New Vernon principal leaves suddenly after a few weeks

Jessica Bader, the recently appointed principal of James H. Vernon School in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District, “will be away from the building for some time,” according to an email sent to parents by district Superintendent Francesco Ianni on Sept. 28. Her departure was not explained, nor was whether “away from the building” meant that she had been fired, took a leave of absence or was placed on administrative leave.

The Herald’s attempts to reach Bader were unsuccessful.

Bader, who lives in Nesconset, was hired by the district last year as the director of humanities, and had been chosen to serve as principal of Vernon this summer. Anastasia Smith, the school’s assistant principal, will serve as principal for the indefinite future.

“The only thing I can say is that I, unfortunately, can’t discuss any personnel matters,” Ianni said. “It’s one of those things that I can’t comment on, but what I can comment on is how well our students are doing, and how well they are adjusting to the new school year.”

Several parents indicated that they did not feel comfortable commenting on the issue. But there are many rumors circulating, and residents have shared their opinions on Facebook.

Vicki Walsh, an Oyster Bay town councilwoman and a former president of the district’s parent association, expressed her concern on behalf of the students.

“The only comment I have is that I am deeply troubled by the reports coming out of the school district,” Walsh said, “and believe it’s of utmost importance to protect the safety of our children.”

Bader, 51, was an assistant principal at George J. Ryan Middle School 216, in Manhattan, for nine years.

She is a former fifth-grade teacher at the Bronx’s P.S. 175 City Island, a kindergarten through eighth grade school.

One of Bader’s former students, Erin Neeson, recalled having her as teacher at P.S. 175 in 1997.
Although Neeson has not spoken with Bader for decades, she remembered her fondly as a teacher.

“She was a great teacher — she was very involved with the students,” Neeson said.
“She used to help kids with the talent shows and stuff. She was one of the greatest teachers we ever had.”

Bader also appears to have worked at East Meadow High School in the early 2000s, according to a photo from the school’s 2005 East Meadow yearbook posted to Facebook. In it she is listed as being a member of the English department. She did not disclose having worked there in a previous interview with the Herald. The East Meadow school district was unable to confirm Bader’s employement and why she left by press time.

Below is the statement in part that Ianni released Thursday to parents in the district announcing Bader’s absence from Vernon School:

“I am writing to notify you that Jessica Bader, principal of the James H. Vernon School, will be away from the building for some time. My main priority is to alleviate any concerns that you may have regarding the day-to-day operation of the James H. Vernon School and to reassure you that all students will continue to learn in the most educationally sound and safe environment.

Anastasia Smith, the current assistant principal of James H. Vernon will be serving as acting principal while Ms. Bader is out of the building. Ms. Smith will also have the strong support of the entire central office team in conjunction with my direct supervision and presence in the building.”

Then last Friday, an additional email was sent to parents from Ianni. In part it read:

“Today I was fortunate to spend my day at Vernon to ensure the day went smoothly.

“I spent time rotating between classes and saw our amazing students and staff in action.
I understand that the notification sent home yesterday regarding building leadership was concerning to some members of our school community. Although I am unable to share personnel matters, I would like to reassure you that I will be in the building every day to support the students, along with the assistant principal, Ms. Smith.”