Michele Kaish responses to League of Women Voter VOTER GUIDE questions

1. 1) What personal and professional experiences have prepared you for serving on the BOE?
I have served 2 terms on the BOE. I am currently Vice President, chair of the Administration
and Facilities Committee, and liaison to the district’s PTAs and Education Foundation. I have
chaired 2 negotiating teams with district union groups. I was a member of the Strategic
Planning Core Team.
As the parent of 3 children who attended WWP schools from kindergarten to HS graduation, I
understand the K-12 experience. As a dedicated community volunteer for over 20 years both in
and out of the schools, I have an in-depth understanding of our school community. As a West
Windsor resident since 1994, I understand the economic realities faced by our schools and
taxpayers.
I bring to the BOE a successful history of respectfully addressing WWP stakeholder concerns
and advocating for what serves our students best. My unwavering, long-term commitment to
our school district gives me the experience, expertise and perspective to be a productive and
effective school board member.
2) What do you consider the most important challenges facing this school district and how
would you address them?
The biggest challenge facing the district is long-term planning. We need to sustain excellence as
the district grows, driving continuous improvement in our curriculum, budget and facilities. At
the same time, we need to ensure budgeting that is fiscally responsible and considers economy
and efficiency.
Data should be closely monitored and guide our decisions. Accurate demographic and capacity
projections are critical to the management of space and class sizes. Capitalimprovement
projects must meet programmatic needs and prevent maintenance issues that may cost us
even more money in the future. Quality instruction will be sustained through rigorous hiring
practices and investments in professional development.
The focus must always be on students. As a member of the Strategic Planning Core Team, I
helped develop three goals that commit WWP to meet individual student needs, cultivate
responsible global citizens, and respect the social and emotional development of all learners.
Our challenge is to position students for success after graduation.
3) How will you address the additional annual program costs and potential liability costs
associated with security resource officers in schools?
Nothing is more important than the health and safety of students, staff, parents and
community members. No one can predict if or when a crisis will occur. But the risk is not zero.
Because of that, responsible planning must include proactive social and emotional education,
relationship building and emergency preparedness.

2. My BOE record reflects my support for increasing the number of counselors and nurses in our
schools and the hiring of 2 mental health clinicians. Class III school resource officers will
promote a positive school culture and serve as a resource to students and staff to help build
relationships, solve problems, and promote safety. The agreement with West Windsor and
Plainsboro townships to hire Class III officers was reviewed by attorneys and insurance
representatives for the district and both townships. All projected costs for the hiring of Class III
officers, including salary, training, and insurance and liability coverage, are already built into the
budget.
4) Do you support the current approach the district uses to address bully-related
investigations and alleged infractions? If not, explain what you would change and why?
NJ’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights was passed into law in 2011. The law defines the requirements
that public school districts in NJ must follow in preventing, responding, and remediating
incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying. Our schools cultivate a culture of inclusivity,
kindness and courtesy. All WWP staff receive annual training on bullying prevention and the
promotion of respectful behaviors. Every school in the district has an Anti-Bullying Specialist
who is responsible for identifying and addressing bullying incidents and must, by law, fully
investigate all cases. The law defines mandatory procedures regarding notification,
investigation timelines, and reporting of findings. Twice each year, the district publicly reports
on bullying incidents in our schools. WWP’s Code of Conduct policy, which is updated annually,
supplements the law. I am confident that WWP takes a comprehensive approach to address
bullying and fully complies with the requirements of NJ law.
5) Do you believe there is sufficient transparency in the BOE operations and if not, how would
you encourage more transparency?
Communication and transparency must always be a priority.
All agendas, presentations, and other materials are posted on the district website.
Informational emails and special communications on significant issues are regularly sent to the
school community. Since 2016, public meetings have been recorded and posted on the website,
an initiative I championed as Chair of the Administration and Facilities Committee. Recently the
district hired a Public Information Officer, a decision I supported that did not receive
unanimous Board support.
On the BOE, I have continuously focused on improving communication and outreach. Last year,
I advocated for hiring a communication consultant to increase community engagement. I am
currently pushing an initiative to allow residents who do not have a child in district to “opt in”
to certain school district emails. On a personal level, I have been and will continue to be readily
available at PTA meetings, school and community events, and our local coffee shop.