Superintendent Is Still Not Suspended From Atlantic City Schools

One word immediately cones to mind.

Disgraceful.

The Superintendent of the Atlantic City Public Schools system is still not suspended from her position … despite having been charged with various child abuse crimes.

Shay Steele, President of the Atlantic City Board of Education has only thus far said that the Atlantic City Board of Education meets on April 23, 2024.

That's still 6 days away from now.

La’Quetta Small was criminally charged by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office with:

• 2nd degree endangering the welfare of a child.
• 3 separate counts of disorderly persons simple assault.

La’Quetta Small’s husband, Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small has been criminally charged with:

• 2nd degree endangering the welfare of a child.
• 3rd degree aggravated assault
• 3rd degree terroristic threats
• disorderly persons simple assault.

Previously, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office criminally charged Atlantic City High School Principal Constance Days-Chapman with:

• second-degree Official Misconduct.
• third-degree Hindering Apprehension of Another.
• fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice.
• disorderly persons Failure to Report Child Abuse.

Days-Chapman was promptly suspended after the criminal charges were filed against her. we have been told that Days-Chapman is currently suspended with pay.

The Atlantic City Public Schools website still lists La’Quetta Small as Superintendent.

The website attributes these comments about La’Quetta Small:

Working with children and serving the community bring her a great sense of fulfillment. She is dedicated to her profession and works diligently to ensure that staff and students Strive for Excellence Every Day in Every Way. She prides herself on leading by example and believes that, "Education is not preparation for life, but education is life itself." ~ John Dewey

Small became Superintendent of the Atlantic City Public Schools system on January 1, 2022, when the Atlantic City Board of Education gave her a 4 1/2 year employment contract.

It is inconceivable that a person can have criminal child abuse charges filed against them and remain the active superintendent of public schools.

With both Marty and La’Quetta Small criminally charged … It is time for the state of New Jersey to step in and demonstrate leadership in Atlantic City.

SOURCES: Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and Shay Steele public comment.