Cherry Hill High School East Principal Daniel Finkle announces resignation.
Daniel Finkle, the principal of Cherry Hill High School East, has tendered his resignation, effective November 10. This announcement was communicated to families through an email on Tuesday, shortly after a former assistant principal lodged accusations against him concerning discriminatory practices and the failure to adhere to established safety protocols in a legal suit.
In the email, Finkle disclosed his new appointment at a different high school in New Jersey, where he will take on the role of “educational leader.” Finkle formally submitted his resignation to Superintendent Kwame Morton on Tuesday morning. The cherry Hill school board subsequently approved his resignation during its meeting that evening.
Finkle expressed his gratitude for the support and trust he received during his tenure at Cherry Hill East. He noted that from the outset, the school community welcomed him with kindness and encouragement, which he credited for empowering him to lead effectively and implement changes aimed at prioritizing student welfare.
Specific details regarding Finkle’s next position were not disclosed in the email, nor was information provided about his successor at Cherry Hill East. Finkle stepped into the principal role in August 2024, coming from a twelve-year tenure at Delran High School in Burlington County. His educational background includes various teaching and administrative positions across both public and private institutions throughout New Jersey.
He replaced Dennis Perry, who held the principalship from 2016 until his retirement in 2024. Upon being hired in May 2024, Finkle’s salary was reported to be 1,765.
The Cherry Hill school district has faced scrutiny in the past few months, particularly following the dismissal of former assistant principal David Francis-Maurer. His termination led to unrest within the community, prompting student protests and heated discussions at school board meetings. In a legal action filed on Monday, Francis-Maurer accused the district of discrimination and retaliation, alleging that his firing followed his whistleblowing on Finkle’s purported misconduct regarding discriminatory actions and safety measures.
As the district navigates leadership changes and ongoing controversy, the implications of these developments on the school community remain to be seen.
