I remember in the past one year when the parents, the board of education and the school administrators came together to talk about issues, I was amazed by the way the word “trust” resonates between the different parties. In time of changes, our school administrators ask the parents to quickly coalesce around the theme of trust; when they make the vision statement, the trust factor also comes out loud and clear. I have been reflecting on the parents responses and want to share some of my thoughts.
No organization can operate solely in high-trust or low-trust cultures. High-trust cultures bring out the best out of people without that much of supervision; instead they rely on aligned values and shared vision. When high-trust works well, accomplished are amazing things–high quality, low cost, happy relationship and peaceful community.
Low-trust cultures, by contrast, emphasize on checks and balances. Traditionally our school operates on high trust. But in zones of controversy where values diverge, a healthy level of low trust between the board and the school administrators actually gains high trust from the parents because it provides them with confidence that the board will perform reviews and evaluation, consensus will be sought and decisions will be made for the best interests of all.
With that in mind, I want to elaborate on why I support our candidate, Yu “Taylor” Zhong, for re-election to the board of education.
Three years ago, Taylor spoke with thousands of parents and residents during his campaign. It is his passion and devotion that have won him the chance to serve us on the board. I feel since then we have benefited from his values, skills and commitment.
For the students, Taylor believes public schools should strive to provide opportunities for all children to reach their full potentials. The schools should be a safe and friendly environment that promotes cooperation and sportsmanship.
For the teachers and staff, Taylor believes the most valuable assets of our schools are the people, who teach methodologies and shape characters. That function can never be replaced by technology.
For the parents, approachable and respectful, Taylor believes no concern from the parents should be omitted. I witnessed him visiting a new neighbor’s home at their request after a school board meeting, to answer some questions about the school policies.
For residents with or without children schooling at the district, Taylor, as an experienced finance professional, believes the tax payers money should be carefully spent to improve the quality of the education and the safety of the facilities, and checks and balances are key to transparency and efficiency.
Amiable with inner strength, Taylor is the man who can build bridges and brave the governance function of a board member, to create conditions to foster high trust cultures in our community.
Jian Yao
Plainsboro
