Frank Chmiel To Be Named New Principal of Princeton High School

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools has selected Frank Chmiel as the next principal of Princeton High School, the district announced Friday.

Chmiel has been serving as Principal of Franklin High School, Somerset. He will replace Jessica Baxter who moved to Randolph High School earlier this year. Assistant Principal Jared Warren has served as acting principal since Baxter’s departure.

Chmiel’s appointment will be voted on by the Princeton Board of Education on April 27 and he will assume his role on July 1.

A longtime Princeton resident, Chmiel said he was "thrilled” by the opportunity.

“When I first saw Live to Learn, Learn to Live etched into PHS's outer wall, I thought about how great it would be to work there,” Chmiel said in a statement.

“It has been many years since then, and I still embrace that motto and now I have the chance to serve as Princeton High School's Principal. I am excited about becoming the learning leader of PHS's phenomenal learning community.”

PPS began the search for a permanent principal for PHS back in January. Chmiel was selected after extensive interviews with more than a dozen candidates.

Interim Superintendent Barry Galasso said Chmiel stood out for several reasons, including his “excellent academic and leadership credentials.”

"Mr. Chmiel went through a rigorous hiring process including four rounds of interviews," said Galasso.

"Mr. Chmiel is excited to work with our PHS 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."

Chmiel served as a vice-principal at Franklin High School for five years before becoming principal.

Prior to that, that he taught Social Studies at Montgomery High School for 15 years.

During his 23 years as an educator, Chmiel has been a strong advocate for school safety as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion. He is known at Franklin High School for his enthusiasm and love of learning, promoting a positive school climate, and his collaboration with students, faculty and staff, and the community.

Chmiel has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and an M.A. in Education Leadership, Management & Policy from Seton Hall University.

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