Rockaway public erupts over principalhat; board says personnel matter handled internally

A sharply divided public comment period at the Rockaway Township Board of Education meeting on March 12 centered on allegations that the principal at Katharine Dwyer Elementary School wore a red "Make America Great Again" hat during a school dress-up day, prompting calls for an apology and demands for a personnel review.

"One student should never know the religious or political affiliation of their educators," said Karen Kasper, a Rockaway resident and longtime public-school employee, during the first public-comment block, arguing the principalshould apologize and that administrators should be investigated for political messaging in school settings.

Opponents of the principal described fear among multilingual families and said the hat was a divisive symbol. "This MAGA hat is a divisive symbol at this point, and it has no place in a public school," said Vanessa Colon, who identified herself as a multilingual-learner teacher and Rockaway resident, adding that some students reacted with fear during drills after the incident.

Supporters of the principal also spoke during public comment, citing decades of community service and the principals standing in the school. "He is a beloved member of our community and a firm but fair leader," said Rebecca Villarreal, president of the Dwyer PTA, who urged the board to weigh his long record of service.

The board did not provide disciplinary details at the meeting. A district official told the assembly that the board is legally prohibited from publicly discussing personnel matters and that "the matter has been addressed internally," adding that no further information would be released in open session.

Board members and several speakers urged clearer policy language about political expression by staff. Multiple public commenters said the districtshould clarify whether administrators may display political symbols on campus and ensure guidance to avoid confusing or alienating students.

The meeting record shows a range of opinions in the Dwyer community: requests for a sincere apology and systemic policy clarification, and separate appeals to First Amendment protections and recognition of the principals past work. No formal personnel action was announced at the meeting, and the board said any additional details are restricted by laws governing personnel matters.

The board has not scheduled additional public action on the incident; its public statement was limited to the legal constraints around discussing personnel and an assurance that the matter had been handled internally.