Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School Parents Lament Principal's Resignation

Parents spoke on behalf of Principal Tyler Blackmore at the Board of Education meeting Monday night, each citing several reasons why the board should encourage Blackmore to withdraw .

One mentioned the disruption a change in administrative staff causes and the that has occurred over the last two years, while another described the smooth roll-out of the . But all three had one common message, that Tyler Blackmore would be greatly missed throughout the middle school community.

"I admire his dedication to this district and I feel that we are losing one of the best men and administrators we have seen," said PTO member Tara Martinez, who currently has a daughter at MAMS.

Joelle Nappi, who has a sixth grader at MAMS and is a teacher in the district, spoke at length to the board, describing Blackmore as a man who made academic improvements at the middle school, instituted positive behavior supports, emphasized building the capacity of his teachers and created a safe environment for young learners.

"I know my son feels comfortable going to school every day, which has not always been the case in the past. And he and his peers respect Mr. Blackmore, as does this community. If you have children you know that their sense of well being and security are things that cannot be measured by test scores, but are in many ways far more important," Nappi said, her voice breaking from holding back tears.

"He has excellent judgement, vision and the ability to build consensus, as well as the ability to communicate with parents and children," Nappi continued. "And while I am fully aware that this is not an actionable item for anyone on this board, I thought it was important for you to hear our views. The community feels the loss of Mr. Blackmore deeply, as do the students and I believe as do the teachers."

Blackmore handed in a , citing personal reasons, Superintendent David Healy said. Healy said he was unsure if Blackmore had another job or why he resigned.

Blackmore garnered widespread media attention in March when he instructed students over the loud speaker that the Nappi mentioned this while she was addressing the board, and commended them for .

"I was impressed by the board and the superintendent's recent comments in support of Mr. Blackmore surrounding the 'hugging incident,' as it has affectionately become to be known. I think it was the right thing to to do support him. It showed fortitude and strength of character," she said.

Andrew Ginsberg, who has twin boys at MAMS, was the last to come forward to speak on behalf of Blackmore.

"My boys don't always feel safe, but they feel very safe when they see Mr. Blackmore. And he has made a tremendous difference in their life and they have come so far. And I know he has affected other people and to not have him there will leave a tremendous hole. Even if the next person to come in is tremendous, it is not Mr. Blackmore," Ginsberg said.

"I hope the board will do everything they can to help try to get him to change his mind and to stay," he said. "I personally feel this is a huge loss to this district, to the school, to our community as whole. We really need to keep Mr. Blackmore here."

Blackmore was not present at the board meeting Monday night. The board went into executive session to discuss, "confidential student matters, negotiations update, review of nontenured staff, confidential staff organization issues," Board of Education President Charles Kenny said. Blackmore was seen entering executive session, but could not be reached for comment.

Blackmore's resignation is an agenda item for the . According to the agenda, if Blackmore's resignation is accepted, his last day will be June 30, 2012.