Princeton Public Schools launches search for next high school principal with a survey

Princeton Public Schools officials have launched the search for a new principal of the high school with an online survey. District officials said they will use the survey responses during the search process to screen and interview candidates.

The survey asks students, parents, employees, and community members what traits and characteristics they would like to see in the next leader of Princeton High School. “Themes and trends from the responses will be used to screen qualified candidates during the interview process,” according to the survey.

Survey participants are asked to rate eleven characteristics on a scale of 1 to 10 for the importance of each characteristic. Characteristics include accountability, collaboration, a community focus, compassion, empowerment, flexibility, trustworthiness, visibility, having a growth mindset, supporting innovation, and promoting transformation.

Kathie Foster has been serving as the interim principal of Princeton High School since April after Frank Chmiel was out on paid leave. Chmiel does not have tenure and his contract was not renewed for the 2023-24 academic year. Foster will serve as the interim principal through Aug. 31.

The principal’s position will be posted on the district website and promoted widely through existing educator recruitment networks, district officials said. A committee of stakeholders including employees, parents, and a board of education representative will be formed. The committee will be responsible for screening and interviewing qualified candidates.

“We recognize that the search for a new principal is important to our entire community. Our goal is to find an exceptional candidate who will lead Princeton High School for many years to come,” Board of Education President Dafna Kendal said in a press release about the search. District officials said they realize it will be an ambitious goal to hire someone by the end of August.