By Donald Gilpin

A bomb threat this morning, Saturday, August 26, at the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice (BRCSJ) on Stockton Street forced about 50 participants in the Drag Queen Story Hour community gathering to evacuate the building.

Police searched the building as event headliner Carrie Dragshaw (Dan Clay) moved down the street to a nearby stoop, and the presentation and dialogue took place in somewhat curtailed form as children and adults sat and stood on the sidewalk and grass alongside Mercer Street.

Police protocols in the building continued, and police were unable to provide any further information as of early Saturday afternoon.

BRCSJ Chief Activist Robt Seda-Schreiber expressed gratitude to the Princeton Police Department for their support. He described the scene shortly before the 11 a.m. scheduled start of the event.

“There were a bunch of families on the back porch and there were folks in the parking lot,” he said.  “That’s when the police officer showed up. Dan [Carrie Dragshaw] was putting his wig on, and I was making sure that everything was ready for this wonderful Drag Queen Story Hour. That’s when they said we had to leave. So, we took a stroll down the street to a neighboring stoop — a fabulous field trip with kids, adults, and families that were with us.”

He added, “We will never give in to any sort of threat from folks who want to try to not allow us to gather in our beloved community as we deserve, as we need to, as we always will. And whatever we need to do we will.” more

By Donald Gilpin

Evan Gershkovich, a 31-year-old reporter for the Wall Street Journal and a 2010 graduate of Princeton High School (PHS), was arrested in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on Wednesday and was accused, without evidence, by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) of spying for the U.S. government.

The Wall Street Journal strongly denied the FSB allegations and demanded Gershkovich’s immediate release. After his arrest in Yekaterinburg he was transferred to a Moscow court. He has been ordered to pretrial custody until May 29.

Gershkovich’s arrest, according to The Washington Post, was apparently the first arrest of a foreign journalist for spying in Russia since the end of the Cold War more than 30 years ago.

Princeton Public Schools, describing Gershkovich as “an active and engaged member of the community,” noted in a statement Thursday, “It has been a difficult morning for Princeton High School alumni, particularly the many PHS soccer players who were close to Mr. Gershkovich.”

PHS head soccer coach and physical education teacher Wayne Sutcliffe recalled, as quoted in the statement, “I knew Evan Gershkovich well. He was captain of the Princeton High School 2009 soccer team, which won the New Jersey State Championship. I have been fielding text messages all morning from our Princeton High School soccer alumni, all of whom are trying to find a way we can help to support Evan’s family.”

The statement goes on to say that Gershkovich “is remembered by his peers as being an outstanding student and an exceptional athlete during his time at Princeton High School.”

Gershkovich went on from PHS to Bowdoin College in Maine and graduated from there in 2014.  Fluent in Russian, having grown up speaking Russian at home with his bilingual parents, Gershkovich has been living in Russia and reporting on Russia since 2017, working for the Moscow Times and Agence France-Press before joining the Wall Street Journal in January 2022.

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement on Thursday: “The detention of Evan Gershkovich is outrageous and completely unacceptable. He must be safely and immediately returned to his family. I’m working with my colleagues in the New Jersey delegation and the Administration to ensure his immediate release.”

By Donald Gilpin

In a statement issued the evening of Friday, March 24 in response to reports that Princeton High School (PHS) Principal Frank Chmiel has been put on administrative leave and recommended for nonrenewal, attorneys David P. Shroth and Ben Montenegro have written that Chmiel, who is their client, “has not done anything illegal regarding the management of Princeton High School or anything wrongful toward students, faculty, or staff.”

The statement sent by Shroth, a lawyer in the Hamilton-based firm of Destribats Campbell Staub and Schroth, LLC, points out Chmiel’s success — including many positive evaluations and references — in his previous school district in Franklin before coming to PHS in 2021.

The statement goes on to note that state law gives the Board of Education (BOE) the right to renew Chmiel’s contract, with or without the recommendation of the superintendent, after he is granted the right to address the Board.

The statement also noted that, “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. 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.”

