The sudden removal of Principal Valerie Macey from P.S. 705 Brooklyn Arts and Science Elementary School in Crown Heights has left many families in shock and confusion. Macey, a beloved figure in the school community, claims she was ousted for “daring to speak out against injustice,” a statement that has sparked both support and concern among parents and educators alike.
Over 100 parents have signed a petition demanding Macey’s reinstatement, expressing their dismay at the abrupt decision. The school, which serves a diverse community, became the center of controversy last school year over lesson plans on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which some viewed as critical of Israel. Additionally, the school hosted its fourth annual Pride parade in June, further bringing it into the spotlight.
The specific reasons for Macey’s dismissal remain unclear, as both her public comments and statements from education officials have been vague. “My time as your principal is coming to an abrupt end. This isn’t a farewell; it’s a battle cry,” Macey wrote in a now-deleted social media post. She hinted that her removal was due to her willingness to challenge the status quo, saying she had “crossed paths with those who value conformity over courage, and silence over truth.”
Parents who have supported Macey are baffled by the lack of transparency surrounding her dismissal. Chio Valerio-Gonzalez, a parent with two children at P.S. 705, expressed her frustration: “We’re 100% behind Ms. Macey. I don’t understand what she could have possibly done. We were told no criminal activity, no children put in harm, so it’s just hard for me to understand what this reason is that I’m not allowed to know — but should trust — for removing somebody.”
Valerio-Gonzalez recounted how Macey had positively impacted her family, particularly when one of her children faced a health scare. Macey’s initiative to start a cheerleading team helped restore her daughter’s self-esteem. The thought of telling her daughter that Macey would no longer be there was heart-wrenching. “I think she’s going to be absolutely devastated,” Valerio-Gonzalez said.
Macey’s tenure as principal began just before the pandemic, and she quickly gained recognition for her enthusiastic communication with families. Her leadership during the challenging 2021-22 school year, when students returned to classrooms after lockdowns, was marked by creative initiatives such as rolling out a 30-foot red carpet to welcome students back—a gesture that earned her national media attention.
Under her leadership, P.S. 705 transitioned from a school designated as in need of “comprehensive support and improvement” to one in good standing, according to state education records. Macey also revitalized the school’s dual-language program and launched a 3-K program in the building.
However, the academic year saw the school embroiled in controversy when a pro-Israel group highlighted a lesson plan on Palestine by two third-grade teachers at P.S. 705. One teacher had publicly thanked “Woke Kindergarten” for providing resources, including a remix of the children’s song “Wheels on the Bus,” which referred to the wheels on an Israeli tank. Although there was no evidence that the controversial version of the song was taught at the school, the story gained traction in the media, leading to a tense period for the school.
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In June, the school’s LGBTQ+ Pride parade added to the scrutiny, as children participated in events like a fashion show and drag performance, holding signs with messages such as “love is love” and “we are all equal.” The parade, while celebrated by many, also drew criticism from more conservative voices.
Complicating matters further is the declining enrollment in School District 17, where P.S. 705 is located. The district, which includes areas like Prospect Heights, East Flatbush, and Crown Heights, has seen a 16% decrease in enrollment over the past five years, with P.S. 705 experiencing a 41% drop in student numbers. The shrinking student body puts additional financial and operational strain on the school, potentially contributing to the decision to remove Macey.
Despite the outcry from parents, spokespeople for the Education Department have remained tight-lipped, only stating that the employee has been treated fairly. “Any claim to the contrary is unfounded,” said Nathaniel Styer, the department’s press secretary.
The principal’s union has not commented on the situation, and Macey, who remains an employee of the Education Department, has indicated that she needs legal counsel before making any further public statements. Her LinkedIn profile currently lists her as “open to work,” a poignant reminder of the uncertain future she now faces.
