East Windsor Families Rally For Grace Norton Rogers Principal

EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, NJ — A group of local families is mobilizing to help a principal in the East Windsor Township Regional School District keep her job. The Board of Education recently voted not to renew the contract for Grace Norton Rogers Elementary School Principal Heather Gladkowski, according to an online petition.

“We, parents and teachers, are requesting that the Board of Education reconsider their vote,” the petition reads. “She has been a wonderful, nurturing, extremely present principal with an open door policy.”

The reason her contract wasn't renewed is unclear, organizers said.

“Information regarding personnel matters is confidential and therefore I am not able comment,” East Windsor Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Richard Katz told Patch via email on Thursday.
Gladkowski was still listed as the school’s principal on its website Thursday morning.

The petition had 305 signatures as of Thursday morning. Some comments included with the petition include:

“Principal Gladkowsi is a very talented administrator with a caring heart. She she is an asset to the district and should be kept at her position.”

“Mrs. Gladkowski is very accommodating and approachable. She makes an effort to get to know the students. She has lunch with them, talks to them, empowers them, and listens to them. She genuinely cares about the kids and that is very comforting to me as a parent. My daughter will stay in GNR next school year, but I have a son who will be in kindergarten in WCB the following year, and I would want for him to have Mrs. Gladkowski as principal. She is the best and I have full confidence in her capability and leadership.”

“She plays a huge role in shaping our children who will one day become adults in a truly scary world. We need leaders and role models like Heather, who support, encourage, accept and love each and every student and guide our kids in a positive direction. As an educator in her school and a parent to a fragile special needs child with a life threatening disability, I frequently consider relocating to East Wiindsor in hopes of him having Principal Gladkowsi when he enters kindergarten. I would love for her to take care of him and take him under her wings as she does so many other children. She is not only an superb educator, but a fantastic, kind hearted human being who makes a difference every single day! Please do not take her away from the kids and parents that need, want and DESERVE a principal like her.”

The organizers of the petition are asking residents to sign it here and to attend the next school board meeting to demand her reinstatement. The meeting is Monday night, May 14, 7 p.m., in the Hightstown High School cafeteria, 25 Leshin Lane.

Patch file photo