Board Demotes Elementary School Principal, Transfers Another

After hearing about 90-minutes of testimony from dozens of parents on Principal Lesa Brinker’s behalf, the voted 7 to 2 to transfer her from the helm of the school back to the art classrooms in the district.

The board also voted 8 to 1 in favor of moving Peter O’Hare from principal at to assistant superintendent of curriculum/instruction K to 12.

Following a brief executive session meeting with their attorney the majority of board of education members voted no to a motion to table the resolution regarding the transfer of Brinker. Trustees Debra Bruno and Connie Doheny voted against the transfer of Brinker. Doheny also voted against the transfer of O’Hare.

Doheny, who had moved to table the decision, stated that she was against the resolution and was “in full support of Brinker and her role as principal of Lincoln School” adding that she wanted the public to know she is listening.

Board trustee Lillian Romano, whose vote was in favor of the transfers, stated this did not come easily and it was the toughest decision she has ever had to make. She added that implications that the board does not care are not true. Trustee Joseph Sampieri also stated that the community does have the board’s full support and has support in the district’s vision.

Parents had nearly filled the auditorium Thursday night in opposition of the board’s vote to transfer the elementary school principals. They came armed with numerous challenges for the board, questioning their motives and asking for reasons why more administrative changes are needed and how the board can afford to add another administrative position.

On behalf of Brinker, some even brought posters that read “We love our principal” and “No transfer for Brinker.” Some shared personal stories in support of her leadership and her character.  Two Lincoln School students read a statement they wrote about Brinker saying she “shares her love with everyone” and “we appreciate what she does at our school.”

Eileen Oettinger called Brinker "hardworking" citing many examples. She added that she was aware complaints had been made against Brinker but felt that at the end of the day her kids get the support they need and believes that means she is doing her job as principal.

Former Board of Education trustee Lisa Hodulik challenged the board in the creation of another administrative position after just ast week. 

“Do we think the town can afford having all these administrators and where is the money coming from,” asked Hodulik. Her question was immediately followed by a round of applause from the audience.

Dina Messery, business administrator for the board, explained that the recently approved MS/HS assistant principal had previously been budgeted. Funding for this new position proposed for O’Hare came as a result of recent retirements and the hiring of new staff members at lower rates which made funding available.

Porto answered parents questions about the new position stating that state mandates coming from a recent QSAC (Quality Single Accountability Continuum)  monitoring which showed the district is behind in its curriculum restructuring and this position is vital to the district meeting these requirements.  

He said the district was seen as high performing by QSAC standards but the challenge is that curriculum has not been updated since 2004. He told parents that the district “must bring science and math into 21^st century” stating  that a lot needs to be accomplished in a short amount of time.

Parents questioned Porto and the board as to why Brinker and O’Hare were not seen as the right people chosen to fit the vision for the district. Many pointed to the when O’Hare was moved from principal of the high school to Euclid School. One parent of a Lincoln School student told the board that his daughter has been at the school for just three years and is about to go through a third principal.

Euclid School parent Lisa Castellano told the board she felt changing principals was not fair to parents as well as the kids. She said she moved to Hasbrouck Heights particularly for the school system and although she does not regret that decision she is losing faith.

The Board of Education and administration can not comment on personnel matters and therefore were not able to go into any detail in regards to Brinker and O’Hare.

In response to a query from Marilyn Hawthorne, a field representative with New Jersey Principal and Supervisors Association, about why Brinker received a favorable review yet was not reappointed to her position, Porto indicated that the decision has to do with the “larger picture,” the vision he has for the district.

Board of Education President Josephine Ciocia addressed the many questions from parents about what the time frame would be and what the steps are for replacing the elementary school principals.

Porto stated he hoped to be able to appoint replacements by June 21. Some parents challenged the time frame stating that they felt three and a half weeks was not enough time to find a proper replacement.

Parents brought up issues they felt need more attention such as class size concerns. One parent pointed to the need for upgrades to the school playgrounds. Ciocia said that all these concerns will be taken into consideration by the board.

Brinker has been with the district for 25 years having taught at the middle school level for 22 years. She served as director of curriculum and technology for one year before becoming princpal of Lincoln School in July 2010. O'Hare was principal of the high school for 14 years before becoming Euclid School principal last winter.

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