Following the sudden dismissal of Former PHS Principal Frank Chmiel, Dr. Kathie Foster, an educator and a strong supporter of the public school system, assumed the position of Interim Principal at Princeton High School two days before Spring Break.

Foster started her educational career as an elementary English teacher in the Robbinsville school district and fell in love with working on the curriculum. This love for curriculum brought her to the administrative side of the district, and eventually led her to the superintendent position.

“I was an elementary teacher, and I actually taught every single grade level but kindergarten,” said Foster. “I started to fall in love with middle school students. And so then I really focused on being a middle school teacher and I ended up being an English language arts middle school teacher and loved it until I took the position as assistant principal.”

Last year, Foster came out of retirement to take up the position of interim assistant superintendent for PPS. After fulfilling her role as interim assistant principal, she was called back to become interim principal in March.

“I retired as superintendent in 2020 … I was ready to just take a break, rest a bit and really find what's next for me. I did some volunteer work, [for] ‘Dress for Success,’ which is an organization that empowers women, [and also] workshops and resume building---and guess what it was all about---educating and teaching. [Following] that, I knew that I was ready to return [as] I've always been a passionate supporter of public education,” said Foster.

Foster’s transition has been well received by administrators such as Cecilia Birge, one of three PHS Assistant Principals.

“I think her transition has been seamless. Schools are not run by the individual – [they’re] run by a team. And we're very lucky that we have a really good team. She's so mindful of Princeton culture… academically, athletically, artistically, and politically,” said Birge.

Although students are only just getting to know her, she already has knowledge of the culture at PHS, working as the Assistant Superintendent last year, letting her blend into the current administrative team already at PHS.

“Dr. Foster is no stranger; she was in the district last year. Students probably did not get a chance to work with her or meet her frequently, but we administrators are very familiar with her…Her leadership is student-centered and kindness focused. She brings in a lot of mindfulness…and wants to meet the students so it's been really great,” said Birge.

Her familiarity with the PHS community has shown itself clearly to the administrators.

“There are times that as administrators, we often live in the gray area when it's time to make a decision, but because [Foster] served as superintendent and assistant superintendent for so many years, she's so familiar with the district policies and does not hesitate to make decisions. So I think I can speak for the entire team that we all feel really, really supported,” said Birge

Foster’s main goal is to have a positive school year. She places a special emphasis on mental health and how to maintain a balance between academic stress and time to regroup. Dr. Foster wants to work with the staff to make sure that everyone understands and supports students in the classroom with mental health.

“I know that the school year is almost over, but I want to make sure that students feel emotionally and physically safe, that they’re successful academically, and that they know that people care about them.”

One thing Foster loves about the Princeton community is that students are at the center. She also appreciates how passionate the educators are and how they really care about the students that they are teaching.

“It’s about activating your voice, you know, empowering students, creating student leaders to go out in the world and contribute. So, I love my work even though I didn't get to interact as much with students. I was able to interact with people and engage with students,” said Foster.

Instead of sending out morning emails, Dr. Foster will stick to her Sunday night messages.

“I know that it may be a disappointment to people, but I’m learning all of these new systems all at once and I am trying to meet with students. We are also looking into the possibility of putting the lunch menu on an app or website to make it easier [for students],” said Foster.

Foster has also made the decision that this year, students will not be required to wear lanyards, but students are given the choice to adjust to the new system early. While she believes that it would be beneficial, Foster and the Student Advisory Council decided that it would be too big a change this year.

“Students, I want to tell you, I’m here for a short time, but I’m here for you fully. I want to be visible, I’m going to champion for you and provide the best end of the year for you. I can guarantee that I am really passionate about making sure that you have a great end of the year,” said Foster.