Frank Chmiel, the principal of Franklin High School in the Franklin Township Public School District, is the next principal of Princeton High School.
Chmiel was appointed by the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education at its April 27 meeting and will take over the reins at Princeton High School on July 1. He will be paid $169,000.
Chmiel replaces former Princeton High School Principal Jessica Baxter, who resigned to become the principal at Randolph High School in the Randolph Township Schools. Assistant Principal Jared Warren filled in as acting principal while the search was under way for a new principal.
Chmiel thanked the school board for appointing him to the top administrative post at Princeton High School.
“This is so awesome. Thank you for your vote of confidence in me. I really appreciate it,” Chmiel told the school board. “I have lived in Princeton for a long time, but never in my wildest imagination did I think I would be the principal of this great school. I look forward to building relationships with students, families and teachers.”
Chmiel pledged to “do my best” to ensure that every student succeeds.
Chmiel earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a master’s degree in education leadership, management and policy from Seton Hall University.
He began his 23-year education career at Montgomery High School in Montgomery Township, where he taught social studies and Advanced Placement art history. He co-wrote “History of the Middle East, World Religions and World Studies.”
Chmiel has served as Franklin High School’s principal for three years. Prior to holding the top job at Franklin High School, he was the vice principal for five years.
The Princeton Public Schools launched its search for a new principal in January. More than a dozen candidates were interviewed by the search team, led by Interim Superintendent of Schools Barry Galasso.
Chmiel, who went through four rounds of interviews, stood out for several reasons that included his excellent academic and leadership credentials, as well as his commitment to – and knowledge of – the Princeton community, Galasso said.
“Mr. Chmiel is excited to work with our Princeton High School administrative team to help support students. He has stated that this position is the only position for which he would have left the principalship of Franklin High School,” Galasso said.
