FLUSHING — The Department of Education is moving forward with its search for a permanent principal at Townsend Harris High School — as school officials, parents and students continue to demand the immediate resignation of the interim head.
The city will begin its hiring process by listing the job on Feb. 1, and will then hold interviews over the next few weeks, making a final decision within 90 days, according to officials.
Interim Principal Rosemarie Jahoda — who students, faculty, alumni and parents have demanded step down from her post — will automatically be considered for the permanent position because she is in the candidate pool, according to UFT Chapter Leader and teacher Franco Scardino.
She took over in September after longtime principal Anthony Barbetta left to take the helm at the nearby Robert F. Kennedy Community High School.
Jahoda spoke at Thursday's PTA meeting, encouraging parents to attend upcoming principal's breakfast. She didn't mention the renewed job search.
Alumni said they were excited for the hiring process, which requires input from parents, students, and teachers.
"We are encouraged that there is now a plan here and that the process is moving forward, so we can really focus on the future," the alumni association posted on its Facebook page.
A spokesman for the DOE said all applicants, and anyone in the principal's pool, will be considered for the job.
"We are reposting the position, and will hire a Townsend Harris principal in accordance with the C-30 [job search] regulation," spokesman Will Mantell said in an email.
"We continue to listen to feedback from this school community."
