Meet the Princeton Board of Education candidates: Lisa Potter

Age: 52

Occupation: HR executive and career coach

Your campaign slogan if you have one: Strength In Diversity

I believe that diversity of thought, perspective, and experience is the foundation of strong decision-making. Our Board of Education should reflect the diverse community it serves, with members who represent different grades, schools, and professional backgrounds. This diversity ensures that our decisions are holistic. While the superintendent is the education expert, board members bring functional expertise from fields like human resources, finance, and IT to guide the operation of our district. When voting, I encourage you to consider how each candidate’s unique experiences would contribute to a balanced and effective board.

Campaign website or social media link: www.votepotter.org

Please tell us about your personal background, including education and work experience:

I was born in Taiwan and moved to the U.S. at age 11, raised by a single mother until she remarried when I was in high school. My mom emphasized the importance of education as a pathway to prosperity, a belief that has guided me throughout my life. This belief drove me to earn a business degree from Baruch College on a full scholarship, followed by an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business as well as a Master’s degree from Cornell’s Industrial and Labor Relations school. My career has spanned finance, technology consulting, and now human resources, specializing in talent acquisition and talent development. I’ve had the privilege of working at renowned companies such as Goldman Sachs, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Accenture, IBM, and Standard & Poor’s, where I’ve developed a deep understanding of how to drive organizational transformation in complex environments. I’m also passionate about career coaching, where I help ambitious professionals align with their passion and purpose, driving both impact and income. Recently, my focus has been on helping executives navigate the political landscape to elevate them to their desired roles. Outside of work, I have a love for all things esoteric. I’ve been an avid student of yoga and dance, with a particular passion for contemporary jazz and hip-hop.

How many years have you lived in Princeton: I have lived in Princeton since December 2022. Prior to that, I lived next door in West Windsor for 18 years.

What is your connection to the Princeton Public Schools? If you have children, what schools did they attend in the 2023-24 academic year?

My daughter graduated from PHS in June 2024 and now is attending Cornell University. My son also attended PHS, where he will be a junior during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Please tell us about your public service background:

Public service always has been in my DNA. My commitment to leadership and community began early, as I became the first Asian female elected as the president of the student government at Baruch College. Over the years, I’ve continued to serve in various capacities, from volunteering at soup kitchens for New York Cares in my 20s to contributing locally in recent years. During a span of 14 years, I served the Princeton Chinese Language School in multiple roles, including language and cultural instructor, administrator, and board member. Additionally, I’ve contributed to my neighborhood as a member of my HOA board and have been an officer for the Princeton High School football and cheer booster club for the past two years. These experiences have given me so much in terms of friendship and connections, reinforcing my belief in the power of collective action and the importance of giving back to the community.

Why are you running for a seat on the Princeton Board of Education?

I’m running for the Board of Education because I want to bring a fresh, strategic approach to the challenges that our schools face. My goal is to ensure that our district is not only meeting the educational needs of our students today, but also is well-prepared for the future. I believe in making fiscally responsible decisions that will not burden future generations, and I’m committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to create a school system where every student has an opportunity to succeed. Representation is important, but so is the ability to lead effectively and with vision. I’m ready to bring both to the table.

What do you view as the top three issues or policy priorities for the school district?

The top three priorities I see for the Princeton Board of Education are: 1) stabilizing leadership by selecting a visionary superintendent who can guide our schools through future challenges; 2) ensuring fiscal responsibility by managing the budget prudently to improve educational outcomes without overburdening taxpayers; and 3) addressing overcrowding as well as current and future infrastructure needs with financial and demographic planning in order to create a sustainable and safe environment for our community. My experience in business and human resources equips me to tackle these issues effectively, working collaboratively to build a stronger future for our schools.

How do you anticipate coping with any cuts in state aid to the school district and what are your spending priorities when it comes to the school budget?

In the face of potential cuts in state aid, it’s crucial to prioritize spending in ways that directly impact the quality of education and student outcomes. My focus would be on ensuring that spending remains aligned with our strategic priorities, including maintaining small class sizes, supporting our teachers, and ensuring that our facilities are safe and well-maintained. By leveraging community partnerships and exploring innovative funding solutions, we can continue to provide a high-quality education without overburdening our taxpayers, especially those on fixed incomes. It’s about making thoughtful, forward-looking decisions that are sustainable for our school district.

