ARNOLDSBURG SCHOOL OPENS "QUIETLY AND ORDERLY" - Blankenship Trying To Resolve Problems

(08/26/2005)

No problems this morning at Arnoldsburg's opening

State Police and the Calhoun Sheriff's Department
were at the school in case of disturbances

Students getting off buses and accompanied by parents
seemed excited about returning to school

Arnoldsburg students returned to school this morning with no problems reported, following a two week controversy about the hiring of the school's principal, Dr. Gene Rizzo.

A group of parents who have been protesting Rizzo's hiring had indicated they might picket the school. That did not happen.

"School opened quietly and orderly," said superintendent Ron Blankenship, who was at the school early this morning.

State Police and the Calhoun Sheriff's Department were on scene in case of disturbances that would affect the operation of the school.

"I understand the concerns of parents regarding Dr. Rizzo's hiring," said Blankenship.

"We are trying hard to work through these problems," he concluded.