Election 2024: Erica Snyder For Princeton Board Of Education

PRINCETON, NJ — Educator Erica Snyder is seeking a seat on the Princeton Board of Education this November.

Director of Cherry Hill Nursery School, Snyder committed to closing the educational gaps and brining innovative ideas to the BOE.

In a Q&A with Patch she talks about her platform and what sets her apart from other candidates.

Patch has sent out a questionnaire to all BOE candidates. They will be published as we receive them. If you are a candidate and haven’t heard from us, please contact Sarah Salvadore at sarah.salvadore@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements.

Name: Erica Snyder

Age: 43

Town of residence: Princeton

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education, DePaul University and Master of Arts in Instructional Technology, East Carolina University

Occupation: Director, Cherry Hill Nursery School

1. Why are you seeking a seat on the BOE?

I am running because I am passionate about improving education for all students. My goal is to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed, particularly those who have been historically underserved. I am committed to closing educational gaps, conducting a comprehensive superintendent search, and enhancing district communication. I will leverage my skills in curriculum and instructional design, educational leadership, advocacy and strategic planning to facilitate innovative solutions to the challenges facing PPS today.

2. What sets you apart from the other candidates?

What sets me apart from the other candidates is my 20+ years of experience in education as a high school teacher, instructional coach for both teachers and administrators, and as the current Director of Cherry Hill Nursery School in Princeton. I have worked around our country with diverse populations in a multitude of districts and I bring that relevant experience and those innovative ideas to our board. Additionally, I have a passion for instructional technology and ensuring that all kids have access to the tools they need to be successful in a post-secondary life.

3. What, according to you, is the biggest issue facing the school district?

First, we face growth of the student population while our existing infrastructure does not have the current capacity and capability to support that increase. Second, we need our BoE to hire a trustworthy and charismatic new superintendent with a clear vision to unite the district and I have the requisite background, as a professional educator, to ensure our board conducts a robust search and vetting process. Finally, our students are still recovering from learning loss, so we must close educational gaps, especially for lower-income, special education and black and brown students.

4. Council plans to buy Westminster College saying it could benefit the school district. Do you think it aligns with the district’s needs?

Westminster College could be an interesting investment that would allow for expansion of our schools, in the central area, where our middle and high school already exists. It would need to be part of a comprehensive plan for long-term utilization of the buildings but there are some exciting options to solve longer-term issues including a pre-K center, a potential 5/6 building, shared arts facilities for the middle and high school and potentially affordable housing for teachers.

5. The district is set to grow over the next few years. What will be your budget/spending priorities?

With 83 percent of the budget going to salaries, benefits, and charter, it is essential that we focus on ways to maximize the usage of the remaining budget. If NJ cuts aid to the district, we must ensure our students have what they need to thrive and teachers have what they need to be successful. I would have to conduct more research and collaborate with the school board on these ideas, but here are some initial thoughts on coping with state aid cuts to our district. First, we could combine professional development efforts with local districts and the charter school to offset costs. Second, we might explore additional partnerships, within our community, to help us better tackle challenges without needing contractors. Third, we could outreach to parents and other community members, in their home languages, to make sure they understand what is happening in the district and invite ideas for innovative solutions. Finally, from an operational standpoint, we need to address transportation by optimizing bus routes to reduce costs, reduce congestion and minimize student transportation times.

6. What other aspects need to be improved in the school district?

I think the district needs to look at ways to help students feel safer in school, protect the mental health of students by encouraging sleep and redshift the focus on postsecondary success and what that might look like for all kids. This might mean more internships, pathways to non-4 year institutions, or even examining how our students can graduate high school with immediately employable skills or degrees.

7. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I am the parent of three PPS students in elementary and middle school. My extensive background in educational leadership and my hands-on experience in schools from Pre-K through 12 make me uniquely qualified for the board. Working with a wide variety of public institutions has allowed me to see the best in education along with innovative solutions to some of the current challenges facing Princeton today. My advocacy work and strategic planning skills equip me to effectively address the district's pressing challenges. My international teaching experience also provides me with a broader understanding of diverse educational needs, making me a well-rounded candidate ready to bring positive change to our schools.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com