To the Editor:

There is a crisis of confidence in Princeton’s Board of Education (BOE) and Superintendent Carol Kelley. Thousands of students, parents, and other residents have signed petitions, spoken publicly, and written letters and emails questioning the recent mid-year dismissal of Princeton High School’s (PHS) extremely popular principal.

The current crisis was triggered by Principal Chmiel’s dismissal, but it has taken root because many Princeton residents see it as fitting into a pattern of deeply misguided decisions and behaviors by the BOE and superintendent. All residents, not just those with children in Princeton public schools, should be paying close attention to these developments. Many decisions appear to be happening in an undemocratic manner: without justification, transparency, or accountability. For those who have not been following closely, I believe it is important to share the following information:

There has been criticism that Principal Chmiel has not publicly “released” his personnel file. In fact, his lawyers have officially requested his file including the BOE’s reasons for dismissal. As of this writing, however, the BOE has still not provided this information to him. Mr. Chimel cannot be expected to “release” his file when he has neither received nor been given the opportunity to review it.

At the last public BOE meeting, many residents — supported by hundreds of in-person attendees — urged the BOE to delay voting on hiring an interim PHS principal. To the dismay and consternation of the majority in attendance, the BOE then proceeded to hide this very controversial appointment vote in a Consent Agenda, a tool meant for expediting passage of items of a “routine and non-controversial” nature.

When the superintendent was hired, the BOE allowed her to bring in her own outside public relations firm. Why would a superintendent in a small town like Princeton need a public relations firm? And how much are we
paying them? Ironically, many Princeton residents have been disappointed with the superintendent’s poor communication surrounding recent incidents of bullying, violence, antisemitism, and other discriminatory actions.

There have been recent attempts by individuals and organizations to paint those in Princeton with legitimate criticism of the superintendent as racist. Racism and other forms of bigotry have no place in Princeton; nor should groups be permitted to weaponize racism in order to silence legitimate criticism and public discourse, and undermine transparent information sharing. No one, including BOE members, should fear being labeled a racist for questioning the decisions of a superintendent.

It appears that a culture of fear has taken hold amongst the staff and teachers in our schools, who are afraid of speaking up. The exiting of excellent, experienced staff and teachers has already caused upheaval in our schools and surely will continue in this environment.

I sincerely hope the BOE takes note of the urgency of the current crisis and listens to its constituents. Without accountability and full transparency, it will be extremely difficult for the BOE to regain the trust of the Princeton community.

Jason Rogart, MD
Marion Road