As the school district grows, what are your ideas on how to control costs and property taxes?

To address the challenge of controlling costs and property taxes, it’s crucial to focus on strategic financial planning and innovative solutions. We must prioritize the quality of education while being mindful of the financial impact on our community. This means exploring cost-saving measures that do not compromise educational outcomes, such as leveraging technology, optimizing operational efficiency, and seeking partnerships with local businesses and universities to share resources and reduce expenses.

Additionally, we need to ensure that our budget planning considers long-term maintenance and infrastructure costs, rather than relying solely on referendums to cover unexpected expenses. By addressing this structural need, we can better manage the budget and minimize unexpected increases in property taxes. It’s about balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to invest thoughtfully in our schools, ensuring that we continue to provide an exceptional education for our students while remaining accountable to our taxpayers.

What is your position on payments in lieu of taxes agreements made to housing developers and what should the school board do about these agreements?

The current structure of PILOT agreements in Princeton has posed challenges, particularly as new developments could result in increased enrollment without additional funding for our school district. While these agreements have their merits in fostering growth and development within the community, it’s essential that our schools are not overlooked in the process.

I believe that better collaboration between the Board of Education and the City Council is crucial to addressing this issue. With individuals such as Brian McDonald, who previously served on the Board of Education, now on the City Council, there is an opportunity to build a stronger bridge between these two entities. This improved partnership would ensure that future PILOT agreements consider the needs of our schools, potentially by including contributions to the district to help manage the impacts of increased enrollment. By working together, we would be able to create more balanced agreements that support both municipal growth and the continued excellence of our schools.

Should the school district purchase Westminster Choir College? Why or why not?

While the district’s potential acquisition of Westminster Choir College is intriguing due to its prime location, several critical factors must be considered. First and foremost, the outcome of the ongoing lawsuit between Rider University and various stakeholders regarding the sale and future of the college will heavily influence any decision. Until this legal matter is resolved, moving forward with a purchase would be premature.

Additionally, the environmental condition of the Westminster campus raises concerns. Before any acquisition can be seriously considered, we must ensure that the property meets current environmental standards and is up to code. Any remediation that is deemed necessary could significantly increase the overall cost and complexity of the purchase.

The strategic location of Westminster Choir College offers potential benefits that could align with the district’s needs. However, given the previously noted complexities, it is essential to approach this decision with a thorough understanding of all legal, environmental, and financial implications. Better collaboration between the Board of Education and other municipal bodies, including the City Council, will be crucial in successfully navigating these challenges and ensuring that any decision made is in the best interest of the community.

What is your opinion on the curriculum taught in the Princeton schools and what would you change?

I believe that the curriculum in Princeton Public Schools offers a solid foundation, reflecting our district’s commitment to academic excellence. However, learning extends far beyond the classroom. I’m a firm believer that experiences in sports, clubs, and the arts are equally essential.

Reflecting on my own journey, serving as president of the student government taught me more about leadership and office dynamics than any management course. For my daughter, her involvement in clubs helped her define her college major in fashion and sustainability. My son’s passion for football and track not only taught him teamwork, but also sparked his interest in strength training and nutrition—skills that will benefit him throughout adulthood, regardless of his career path.

As a Board of Education member, I would advocate for a balanced, academically challenging curriculum that fosters inclusivity, critical thinking, and emotional well-being while ensuring that every student has an opportunity to pursue their passions inside as well as outside the classroom. This approach will help our students become well-rounded, resilient individuals, ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Is there anything else you want voters to know about yourself, your campaign, or the issues you care most about?

I would like to emphasize that my campaign is built on a foundation of integrity, transparency, and open communication. Unfortunately, at a recent board meeting, a comment was made by a resident who claimed that I signed a petition from the Chinese-American community opposing the Intersectionality unit at the Middle School. Let me be absolutely clear — I did not sign any such petition. It’s disappointing to see assumptions made based on my ethnicity. The assumption that all Chinese-American individuals share the same views is not only inaccurate, but harmful. While I respect everyone’s right to advocate for their beliefs, I find it deeply concerning when advocacy crosses into spreading misinformation and making baseless accusations. Our community must stand against all forms of hate to ensure that Princeton remains a place where diversity is celebrated and every member feels valued and respected. If anyone has questions about my beliefs or actions, I encourage them to reach out to me directly.