Staten Island school faces leadership shake-up after newly appointed principal is removed

"According to a Friday letter from Staten Island District 31 Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton, obtained by the Advance/SILive.com, the school community was notified of an "important leadership transition at PS 3." "We recognize that leadership changes can raise questions, and I want to assure you that our commitment to the students, staff, and families of PS 3 remains our top priority," said Palton in the letter. Joseph O'Brien was officially welcomed to the school community in a Sept. 8 letter from Palton. He replaced Elmer Myers, who retired after 10 years at the school."

"According to concerned parents who reached out to the Advance/SILive.com, O'Brien was relieved of his duties last week. The city Department of Education confirmed O'Brien's removal on Friday, though the agency did not provide a reason for the removal or if the move was permanent. However, Friday's letter stated that an acting principal will be assigned to the school "shortly" and will be communicated to families once finalized."

"In the meantime, District 31 leadership will provide support to the school. Louis Bruschi, principal lead for strategic partnership and family and community engagement for District 31, was on site greeting families Tuesday morning. "I want to thank the entire PS 3 community for your dedication, resilience, and partnership," said Palton in the letter. "Your support and engagement are essential as we move forward together in this next chapter of PS 3." Several parents refused to comment Tuesday morning on the principal's removal. However, one parent walking past a reporter said that parents are finding the situation "quite crazy." Another parent claimed that it was fellow parents who were the reason for O'Brien's removal."

Staten Island District 31 Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton notified the PS 3 community of an important leadership transition. Joseph O'Brien, welcomed as principal on Sept. 8 to replace Elmer Myers, was relieved of his duties last week. The city Department of Education confirmed the removal but did not provide a reason or say whether the change is permanent. An acting principal will be assigned shortly and families will be informed once finalized. District 31 leadership is providing support, with Louis Bruschi greeting families on site. Several parents expressed confusion and differing views about the cause of the removal.

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