More allegations, departures

2 employees placed on administrative leave while school board proceeds on lawsuit

CALN » Two Coatesville Area School District employees were placed on administrative leave last week at the same time the school board filed a lawsuit against two ex-administrators.

Assistant Superintendent Angelo Romaniello and facilities worker Matthew Como, the son of former Superintendent Rich- ard Como, were placed on administrative leave effective last week.

Romaniello’s attorney, Robert Donatoni of West Chester, declined comment on the employment status of his client Friday. Attorney Paul Rubino, who’s representing Matt Como, also declined comment.

Distric t Superintendent Cathy Taschner did not release the names of the employees in the message sent to parents Thursday night. School district officials responded Friday to a right-to-know request submitted by the Daily Local News checking on the employment status of Matt Como and Romaniello.

“These employees are being given an opportunity to respond to allegations, as required by due process of law.”

— Cathy Taschner, superintendent

They confirmed both were placed on leave with pay.

“These employees are being given an opportunity to respond to allegations, as required by due process of law,” Taschner said in a message to parents sent Thursday night. “While I am certain that there will be many questions as we move through the next few weeks, I again ask for your patience and understanding concerning the privacy constraints that regulate the timing on the release of information.”

There was no indication given by the school district about what allegations were made that forced the school district to place the two on administrative leave.

Sources say both will face questioning related to allegations made sometime in the next few weeks.

It’s unclear if termina- tion will be the end result.

The district immediately implemented administrative adjustments accordingly. Taschner said some employees “have been temporarily reassigned” while other responsibilities were divided between staff.

Romaniello was placed on administrative leave once before in April “pending the outcome of an investigation being conducted by county and state officials working in conjunction with (the school district),” according to a news release issued explaining the administrative move.

The investigation was not related to the texting incident that transpired last year forcing Richard Como and former high school Director of Athletics and Activities Jim Donato to resign last year.

The school board unanimously approved Thursday night to take legal action against Richard Como and Donato.

Taschner also a nnounced the confiscation more than 50 district-is- sued cell phones as a part of an investigation searching for additional inappropriate text messages and unauthorized service purchases.

There’s no indication that Romaniello and Matt Como’s forced leave is a result of information uncovered when phones were confiscated. For updates, “Like” Daily Local News staff writer Kristina Scala’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/KristinaScalaDLN.