The Princeton Board of Education released the following statement in response on Sunday afternoon:

“Mr. Frank Chmiel’s attorneys released a statement on Friday regarding his current employment status. Because Mr. Chmiel has not waived his rights 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. On the contrary, the Board dedicated over two hours at its last meeting for the community to speak about matters concerning the schools, including Mr. Chmiel, and even prioritized comments from students.

“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 controversy over Chmiel’s March 17 replacement continues in Princeton and on social media. Nearly 1,000 attended the March 21 Zoom meeting of the BOE Long Range Planning Committee, with almost all who spoke in the two hours devoted to public comment supporting Chmiel. A large turnout is anticipated for the next meeting of the full Board, which will be on March 28 at Princeton Middle School, with the public session beginning at 7:30 p.m. The BOE is expected to take up the recommendation of a new interim PHS principal, Kathie Foster, at that meeting.

Meanwhile a petition initiated by parents, calling for Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Carol Kelley’s resignation and the reinstatement of Chmiel, had 1,912 signatures as of Saturday noon and a student-initiated petition demanding Chmiel’s return had 2,939 signatures.

This story was updated on March 27.

By Donald Gilpin

Last Friday afternoon’s replacement of the Princeton High School (PHS) principal Frank Chmiel has prompted a strong reaction from students, parents, and other members of the community, with a demonstration planned for 12:30 p.m. today, March 20 at PHS, as well as  the creation of various petitions and online groups in support of Chmiel.

Following up on its March 17 announcement that the assistant principals would be taking over at PHS, the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) Board of Education (BOE) issued another statement on Sunday, March 19 in responding to “numerous inquiries” regarding Chmiel’s status. The email stated that, in accordance with state law and public employee privacy rights, the BOE could not discuss the replacement of Chmiel, but noted, “The Board unanimously supported, and unanimously supports, the superintendent and the difficult decisions that needed to be made.”

The BOE missive continued, “We know that changes in leadership during the school year are difficult, but please know that whenever these occur, the Board and the administration always engage in a lengthy deliberative process, consider the impact of those changes, and discuss those with all affected employees (as well as their legal representatives).”

The Tuesday evening March 21 previously-scheduled BOE meeting, at 6 p.m. via Zoom, will devote the first hour to public comment, with further opportunity for public comment following discussion of other items on the agenda.

The BOE email concluded with a brief appreciation of Chmiel’s contributions to PHS. “We are thankful to Frank Chmiel for his service at Princeton High School and his strong connection with students, which was especially important as the students returned from the isolation of COVID,” it stated. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Another email, sent out Sunday afternoon to PHS families from PHS Assistant Principals Rashone Johnson and Cecilia Birge, who are temporarily taking on the principal’s responsibilities, promised a smooth transition, with ongoing support for the students.

Opposition groups were not assuaged. A contingent of parents moved ahead with plans for a peaceful demonstration at the flag pole at the main entrance of PHS to demand “transparency and accountability from the superintendent and the BOE.”

One of the online petitions, which calls for the Board to rescind Chmiel’s termination, had collected more than 2,300 signatures by early Monday morning, and a parent-organized GoFundMe site had collected over $8,000 for Chmiel’s possible legal defense. Parents have also created a private Facebook site in support of Chmiel.

By Donald Gilpin

Frank Chmiel, Princeton High School (PHS) principal since July 2021, is out, according to a March 17 afternoon announcement from the Princeton Public Schools (PPS) superintendent and the 10 members of the PPS Board of Education.

Chmiel’s employment has apparently been terminated by the BOE, though the announcement sent out to PPS families, students, and staff, did not mention reasons for Chmiel’s departure, and, in accord with New Jersey Public Meeting Laws, school officials did not provide further details on this personnel issue.

The announcement from superintendent and BOE did not mention Chmiel’s name but noted that “Princeton High School assistant principals Rashone Johnson and Cecilia Birge have jointly assumed the responsibilities of the principal of PHS on a temporary basis as Princeton High School undergoes a transition in the school leadership.”

