Protesters question absence of Elmont high principal as school year begins
Parents, alumni and students protested for the second day Thursday outside of Elmont Memorial High School, saying the district abruptly removed a popular principal just days before the start of the school year.
Thursday was the first day of school for students in the district, but Kevin Dougherty, who has served as principal for seven years, was not in his office. The district said he was on sabbatical for the entire school year, but the protesters aren't satisfied with that response and want further explanation.
A note to parents from the district dated Tuesday said Dougherty "is taking a sabbatical leave of absence for the 2022-2023 school year. Thank you for your patience during this time of transition."
On Thursday, district officials told parents in an email that Taryn Johnson, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, will serve as the acting principal "until further notice." The email from James Grossane, superintendent of the Sewanhaka Central High School District, also said, "Dr. Johnson is an experienced secondary level school administrator who has served as both an assistant principal and principal."
The district declined further comment Thursday.
High school alumnus Fenol Larock, 20, said Dougherty was a principal who cared for his students and that he had started a mentoring and youth service program called Men of Elmont.
"He has been a father figure for me in my life, not just me but for other students as well," Larock said. "The Board needs to give us answers and we need Mr. Dougherty back as principal."
Some students walked out of class Thursday and supporters chanted, "We Want Doc."
"We don't know what's going on," said junior Jordan Simpson-Fisher, 16. She said Dougherty "was a great guy. He made the school feel like more of a home rather than a school. … It's going to be a long year and a lot of us are just fighting to know why this is happening and what is actually happening. We want our principal back."
Her mother, Kim Simpson, joined the protest outside the school.
"We are out here not only to support the principal, but we are out here because we have no idea why he was relieved of his duties. If he was a bad principal … why did you have him in the school so long with our children?" she said. "We have no information."
Supporters said they plan to keep the pressure on the district and Board of Education.
Dougherty did not return a call seeking comment.
Joie Tyrrell is a Long Island native and covers education for Newsday, where she has worked since 1998.
