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Arnoldsburg parent Tracy Lancaster was a leader in questioning the hiring of Dr. Gene Rizzo as the principal of Arnoldsburg School.
Her husband Kyle Lancaster addressed the school board at Monday's meeting regarding the concerns of many Arnoldsburg parents. (See earlier Herald story)
Lancaster, following a three and one-half hour meeting in which Dr. Rizzo bared his personal life and answered questions from a large number of people who attended the meeting, says she is willing to be supportive of his hiring.
She says there is no information that would indicate he has had problems as a professional educator, but he did make bad choices in his personal life.
LANCASTER SAYS "NOT ONE OF MY CONCERNS UNANSWERED"
"I was happy that I attended the Board of Education meeting last night. We were given the opportunity to confront Dr. Rizzo with our many questions and concerns. Not one of my concerns went unanswered.
After hearing the correct details of the the incidents, I believe that Dr. Rizzo did make a stupid mistake and has paid for that mistake long enough. Blankenship confirmed that Rizzo had a single misdemeanor charge against him, following an incident where Rizzo entered the house of his girlfriend of five years.
I believe that the punishment did not fit the crime. I can say, that if I was put in the situation that Dr. Rizzo found himself in, I could only hope that I would be able to walk out of the house without saying a word. (For those who did not attend the meeting, I am willing to share what was said and done.)
Dr. Rizzo bared his personal life..not leaving out details. I would not / nor could not have done this in a room full of over 100 strangers. I gave him praise for simply being there and standing before the firing squad before he even answered one question.
He answered our questions with brutal truth and looked us in the eye. I appreciate that. I appreciate him giving us details that he wasn't required to share.
Some parents were concerned that Dr. Rizzo admitted he did not disclose the misdemeanor during the application process. All I can say is ... "Do you blame him?"
I believe the interview wasn't the place to open that can of worms. He wanted to give himself a chance and I believe he took responsibility last night my answering our questions.
I know that sometimes we...Houners... have trouble welcoming an out of towner into our world. Well, as for me and my family we have decided to welcome Dr. Rizzo and his many years of experience into our community.
I am excited to see the improvements and endless opportunities he may share with us and our children.
Dr. Rizzo has my respect. He earned that respect last night!
We have all made mistakes that we aren't proud of, but usually we are able stick them WAAAY in the back of our closets.
Well, Dr. Rizzo threw open his closet door and let us rummage through everything. I admire his courage... That was not an easy thing to do.
I hope and pray that we can support our new principal. I pray that parents, teachers, community members and Dr. Rizzo can work together to accomplish the one goal we all have in common... to do what is best for our children.
- Tracy Lancaster, Arnoldsburg Parent
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