The short email continued, “We anticipate appointing an interim principal who is a veteran educator with many years of experience to take the helm and serve as principal for the remainder of the school year.  We know that change is never easy, but we have a dedicated staff who is committed to the students’ well-being, security, and educational needs. These will remain the top priority for our educators at PHS.”

Chmiel, who was not available for comment, has received widespread support from many members of the school community. A petition “In Support of Principal Chmiel” garnered about 1,200 signers in May of last year when rumors circulated that his contract might not be renewed for the 2022-23 school year.  At that time his contract was renewed through June 30, 2023. He does not have tenure in the PPS.

As rumors emerged on social media earlier this week, Chmiel proponents rallied again. Another petition, initiated by PHS students and titled “Chmiel Has Been Fired. We Demand Transparency and that the Board Rescind His Termination” had more than 1,700 signatures by late Saturday morning.

“We want to highlight how Principal Chmiel has positively impacted our school and how significant of a person he has become in our community,” the petition states.

By Donald Gilpin

There have been just two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Princeton in the past seven days and only 12 in the past 14 days. In its report today, May 29, the Princeton Health Department announced a total of 174 cases, only 59 active cases, and 90 cases recovered with isolation complete. There have been 18 total confirmed COVID-19-related deaths in Princeton and an additional seven probable (symptomatic but not tested) deaths from the coronavirus.

New Jersey health officials announced 131 new deaths today, for a total of 11,531 COVID-19-related deaths in the state, with 1,117 positive tests in the past 24 hours for a total of at least 158,844 cases.

In his press briefing today, Gov. Phil Murphy discussed ongoing reopening plans, announcing that child daycare centers will be permitted to open by Monday, June 15 with the Departments of Health and Children and Families soon releasing health and safety standards for reopening. Murphy also announced the restart of organized sports activities on June 22 and youth day camps, including municipal summer recreation programs, on July 6.

Outdoor activities, such as parks, beaches, and curbside pickup, have recently resumed, but non-essential retail stores are limited to curbside service and restaurants are permitted only takeout or delivery business. Outdoor gatherings are capped at 25 people, and indoor groups are limited to 10. more

By Donald Gilpin

The Princeton Health Department reported yesterday, May 21, a total of 17 confirmed COVID-19-related deaths in Princeton with seven additional probable (symptomatic but not tested) deaths of COVID-19 complications, 169 positive cases, 65 active positive cases, and 80 individuals recovered and released from isolation.

Recent focus has been on the long-term care facilities, where most of the COVID-19-related deaths in Princeton have occurred. Princeton Care Center has had 23 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among residents, 16 among staff members, and seven resident deaths from COVID-19 complications, according to the New Jersey Department of Health’s (NJDOH) report today, with suspected but untested cases excluded from the count. Fifteen residents and four staff members of Acorn Glen have contracted the virus, with seven resident deaths. There have been no reported COVID-related deaths of staff members in either Princeton facility.

In his coronavirus briefing from Trenton today, Gov. Phil Murphy announced 146 COVID-19-related deaths in the past 24 hours for a total of 10,985 deaths in the state, with 1,394 new positive tests and a total of 152,719 cases. New York is the only state with more COVID-19 cases and deaths than New Jersey.

In its 11^th week, the pandemic is slowing, Murphy pointed out, with daily cases, deaths, and hospitalizations continuing to drop. He has been gradually lifting restrictions, allowing parks to reopen, non-essential businesses to offer curbside services, and permitting beaches, boardwalks, and lakes to open today, with social distancing guidelines, for the start of the Memorial Day weekend. more

By Donald Gilpin

The curve continues to flatten in Princeton, as only two new cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Princeton Health Department since Monday, with a total of 161 cases, 62 active positive cases, and 79 COVID-19 patients recovered and released from isolation, according to today’s May 15 report.

There have been 15 confirmed COVID-related deaths and an additional seven probable (not tested but COVID symptomatic) deaths in Princeton.

At his Friday afternoon press briefing, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced 201 more deaths from COVID-19 in the state, bringing the New Jersey total to 10,138 deaths, with at least 143,905 total cases, 1,297 new cases reported over the past 24 hours.

