High School Principal Suspended In Stamford: Report

STAMFORD, CT — Westhill High School Principal Michael Rinaldi was suspended last month after speculating on social media that school would not reopen this year, the Stamford Advocate reports. Rinaldi was sent a letter from the district informing him of his suspension, which was obtained by the paper.

According to the Stamford Advocate, Rinaldi shared his opinion, without approval, that schools could remain closed until the end of the school year due to the new coronavirus during a March 19 Instagram Live broadcast on his page. The letter also said Rinaldi must have all of his communication to students, staff and parents reviewed prior to distribution.

Patch has reached out to Superintendent Tamu Lucero and Stamford Public Schools Public Affairs Officer Sharon Beadle for further information. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Stamford public schools have been closed since Friday, March 13, as the nation continues to grapple with the spread of the new virus, also referred to as COVID-19. On March 23, Gov. Ned Lamont announced schools in Connecticut would remain closed until at least April 20.

During the closure, Stamford students have been engaged in distance learning from their homes.

See also: Stamford Coronavirus Updates: Schools Change Building Procedures

• Stamford Schools Providing 'Grab And Go' Meals During Closure

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

Read the full Stamford Advocate story here.