Princeton Principal Launches Legal Fight For Reinstatement, BOE Responds

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton High School Principal Frank Chmiel, who has been placed on administrative leave, has begun a legal fight “to be renewed as the Principal,” according to his attorneys.

In a statement released to the public on Friday, attorneys David P. Schroth and Ben Montenegro said Chmiel has not done “anything illegal” regarding the management of the school.

“It must be stated that Mr. Chmiel, my client, has not done anything illegal regarding the management of Princeton High School or anything wrongful toward students, faculty, or staff. We are aghast regarding any rumors impugning and defaming his character suggesting wrongdoing. He has hired litigation/education attorneys to fight to be renewed as the Principal of Princeton High School. There are no criminal allegations involved in this matter,” Schroth and Montenegro said.

On March 17, Superintendent Carol Kelley informed the community that PHS assistant principals, Rashone Johnson and Cecilia Birge would assume responsibilities on a “temporary basis” as the school undergoes a transition in leadership. More: School District Replaces Principal At Princeton High School

Chmiel’s attorneys said that he was a “highly effective administrator” who was well-respected and beloved.

“It is, for this reason, Princeton hired him. Princeton Public Schools thoroughly vetted my client's references, having him supply well beyond the customary three references to include two community members from Franklin, two teachers from Franklin, two community members from Princeton, in addition to his superintendent, assistant superintendent, and the director for school management from Franklin and even a couple more references,” the attorneys said in their statement.

Schroth and Montenegro said that Chmiel has taken steps to “fight to be renewed as the Principal pursuant to State law.”

“We are awaiting the District’s written statement of reasons for his nonrenewal. State law provides the District’s elected Board of Education the legal right to renew Principal Chmiel (with or without the recommendation of the Superintendent) after he is granted the right to address the Board. That decision will be solely within the discretion, by a majority vote, of the Board of Education when we reach that stage,” The attorneys said.

Since placing Chmiel on administrative leave, students began a petition on Change.org, parents and students demonstrated outside the high school and another petition called for Kelley's resignation. More: In New Petition Princeton Parents Seeks Superintendent Removal

“Principal Chmiel is humbled by the outpouring of support he has received from students, staff members, families, and community members, anyone upon whom he has had a positive impact. This is a testament to the wonderful work and accomplishments he has achieved in his time at Princeton High School,” the attorneys said.

“It has been brought to my attention that some involved are pulling students aside to cast doubt, discourage, and even instill fear regarding their right to speak and assemble in response to how the district has treated their Principal. I want to put them on notice that abuse of power and position by scaring students regarding their constitutional rights guaranteed by the First Amendment of freedom of speech and assembly, is not only legally actionable but contrary to the core principles of empowerment espoused within the halls of Princeton High School.”

In response to the Chmiel’s legal team’s statement, the Board of Education released a statement Sunday saying they would continue to refrain from releasing information on Chmiel’s personnel file, since he has not waived his right to privacy.

“Because Mr. Chmiel has not waived his right to privacy, the Board will continue to refrain from releasing information related to Mr. Chmiel’s personnel file. The Board also wants to emphasize that at no time has it or its members, representatives, or district staff or administrators suggested that students, staff, or community members cannot or should not exercise their First Amendment rights regarding Mr. Chmiel or any other topic,” the BOE said.

The BOE noted that two hours of the March 21 meeting was dedicated to community members and students who chose to speak about the matter.

"While the Board understands that community members will, at times, disagree about personnel decisions, it sincerely hopes that the community will continue to express their opinions in a respectful manner, without denigrating or interfering with the rights of others to express their own views,” the BOE said.

The next BOE meeting will be held on Tuesday. Kelley will be recommending Kathie Foster as the interim principal of Princeton High School during the meeting. More: Interim Principal To Be Named, Rally Held Outside Princeton HS

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