To the Editor:

I started off in the USA as an undocumented/uninsured immigrant child, gained citizenship by age 19, and later became a first-generation college graduate. This path has offered me deeper thoughts on role models during one’s development. There are plenty of female role models and mentors. But generally, there is a great deficit of male role models for children with backgrounds like mine. My first real-life experience with a good male role model was my college professor and mentor, Dr. Norman Spear.

Having worked on many initiatives and projects with Frank Chmiel at PHS as a parent volunteer, I saw firsthand the great, positive impact he had on the students, staff, and parents. Perhaps it was the lack of good male role models in my own development that I so appreciated Frank Chmiel being there for the students at PHS.

At the Donaldson hearing last month, Frank Chmiel eloquently detailed his reasons to the BOE on why he should be reinstated as principal of PHS; it was here, again, that I witnessed a male role model who was modeling courage and sacrifice at his expense for the benefit of others. If it wasn’t for the persistent rallying from PHS students and parents urging him to fight for his rights to get reinstated, I highly doubt he would draw this battle onto himself and his family.

I listened to both sides of the arguments at the hearing, willing to switch my side if I heard evidence pointing toward anything illegal or deeply concerning regarding his performance as PHS principal. This did not happen for me. After the disappointing verdict by the BOE, I have moved past my deep grief. Now, I want us to help Frank Chmiel and his family by offering our support as he is looking for a new job. He fought hard for PHS. Let’s stand by Frank Chmiel and his family and help him with our connections and resources until he lands another leadership position. The school that gets him as their principal will be immensely fortunate, especially the students.

Personally, it will also lessen my grief if I see him employed and appreciated elsewhere. The Chmiel family lives in town and it would be a lot easier for the PHS students and parents to run into them if we see Frank Chmiel happy and rewarded for his bravery and hard work at PHS. He did not abandon us, so let us not abandon him and his family until he finds a new, great job.

On this Father’s Day 2023, I appreciate all the fathers in town who I have met working together to reinstate Frank Chmiel. I have observed your courage and sacrifice, and a part of my soul healed watching these fathers, their families, and Frank Chmiel in action. Kids are watching and so are those who grew up without good male role models. Thank you for your courage and sacrifice. Happy Father’s Day.

Sasha Weinstein
Shady Brook Lane