More than 200 students, teachers and parents chanted outside an Astoria high school on Monday, making it clear that they want their principal gone.
Critics have alleged that Namita Dwarka, principal of William Cullen Bryant High School, neglected special-needs students, took away math and science programs and altered the school’s grading standards to improve its graduation rates.
The Department of Education has been notified of the allegations, protesters said, but so far no action has been taken.
A handful of students said the principal threatened them, warning they would not take part in graduation if they attended Monday’s rally.
Teachers told the Daily News Dwarka has doctored their performance records, canceled their after-school programs and fired them from coaching positions when they’ve spoken out in opposition to her practices.
“This is the end of my 30th year teaching here. No principal has ever treated staff like garbage like this one does,” said teacher Mary Bozoyan, 51, who attended the high school herself. “Everyone’s waiting for the next ax to drop on their head.”
Department of Education spokeswoman Marge Feinberg declined to specifically address the allegations.
“We take these complaints seriously and will continue to work with our school community,” she said.
