Princeton District BOE Bids Farewell To Outgoing Members

PRINCETON, NJ — During Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, members bid farewell to three outgoing members – Betsy Baglio, Brian McDonald, and Cranbury representative Rob Christopher. Two members will be leaving to fill Council seats.

Christopher will be leaving the Board to join Cranbury Council as an elected member. He was part of the district’s ongoing superintendent search, giving his insights to the committee.

“You’ve been a model Board member, you’ve been a voice of reason, you have a great sense of humor and we’ll miss you very much,” Board president Dafna Kendal said.

Interim Superintendent Kathie Foster said Christopher’s “superpower” was to listen to all sides and ask thoughtful questions.

“He possesses a faithful and steady presence, as well as a delightfully dry sense of humor that he uses to bring us back together. He is a true advocate for students and teaching and learning at PHS,” Foster said.

McDonald who served on the BOE for six years, will be joining the Princeton Council as an elected member. He will be replacing Councilwoman Eve Niedergang who did not seek reelection in November.

McDonald was a member of several district committees including facilities, finance, operations, long-term planning and equity.

BOE member Beth Behrend led the tributes to McDonald saying she was grateful for his service to the school district community. Especially with helping secure a five-year general commitment from Princeton University that supports innovative and equitable programs.

“Brian brought strong finance, operational, and governance experience and deep community connections, in particular with partners like Sustainable Princeton and Princeton University,” Behrend said. “His calm and steady presence at the Board table has helped with fiscal prudence and student-centered work.”

Kendal thanked McDonald for bringing his financial acumen to the district and said she looked forward to working with him when he joins Council.

Baglio who served on the BOE for nine years did not seek reelection in November. She is currently the chair of the Ad Hoc Superintendent Search Committee. She will be replaced in January by a new Board member.

Kendal paid tribute to Baglio in an emotional statement. "A former teacher, Betsy shared her experience and expertise with us. Betsy doesn’t love the spotlight, she has worked tirelessly to support the district and the functioning of the Board,” Kendal said. “It’s been a gift to get to know her and I’ll miss her advice and counsel.”

Two newcomers – Ari Meisel and Chris Santarpio - and incumbent Mara Franceschi will officially take their seats on the BOE in January.

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