Townsend Harris needs a new principal. Students, Parents, Teachers, and Alumni have all come out against Rosemarie Jahoda. But it's clear that the DOE is playing games and still trying to control what happens to Townsend Harris in secret. 

In only a few months, Ms. Jahoda has turned what was once an amazing place that middle school kids dream to attend into a terrible environment for students and teachers and everyone. People are turning on each other, students are protesting, and a DOE deputy superintendent has been caught on camera abusing student protestors. And while that happened Ms. Jahoda just sat there watching and has refused to even criticize what happened because she wouldn't stand up to her boss for her students. The PTA has called for Ms. Jahoda to be removed from Townsend Harris. Ms. Jahoda was caught cursing at the idea of having to be in the hallways greeting students. Why even be a principal then if you don't want to see students? If parents are not happy to send their children to school because they feel the environment she created is not good enough for learning and is even harmful to learning, then it is time to act.

The DOE is starting to finally find a permanent principal for the school, but it could take months and Jahoda is still here making things awful.

Ellen Fee, the assistant principal of organization, is planning to apply to be principal. With the spring term starting, Ms. Fee should be the acting principal while the hiring process happens. Jahoda had her chance.

Ms. Fee is a beloved person at Townsend. She is just the exact opposite of Ms. Jahoda. She is warm, friendly, caring and knows how to build relationships with students, families, and teachers. While Ms. Jahoda was busy making our students cry by not supporting them after a terrible event, Ms. Fee was the one they ran to for guidance and support. It has even been reported that Ms. Jahoda allegedly tried to sabotage a visually impaired student at Bronx Science because the student's parent dared question Jahoda. Ms. Fee always thinks of students first, and would never ever do something like this. Ms. Fee is always the person students go to for guidance and support.

She has been at Townsend Harris for fifteen years, and has not only helped students do all they can, she's kept the building running as an Assistant Principal. She is qualified for the job, ready for it, and she can definitely take this disgusting mess of a situation and turn it into something good. This is the best way to fix what Jahoda has broken, and it can be done so, so easily. We need someone who knows and cares for Townsend Harris, and we need this person now. How much more damage can Jahoda do while we wait for a new principal? We don't want her even in the building with us. Ms. Fee should take over now while the DOE finds a new principal, and they should consider Ms. Fee's qualifications for the permanent job while she is acting principal. She deserves to be acting principal far more than Jahoda did. What has Jahoda done before but bring schools controversy and drama? Why would the DOE want her here?

It's time for students, parents, faculty, alumni, and other community members to stand up for Ellen Fee and let the city know what an amazing person she is and how much the Townsend family will support her if she becomes acting principal. The DOE won't give up on Jahoda willingly, even after all that has happened. They say they are listening to the school community, so let's help them learn what makes Ms. Fee so special as a person and an educator. Please sign and share your stories of Ms. Fee.