I am running for a third term on the WW-P School Board to continue advocating for the best educational opportunities for all learners. Since I was first elected in April 2012, I have worked hard to ensure the continued excellence of our highly-regarded school district, while always remaining cognizant of the economic realities faced by our district and our taxpayers.
On the school board, I have a record of making balanced and informed decisions focused on what is best for students. I have insisted on economy and efficiency in our budget, without compromising the quality of instruction.
I currently serve as board vice president and chair the Administration and Facilities Committee. I have worked on policies that strengthen our educational program and endorsed capital projects that improve and maintain our buildings.
I chaired two board negotiating teams (WW-P Service Association and WW-P Administrators Association), securing fair settlements for taxpayers and district employees.
As the board’s liaison to the district’s PTAs and the West Windsor-Plainsboro Education Foundation, I have been able to connect to day-to-day happenings in all ten district schools and participate in discussions regarding innovative programs and strategic initiatives.
My involvement in our school community began long before my election to the Board of Education. My husband and I moved to West Windsor in 1994. Our three sons attended WW-P schools from kindergarten until their graduations from High School North in 2010, 2014 and 2018.
Since 1997, when my oldest son started kindergarten, I have been a passionate and dedicated volunteer both in and out of the classroom, serving in any way that I could—from helping as a room parent and chaperone, to assisting with science experiments and Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop, to supporting music/theatre groups, clubs and sports teams. I have assisted students on their first days of school, teachers in their classrooms, and principals in their school-wide events. I have held every executive board position in the PTA, including president, executive vice president, vice president, treasurer and secretary, at multiple district schools. From my many years and countless hours spent helping, organizing and fundraising for classrooms, clubs and teams, I have developed an in-depth understanding of our school district as well as strong relationships with WW-P community stakeholders.
I care deeply about our school district. With my experience—21 years as a dedicated WW-P volunteer and 24 years as a West Windsor taxpayer—I have proven that I have the knowledge and commitment to effectively contribute to our community. I ask for your support and look forward to continuing to meet with members of the community to discuss their concerns.
— Michele Kaish
Kaish is an incumbent seeking reelection to a West Windsor seat on the WW-P School Board.
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Nearly a decade ago, I decided to run to serve on my local school board. With two young children not yet in the local schools, I wanted to use my day job focusing on school improvement to ensure that my children had the best possible public education.
I was honored to work alongside the teachers, administrators, community leaders, families and board members in one of the nation’s top school districts. I was fortunate to be able to serve as both vice chair and chairman of our school board.
Like most of the families here, mine moved to WW-P because of the quality of the public schools. I believe that our schools are good, and can be even better. And I believe that my skill sets and past experiences provide me a unique position to lead that push for improvement.
As a former school board chairman for a district similar to my current community, I understand how to smartly deal with a growing student population, ensuring that building construction and expansion is done in a financially sound way, meeting the needs without saddling the community for decades to come.
I also recognize the importance of setting clear goals that are shared with the community, while holding the superintendent and all school district officials accountable for achieving those goals.
As a voice for school improvement, I understand the importance of strong inputs in our schools, and equally understand how outcomes are the ultimate measure of a school, a district and a community.
As someone who has worked in education policy for two decades, I understand the importance of scientifically based research in school decision making, of understanding the value of assessments and the student data they derive, of how to select the best literacy programs for an ever-changing student population, and of how to ensure that technology in the classroom is used in the most effective way possible.
As a special education parent, I understand the importance of educators and parents working together, forming a team of individuals with the best interests of the student at heart.
This year, I will be the father of two middle schoolers—a seventh grader and a sixth grader at CMS. It would be far easier for me, both personally and professionally, to sit on the local schools’ sidelines, offering my thoughts via Facebook debates and the occasional blog post. It would be easier for me to focus on my professional life, my family and my extremely limited cheer coaching abilities. But life isn’t always easy.
My children are now in the second half of their K-12 experiences. It can’t be about what is easy for me and instead needs to be about what is best for my kids and for the many like them in the classroom. If I can help improve our schools and the pathways available to my children and their friends, then I need to take the opportunity. I cannot simply hope or wish or complain that things should be done differently. I have to step up and try to do them. That is why I am seeking to represent West Windsor on the WW-P Board of Education.
I bring to the board a career in education improvement. Leading the National Reading Panel and the Pennsylvania STEM Initiative. Building two new graduate schools of education to better prepare teachers. Improving teacher education in six states—including New Jersey—and helping lead the most substantial education reform initiative in Connecticut’s history.
All told, this son of a high school teacher and a college president has spent the past 20 years fighting each and every day to improve educational access, quality, and outcomes. And I want to do the same for WW-P.
I look forward to continuing my discussion with the community on the future of our schools and the importance of transparency, accountability and community in our decision making
— Patrick Riccards
Riccards is seeking election to a West Windsor seat on the WW-P School Board.
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Plainsboro is a beautiful small town, and yes you could love this place, live here and enjoy life whether your kids are in schools or not. You are part of a wonderful community. But the fact is that this place became what it is today because of our kids and schools. Almost all of us choose to move to Plainsboro or West Windsor because of the outstanding school system as reason No. 1. I moved to Plainsboro from Middletown 18 years back when my son was ready to go to school and my both kids graduated from High School South. Many of you have similar stories to tell, and for many others, the kids are currently enrolled in one of our schools.
Last year’s school expenses totaled at about $172M. The Board of Education is the governing body of the WW-P system. The BOE determines and approves the WW-P budget, curriculum structure and changes, approves textbooks and hiring teachers and counselors, hiring and overseeing the school superintendent. It makes choices for your student on critical school situations such as safety and security. The board determines if adding another $1M to school budget is necessary for that proposed expansion (your property tax to go north) or if there is room to cut spending by $1M without degrading quality of education (your property tax to go south).
I agree that more transparency, awareness and community engagement are needed on these topics and accompanying details, and this year could be a start, with your complete participation.
A vast majority of residents I spoke with recently do not know BOE elections are part of the regular U.S. election cycle and that BOE candidates will be on the midterm election ballot, come Nov. 6. Some believed BOE elections are an extension of school PTA elections and low key and that it will just happen.
Some wrongly believe board members are on government payroll and paid. And they were surprised to hear it’s a purely volunteer and individuals running for the roles are willing to devote their valuable time for this community service just to support our kids.
So, the board members are willing to spend their time for a 3-year-term deciding on curriculum, spending, security and everything that matters to your child. Won’t you feel it necessary to spend an hour of your time on Nov. 6 to vote and elect the right candidate?
I can say the following because I am one of you:
You are careful in picking the right pediatrician for your child’s health and well being. You are careful about who should teach your kid piano. You are careful about which toy your child should play with. You are careful about which book he/she should read. You are careful about which school system your child should go to. You care 100 percent about your kids and what they learn in school and the school environment.
So won’t you utilize the opportunity to elect who should make those critical decisions? That’s the question in front of Plainsboro and West Windsor residents on Nov. 6. Your vote matters, because it’s your child and your property taxes.
Please do not skip it. Remember you can also vote by mail in advance with an absentee ballot if unavailable at the polling station on Nov 6.
— Prasannakumar Padinhareveetil
Padinhareveetil is running for a Plainsboro seat on the WW-P School Board.
