Atlantic City High School Principal Indicted in Child Abuse Case

In a troubling development for Atlantic City, the principal of its high school, Constance Days-Chapman, has been indicted on multiple charges, including official misconduct and child endangerment. The indictment, announced by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, stems from allegations that Days-Chapman failed to report suspected child abuse involving the daughter of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small.

The case has sent shockwaves through the community of Atlantic City, a resort town with a population of approximately 38,497 as of 2019. Founded in 1854, the city is renowned for its casinos, boardwalk, and beaches, but has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including economic difficulties and now, this high-profile legal case.

According to the prosecutor's office, the events unfolded in December 2023, when the then 15-year-old daughter of Mayor Small reportedly informed Days-Chapman about continuous headaches resulting from alleged beatings by her parents. Despite New Jersey's stringent child abuse reporting laws, which have been in place since 1971, Days-Chapman allegedly did not notify the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, as required by both state law and district policy.

The situation escalated on January 22, 2024, when the girl disclosed the abuse to another school staff member, mentioning her previous report to Days-Chapman. When confronted, Days-Chapman denied knowledge of the abuse but promised to report it. Instead, she allegedly met with Mayor Small and his wife, La'Quetta Small, who serves as the superintendent of Atlantic City schools.

This case has brought attention to the city's governance structure and the interconnected relationships within its administration. Atlantic City operates under a mayor-council form of government, and this incident has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the handling of sensitive matters within the city's leadership.

The charges against Days-Chapman, who is known by the nickname "Mandy," have been vehemently denied by her attorney, Lee Vartan. In a statement, Vartan asserted, "Mandy is innocent of the charges in the indictment. We provided the prosecutor's office with incontrovertible evidence of her innocence. The prosecutor ignored it; the jury will not."

This case is not the first time Atlantic City has faced controversy involving its officials. The city has a history of corruption scandals, which have at times overshadowed its rich cultural heritage, including its role as the inspiration for the U.S. version of Monopoly and its long-standing association with the Miss America pageant.

The allegations against Mayor Small and his wife, which came to light in April 2024, are particularly disturbing. The mayor is accused of physically abusing his daughter, including hitting her with a broom and punching her, causing injuries and loss of consciousness. Both Mayor Small and his wife have denied any wrongdoing.

As this legal process unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child protection laws and the responsibility of educators and officials to report suspected abuse. The case also highlights the complex dynamics that can arise in small communities where personal relationships and professional duties may intersect.

"Mandy is innocent of the charges in the indictment. We provided the prosecutor's office with incontrovertible evidence of her innocence. The prosecutor ignored it; the jury will not."

As Atlantic City continues to grapple with this unfolding situation, the community faces the challenge of maintaining trust in its institutions while ensuring justice and protection for its most vulnerable members. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the city's leadership and its approach to child welfare in the future.