Despite pleas by parents, students and community members, the East Windsor Regional School District Board of Education let stand its decision to dismiss Heather Gladkowski, the principal at the Grace Norton Rogers Elementary School, at its regular meeting Monday night.
Gladkowski had been recommended for re-employment by Superintendent of Schools Richard Katz, but the school board voted 6-2 not to renew her contract at its April 30 meeting.
Gladkowski’s name was on the personnel list, along with other school district employees, who were recommended for re-employment for the 2018-19 school year. She would have earned tenure in July.
The six “no” votes were cast by board members Pete Bussone, Erica DiRaimondo, Ram Ramachandran, Bob Laverty, school board vice president Paul Connolly and board president Alice Weisman.
The two “yes” votes were cast by board members Nicole LaRusso and Jenna Drake. Board member Christine Harrington was absent.
Gladkowksi was slated to be transferred from the Grace Norton Rogers Elementary School to become the principal at the Walter C. Black Elementary School, as part of the school district’s reorganization of the its elementary schools.
The two elementary schools are currently K-5 schools, but the reconfiguration calls for the Walter C. Black Elementary School to become a grades K-2 school and the Grace Norton Rogers Elementary School to become a grades 3-5 school.
The school board, which usually meets in the Hightstown High School cafeteria, moved its meeting Monday night to the high school auditorium. About 100 people attended the meeting, and about 30 audience members — including children and parents — spoke to the board during the public comment part of the meeting.
Prior to opening the meeting for public comment, Katz said that “it is our understanding that some people speaking tonight may be asking for another vote to be taken. Please know that the board has already taken action on the matter and there is no plan for the issue to be reopened for reconsideration.”
Katz thanked the attendees in advance for sharing their thoughts and feelings with the school board. He said that as the superintendent, both he and the school board work together “toward a common goal of providing the best possible educational experience” for students and their families.
The school board is a “thoughtful and conscientious group,” and each member considers every decision placed before them, he said, adding that “all of us take our responsibility very seriously. This is why our relationship is strong and collaborative.”
Nevertheless, the attendees were not satisfied with the school board’s actions. Several attendees chastised the school board, reminding the members that they represent the citizens. Another attendee told the board members that “you will be opposed in the next election, and you will lose. You don’t represent us.”
Other speakers told the school board that Gladkowski had improved the conditions at the school. They said she knew every child’s name and took an interest in each one, making them feel welcomed at school. She often had lunch with the students, and held teachers accountable when parents voiced concerns. according to speakers.
“Whatever motivated your decision and however well intended, I am certain it does not serve in the best interests of our students, of every child, every day,” said parent Carol Tegen. Citing the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, “we are left to draw our conclusions about your motives.”
“I can assure you, they do not reflect well on the board’s perceived priorities. With Katz’s endorsement, I am sure her performance was, at a minimum, satisfactory. With your unprecedented decision to vote against his endorsement, you have lost my trust and confidence,” Tegen said.
Some speakers hinted that the decision not to renew Gladkowski’s contract was tied to standardized test scores.
One student said that if test scores was the issue, it is worthwhile remembering that Gladkowski did not teach each child. She said many of her friends are dealing with family issues, and they are not encouraged to study and earn good grades.
Abi Rivenburgh, who is the Grace Norton Rogers Elementary School PTO co-president, said, “I can only assume that your decision was based on test scores,” adding that while test scores are important, there is much more to success than academic achievement.
“Our kids need knowledge and mental training to navigate the world around them. It is a disservice to this school and community to make a decision based on data you see on a piece of paper, as opposed to considering the full picture,” Rivenburgh said.
Parent Erinn Mahoney, who is an elementary school principal in the Monroe Township public school district, said she had never experienced a situation in which a school board countermanded a superintendent’s recommendation.
“To unilaterally make the decision [not to re-hire Gladkowski] in this manner, not only undermines Dr. Katz, but is morally and ethically wrong and absolutely reprehensible,” Mahoney said. She said the message being sent is that any non-tenured employee, regardless of their performance, “needs to be wary of the whims of the school board.”
Mahoney said any administrator who is considering applying for the open principal’s position can learn of the circumstances of Gladkowski’s “wrongful” dismissal. She questioned whether anyone would want to work in a school district where the school board disregards the superintendent.
School board members listened quietly, but did not take action to reconsider their earlier vote not to renew Gladkowski’s contract and offer her tenure.