To the Editor:

We write this as a diverse and multicultural group of concerned parents. We care about all the children attending Princeton Public Schools currently and those who will follow them. We are truly committed to the well-being of everyone in the Princeton community.

We are insulted by the mischaracterization of our increasing concern about Superintendent Kelley’s leadership as racially motivated.

Our worries and concerns stem solely and entirely from the distress caused to our children and their educational needs, as well as the stress piled onto trusted teachers that have proven to be pillars of our community. Many teachers are leaving because of the unsupportive atmosphere in the PPS. Teachers are afraid to speak out (afraid that they will also be fired if they express disagreement with the current administration) and are asking us parents for help voicing their concerns. The attacks suggesting that we use our children as a pretext for a racially motivated agenda are preposterous and must be condemned.

Our group is made up of Latin Americans, Spaniards, Hindi, African Americans, Native Americans, Dutch, English, French, Bengali, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Ecuadorian, Mexican, Ghana, Russian, Ukrainian, German, Guatemalan, Jewish, Catholic, Presbyterian, Muslim, agnostic and many other nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, and religions. They may not be apparent due to spouses taking on Anglo last names, but we are a group grounded in diversity and respect for all, even those that disagree with us.

Divisive statements, without any sort of substantiation, seek to detract from the real issue: lack of transparent leadership in the PPS and unwillingness to listen to its constituents. The majority of stakeholders care about the well-being of the students and our community as a whole. The well-being of our children is blind to color and gender.

As a coalition of concerned parents representing diverse ethnic groups, we have made our wishes clear. We believe the return of Principal Frank Chmiel to his post is the best course of action to end the current stalemate. We would advocate for any principal whose great service to our students is indisputable and we would stand up to any superintendent whose policies do not serve them. The ill-conceived set of events initiated by the superintendent in relation to Mr. Chimel’s employment are now resulting in thousands of dollars in legal fees to our district and payments to surplus administrators. These wasted funds from the PPS budget should instead be used to enhance our children’s education.  

We ask the BOE to reinstate Principal Chmiel immediately. If this corrective action of returning this highly respected, beloved, inspiring, and equitable educator to our school system may be considered a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Kelley’s leadership, so be it. No intimidation tactic or further false accusations will stop us from defending the students and their educators’ best interests.

Yvonne Dickson
Old Trenton Road, Cranbury

Monisha Iyer
Randall Road

Gabriella Milley
Wittmer Court

Christina Vazquez Herrero
Potters Run