By David Hedges, Publisher
The Times Record-Roane County Reporter
- Students arriving for the first day of classes at Arnoldsburg Elementary School could be greeted by picket lines, if the school's newly hired principal does not step down before then.
The decision to picket the school on Friday, as well as the state superintendent of schools' office in Charleston on Thursday, was made when a group of parents and community members met Tuesday to discuss the hiring of Dr. Gene Rizzo as the school's principal.
The hiring stirred controversy after it was learned Rizzo served 30 days in a Maryland jail in 2001 for actions involving a school secretary he had previously dated.
Calhoun Superintendent of Schools Ron Blankenship said Rizzo admitted his past problems when he met with parents and community members following a Calhoun County Board of Education meeting earlier this month.
"The poor man bared his soul and answered every question," said Blankenship. "People who came in wanting him lynched left feeling he deserved a chance."
Following Rizzo's legal problems he was fired as principal at Calvert Elementary School in Prince Frederick, Md.
Blankenship said Rizzo, who previously worked as a principal in Boone and Kanawha counties, was respected by parents, teachers and administrators everywhere he worked.
"I haven't found one individual that's given me anything bad to say about his professional career, including the superintendent who recommended to dismiss him," said Blankenship.
But at least some in the community remain unconvinced.
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