Dr. Constance Days-Chapman Resumes role as Atlantic City High School Principal
Constance "Mandy" Days-Chapman returns as principal of Atlantic City High School with students and staff cheering her on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. Photo by Atlantic City Public Schools.
BY MARK TYLER | For AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City High School Principal Dr. Constance Days-Chapman returned to the building as principal on Tuesday, January 27 after being under a legal cloud for nearly two years.
Days-Chapman had previously been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into
allegations that she failed to report an accusation of child abuse involving Mayor Marty S. Small Sr. and Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office ultimately declined to pursue a trial after the mayor, the plaintiff in the related case, was fully exonerated following a jury trial in December. The prosecutor’s office dropped charges against La’Quetta Small and Days-Chapman this month as a result and reexamination of the case.
The principal was greeted on Tuesday in pep-rally style, complete with cheerleaders, the marching band, and other students as well as her friends and family. Students wore T-shirts and made signs expressing how important Dr. Days-Chapman is to the school community.
“I look forward to reconnecting with our staff and our students and continuing the work that
we’ve started,” said Days-Chapman in a statement released by Atlantic City Schools. “I’m elated. This shows the love that they have for me and the love that I have for them.”
Days-Chapman began her day meeting with the superintendent before returning to Atlantic City High School, where she was surprised with a welcome ceremony.
“We’re excited about her return to the high school,” La’Quetta Small said in a statement. “We look forward to her continued leadership.”
Donald Harris, director of secondary education, who served as the school’s lead administrator during her absence, praised Dr. Days-Chapman upon her return.
“For the last 22 months, her name has been publicly dragged through the mud, and she has come through it like the phoenix,” Harris said. “She handled it with grace and class, and now she is back in her rightful place at Atlantic City High School as principal. We are proud to welcome her back. Now let’s get to work.”
Days-Chapman earned her doctorate degree during the time she was away as the investigation against her continued.
“I used this time wisely, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to the future work at
Atlantic City High School,” Days-Chapman said. “I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of
love, support, and prayers I have received over the last nearly two years.”
Days-Chapman’s father, Rev. Collins Days, was elected District 1 Atlantic County Commissioner in November after being appointed to the post last September. He replaced Ernest Coursey, who died of cancer.
Days-Chapman is also active of the Atlantic County Democratic Committee and served as Mayor Marty Small’s campaign manager. Small won re-election for Atlantic City mayor in November with more than 60% of the vote.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Mark Tyler is a communications specialist with Atlantic City Schools. FRNJ Editor Clyde Hughes contributed to this report.
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