Esther Shali-Ogli, a veteran principal at Juan Morel Campos Secondary School in Williamsburg, was abruptly removed from her position, with Superintendent David Cintron accusing her of failing to inform him about an aide’s arrest. Shali-Ogli claims that she was targeted for her open support for Israel in a district where there is significant support for Palestine. She feels excluded from meetings where anti-Israel sentiment is espoused and believes that she is being unfairly treated because of her Jewish identity.
Shali-Ogli’s removal began on March 1st when she was told by a deputy superintendent to pack her belongings and leave the building, without a clear explanation as to why. She later learned that she was under investigation for an incident involving a 14-year-old student reporting that a school aide had shared a “sex video” on his cell phone. Shali-Ogli immediately reported this to the appropriate authorities, including the city’s Special Commissioner of Investigation, as mandated by DOE rules. However, she later faced accusations from Cintron that she had not informed him of the situation, which she claims is untrue.
Despite Shali-Ogli’s efforts to follow protocol and report the incident promptly, she was removed from her position without a clear reason provided by Cintron. She was reassigned to report from home pending a disciplinary process, which she had never experienced in her almost 24 years as an educator. Former District 14 superintendent Alicja Winnicki praised Shali-Ogli for her work in improving Juan Morel Campos, which was struggling before her tenure, and helping the school achieve a good standing.
Shali-Ogli has been lauded by students and staff for her dedication to her students, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds and face various challenges. One graduate credits her with helping them gain self-confidence and pursue their passion for theater. Despite her removal, Shali-Ogli’s supporters express a desire for her to return to the school, citing her positive impact on the community. The Department of Education has not provided a clear explanation for Shali-Ogli’s removal, stating only that they expect all educators and administrators to report any information that impacts student safety promptly.
The circumstances surrounding Esther Shali-Ogli’s removal from Juan Morel Campos Secondary School have raised questions about potential bias and discrimination, with Shali-Ogli herself attributing her treatment to her support for Israel. The lack of transparency in the process and the vague reasoning given for her removal have left many in the community concerned about the fairness of the situation. Shali-Ogli’s supporters continue to advocate for her reinstatement, highlighting the positive impact she has had on the school and its students. As the investigation into the incident involving the school aide continues, the future of Shali-Ogli’s career remains uncertain.
