Recently updated on May 12th, 2023 at 09:57 am
“My feeling is that schools should bring communities together and not divide them. The Board is well aware that this is a divisive time, and we’d like to help bring the community back together when we can.”
PPS BOE President Dafna Kendal
Source: Chmiel and His Lawyers Consider Next Steps | Town Topics
May 15th, 2023, here it comes: a day that could either mark the beginning of a healing process or further divide the community. The Princeton Public Schools(PPS) community has been marred with one controversy after another in the past couple years. From the attempted removal of Principal Chmiel in Spring 2022, to the departure of highly successful science supervisor in Spring 2022, to the disturbing email dismissal of Principal Chmiel in the middle of a school year in March 2023, tensions have continued to escalate. The result has been a community increasingly divided and suffering, with students, teachers, parents, and even administrators affected by the decisions made by those in charge. Let alone the tanking job approval rate for the BOE, which consists of a group of unpaid hard workers. It’s time to reflect and address the root of the issues affecting the PPS community.
Let’s step away for a minute from those seemingly sophisticated issues (administrative, legal, ideological etc.) that the BOE has been citing, and ask one basic yet fundamental question: what are we here for? Rational individuals do not make choices that ultimately harm themselves. I believe everyone involved in this situation can agree that the majority of people in the PPS community are sane and reasonable. It is important to note that authoritarian leaders often justify their actions by saying “I know what’s best for you, trust me. There might be some short-term pain, but the future will be brighter.” However, in reality, the “short-term” in their words can last indefinitely.
Fortunately, despite the controversies and divisions that have arisen, PPS is not yet in an irreparable state. It’s essential for the BOE to acknowledge that your action, inaction, and decisions have caused the current chaotic state, including the suffering of students, teachers, and parents alike. It’s never too late to take responsibility for your mistakes and make amends. It’s OK to disagree with the superintendent you handpicked, it’s OK if you would lose your next reelection. You were elected to lead, and I plead you to lead by serving, as championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., instead of running over your constituents. Back to the fundamental question, “what are we here for?” We are here for the students, for the kids, and for PPS to maintain its stability and reputation. At present, students are suffering both mentally and academically, and the PPS’s reputation is sinking.
It is important to remember that BOE represents the PPS community, while the superintendent is employed by and accountable to the PPS community. The BOE has a responsibility to support the superintendent, but they are also legally obligated to hold the superintendent accountable if things go awry. In essence, the BOE should act as a check and balance on the superintendent’s decisions and actions, ensuring that they align with the best interests of the PPS community. So, if there has been any confusion, let me be clear: the BOE serves the PPS community, and you have a duty to hold the superintendent accountable.
Mr. Chmiel has been an effective and highly respected leader in our school district. His removal would be a great loss to our community and would only deepen the wounds caused by recent controversies. By retaining him, we can show that the Board is committed to putting the needs of students and teachers first, and that we are willing to work together to move forward in a positive direction.
So my dear PPS BOE, May 15th is a day for redemption, a day to put aside egos, a day to set aside personal agendas and ambitions, and a day to resist the temptation to support the employee you “unanimously” picked. I urge you to carefully consider the far-reaching implications of your decision during the hearing, and to vote in favor of retaining Mr. Chmiel. The consequences of any other decision are simply too difficult to contemplate.
Editor’s notes:
- Three parents contributed to this editorial.
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