounded experience for all of our five through 18 year olds is the person we want in the role of school board member.
Chris Cirkus
Channing Way, West Windsor
Michele is intelligent, open-minded, a strong team player, and dedicated to serving our community. Two characteristics really stand out in my mind.
The first is Michele’s interest in truly representing our community by listening to people’s thoughts and concerns about our schools. Any time I see her, whether it be in a school setting or the grocery store, someone invariably stops her to talk, and she listens intently. She has a large network of people who know her, but she makes a point to seek out opinions of those she doesn’t already know too, participating in gatherings throughout the community and engaging attendees.
The second is Michele’s willingness to express an opposing point of view and her ability to do so in a positive way so as to encourage discussion. It takes courage and independence of thought to share a perspective that others may not have considered and a real diplomat to do so in spirit of cooperation.
Michele’s combination of communication skills allows the groups of which she is a member to consider a broader range of perspectives in discussions and thus the ability to make better informed decisions.
As an experienced board member, Michele understands the many requirements of the position as well as the challenge of balancing expenses with fiscal responsibility. She has shown she will work effectively to represent the diverse constituencies in our district and ensure our district provides an excellent education for all.
Diane Hasling
Jacob Drive, West Windsor
The writer is a former member of the WW-P School Board.
I have known Michele Kaish for several years and have worked with her as a member of several PTA executive boards.
At first blush Michele may seem reserved and quiet, but give her a topic that affects the families in the WW-P district and you will see that she is a strong advocate for what she believes to be right — grounding her opinions in her evaluation of professional data and information. Michele is also a person of integrity. You can see that the moment you meet her: from her gentle and friendly way of speaking to her calm and pleasant way of listening before responding to issues and ideas.
At school board meetings she is always knowledgeable about all items before the board and informed in her responses. I have seen her at public board meetings explain her reasoning for her vote on important decisions in a way that makes it clear she is cognizant of both the stakeholders and of her responsibilities as a board member representing the interests of the community.
To that end, Michele is keenly aware that all parents are seeking what they believe is best for their children. And she takes her job of being a conduit for an excellent school district very seriously as she works to strengthen a school district that offers valuable opportunities for all students.
Joanne Lasky
West Windsor
