Ruijie Huangfu, Highland Park
To the editor:
“Member of board of education? What’s that?”I asked this question when my father told me that his friend, Yu “Taylor“ Zhong, is running for this position in West Windsor-Plainsboro Board Regional School District.
Recently, the phrase “Member of Board of Education” got my attention. As a Chinese high-school student who moved to the United States only a few months ago, I never heard of the phrase before.
After consulting with some friends, I understand better: This is a title for township residents who are willing to be involved in communicating with the district administration about education issues, so they can give some suggestions and opinions. This is very different in China, because policies are only made by the bureau and experts. Parents are less involved because there is no such a platform for them to gather together to discuss the issues.
Moreover, the U.S. is a nation that favors diversity. Different voices from different people are respected. From the perspective of education, different families from different cultures have different expectations from their children. They have different values and traditions. Also their parenting styles can be different. Therefore, representatives from different background should have equal chance to be the member of board of education.
Plainsboro is a diversified town. Yu Taylor Zhong is willing to and capable to serve the parents of all children. He has spoken to thousands of parents, in apartment and single-family houses, on campus and off campus, at football fields, at supermarkets, in the parking lot and on the train, in person and via telephone. Before any decision is made, he always consults with parents.
On Nov. 8, please vote for Yu Taylor Zhong for the WW-P board of education.
Ruijie Huangfu
Highland Park
