The Atlantic City Board of Education has appointed Donald Harris as acting principal of the high school, following the departure of former principal Constance Days-Chapman. Days-Chapman has been charged with official misconduct, hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice, and failure to report child abuse. These charges are connected to allegations of child abuse against the city’s superintendent of schools, La’Quetta Small, and her husband, Mayor Marty Small Sr., who have both denied any wrongdoing.
Harris will take over the role of acting principal effectively immediately. The board voted on his appointment during their meeting on Tuesday. Harris has previously served as the high school’s director of secondary education.
Meanwhile, the board has remained silent on the child abuse allegations against La’Quetta Small and Mayor Small. School board president Shay Steele declined to comment on La’Quetta Small’s employment status, citing the need to keep personnel matters confidential.
Prosecutors allege that Days-Chapman attempted to obstruct an investigation into the Smalls after being informed of the alleged abuse. She has close ties to the family, having led Marty Small’s reelection campaign. It is unclear whether Days-Chapman’s departure was voluntary.
Days-Chapman was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for her first appearance, but her legal team waived the hearing. She will now appear in court on May 20.
The board’s meeting on Tuesday was the first since La’Quetta Small and Mayor Small were charged. Both individuals were present at the meeting, with Marty Small seated close to his wife. The couple is scheduled to appear in court on May 15.
The allegations against Days-Chapman, La’Quetta Small, and Mayor Small have cast a shadow over the Atlantic City school district. The board has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, and it must take these allegations seriously. The ongoing investigations and court proceedings will hopefully shed light on the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
