Residents Rally to Save Athletic Director's Job

Although neither school officials nor Athletic Director Rob Harmer have confirmed it yet, both students and parents are reporting to Patch that Harmer has been eliminated from his job as assistant principal for athletics at the high school.

One parent, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Patch Wednesday morning that Harmer told her that his contract was not being renewed for the 2010-2011 school year based on alleged "poor performance."

While these details have not been confirmed, Patch has been told that Harmer found out about his elimination last week.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Principal David Heisey did call Patch back on the matter Wednesday morning, but said he could not make any comments since it's regarding a personnel issue.

Calls to Harmer have not been immediately returned.

Since hearing of the news, parents, students and others who support the athletic director have been rallying to his side in support. 

Residents have set up at least two Facebook pages — "Save Harmer's Job" and "Keep AD Rob Harmer" — in support of the director. The latter calls for residents "to have your voice heard AND NOW!!!! The Board needs to know that we value Mr. Harmer and his work here in our School District."

Those writing on the Facebook page call him a "respected administrator" who "has been and continues to be an asset to the school and the community. His commitment and passion to help our students succeed is what many districts can only hope for."

Another e-mail circulating amongst parents requests that they all begin thinking of ideas for how they can block his removal.

It's been reported that parents have ordered t-shirts that say something along the lines of "Save Harmer" and that students throughout the district will be wearing them collectively on an upcoming day.

Supporters of Harmer are also expected to show up in force at the Board of Education's April 29 meeting.

Stay tuned to Patch for more information as it becomes available.