Coatesville district suspends two staff members

The Coatesville Area School District has suspended its assistant superintendent and a custodial supervisor.

Officials would not discuss the suspensions of the assistant superintendent, Angelo Romaniello, and supervisor Matt Como, but the moves come as the Chester County district continues to grapple with the fallout from investigations - both internally and by the district attorney - into its management.

Romaniello served as interim superintendent last year after the resignation of Superintendent Richard Como in the wake of the discovery of racist and sexist text messages on his district-issued phone. Matt Como is the son of the former superintendent.

Romaniello's lawyer, Robert Donatoni, said Friday that he had no comment on his client's employment status. Matt Como could not be reached for comment.

Both men will be paid during their suspension.

"These employees are being given an opportunity to respond to allegations, as required by due process of law," said Superintendent Cathy Taschner in a letter to parents and community members Thursday.

"The district will continue to move forward in the appropriate manner based on responses provided by the employees. 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."