Princeton Board Of Education Election 2024: Ari Meisel

PRINCETON, NJ — Six candidates are vying for three seats on the Princeton Board of Education. The general election is on Nov. 5.

Newcomer Ari Meisel wants to bring practical solutions and "forward-thinking leadership" to the BOE. In a Q&A with Patch, he talks about his platform.

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: Ari Meisel
• Age: 42
• Town of Residence: Princeton, NJ
• Education: B.S. in Economics, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
• Occupation: Productivity Expert, Business Coach, EMT, Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad (volunteer), Founder of Less Doing

Why are you seeking a seat on the Board of Education?

I am a dedicated member of this community for four years and a parent of five children in the Princeton Public Schools system. I bring a unique perspective as a long-serving EMT and volunteer at the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, where I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside many members of our community in times of need. With a background in entrepreneurship, real estate development, and productivity systems, my focus is on practical solutions and efficiency. As a member of several community boards and committees, I have experience in governance and understand how to balance competing priorities for the greater good. My goal is to bring thoughtful, data-driven decision-making to the school board, ensuring all students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My background in productivity systems and process optimization equips me to approach board challenges with a fresh perspective focused on improving efficiency and effectiveness. I’m trained in strategic decision-making, having helped businesses streamline their operations, and I believe those skills can be applied to our district. In addition, my role as an EMT has taught me to remain calm under pressure and work collaboratively in high-stakes situations—skills that are crucial when addressing the diverse needs of a school system. I’ll bring a solution-oriented mindset to the board, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to benefit every student.

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

The biggest issue is managing the district's growth while ensuring that all students continue to receive a high-quality education. With the increasing student population, we face challenges related to overcrowding, resource allocation, and maintaining academic standards. It's essential to balance these concerns while staying fiscally responsible, ensuring our budget supports both immediate needs and long-term success.

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

The acquisition of the Westminster Choir College campus could be a valuable opportunity if it addresses the district's space and resource challenges. However, we must carefully evaluate how it fits into the broader goals of the district, considering the financial implications and long-term benefits. It's critical that we ensure this acquisition aligns with the educational priorities of our students and the needs of our growing community.

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

The district needs to adopt a proactive approach to planning for growth. This includes assessing and expanding physical infrastructure, increasing teaching staff to ensure reasonable class sizes, and exploring partnerships with local organizations and higher education institutions for resources. Additionally, we need to keep equity front and center as the town grows, ensuring all students have the same access to opportunities. The district should also anticipate potential challenges in transportation, special education services, and extracurricular offerings to maintain a high standard of education as our community expands.

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

We need to place a greater emphasis on life skills education, ensuring students are prepared for real-world situations. This includes expanding programs in CPR, Stop-the-Bleed training, and financial literacy, among others. Additionally, we must continue working towards inclusivity and equity across the district to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

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

I am committed to fostering a school environment where every student feels supported, safe, and encouraged to reach their full potential. I bring a blend of skills in leadership, problem-solving, and community engagement that will allow me to make a positive impact on the board. My focus is on ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed, that we plan effectively for Princeton’s growth, and that we continue to evolve our district to meet the challenges of the future. I ask for your vote to bring practical solutions and forward-thinking leadership to the Board of Education.

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