Murphy emphasized that the state’s daily numbers of new deaths from COVID-19, confirmed cases, and hospitalizations continue to decline significantly, allowing an easing of restrictions and lockdown orders. more

By Donald Gilpin

The Princeton Health Department reported today, May 11, a total of 159 positive confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 69 active positive cases and 68 recovered cases with isolation complete. The Health Department has reported 15 confirmed COVID-19-related deaths and seven additional  probable (not tested, but symptoms indicate COVID infection) COVID-19 deaths in Princeton.

There have been nine COVID-19-related deaths at the Princeton Care Center, with 36 confirmed cases, according to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), and Acorn Glen assisted living facility has reported five deaths with 18 confirmed cases.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, in his press briefing today, reported 59 new deaths from COVID-19 for a total of 9,310 COVID-related deaths in New Jersey, with 1,453 new cases reported in the past 24 hours for a total of 139,945 cases.

Murphy continued to cite encouraging downward trends in numbers of new cases and numbers of COVID-19 patients in hospitals, as he emphasized continued slowing in the spread of coronavirus across the state.

The NJDOH reported today that 5,393 in Mercer County had tested positive for COVID-19 and that 340 Mercer County residents had died from COVID-19 complications.

There have recently been significant increases in testing in the state, but actual numbers of COVID-19 infections, locally and statewide, probably surpass confirmed case numbers because of testing backlogs.

For more information, visit princetoncovid.org or covid19.nj.gov.

By Donald Gilpin

The Princeton Health Department was notified today, May 8, of three additional COVID-19 deaths, which were previously noted as probable coronavirus deaths, but now confirmed by laboratory testing. Two of the deaths were from Princeton Care Center and one from Acorn Glen. The total number of reported COVID-19-related deaths in Princeton is now 14. About half of New Jersey’s confirmed coronavirus cases have been in long-term care facilities.

Backlogged reports from diagnostic laboratories over the past 24 hours resulted in a large bump in the total COVID-19 case count. With 16 additional positives, according to the Princeton Health Department,  Princeton has 157 confirmed cases, with 73 active positive cases and 63 recovered with isolation complete.

In his press briefing today, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy reported another 162 COVID-19-related deaths in New Jersey  for a total of 8,952, and 1,985 new positive tests in the past 24 hours for a total of  at least 135,454 cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey overall.

Murphy emphasized that the number of coronavirus patients in New Jersey hospitals has dropped below 5,000 for the first time in five weeks. As of Thursday night there were 4,764 New Jersey hospital patients with COVID-19 or suspected of having the virus, 1,439 in critical or intensive care and 1,089 on ventilators, both also declining numbers.

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in New Jersey is down 1,000 from last Friday and more than 40 percent less than at its peak in mid-April, according to Murphy.

Murphy continued to urge New Jersey residents to stay at home when possible and to practice vigilant social distancing, with face masks in public, in order to help continue to slow the spread of the virus. With Memorial Day weekend in just two weeks, Murphy is considering whether to lift further restrictions in the near lockdown of state businesses and facilities. more

By Donald GIlpin

Gov. Phil Murphy announced today, May 4, that all public and private schools in New Jersey will be closed for the rest of the academic year. Murphy’s decision, “guided by safety and science,” means continued remote learning through the last weeks of the school year for the state’s school children.

 Parks, beaches, and golf courses re-opened last weekend, as Murphy took the first step toward lifting restrictions, and New Jersey residents won praise for their compliance with social distancing rules. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick Callahan noted that there were challenges caused by the large crowds visiting parks and beaches, but there were no significant enforcement issues, according to law enforcement in all 21 counties. The re-opening of recreational areas came off largely without incident.

There were big crowds at state, county, and local parks, with some parks having to turn away additional visitors after reaching capacity. In addition, the attorney general’s office reported, some people had to be reminded that picnicking is not allowed under the emergency orders, and that, consistent with CDC guidelines, team sports and the use of playgrounds are also prohibited.  more