South principal steps aside; alumni show support
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Williamsville South High School graduates protested outside the school on Monday, supporting Principal Elvin Simmons. Several made accusations about a business teacher in the school.

After months of rumors inside the halls of Williamsville South High School, action was taken Tuesday morning.

On the district Web site, a posting announced Principal Elvin Simmons' leave of absence, for "an extended length of time due to health issues."

The leave of absence was effective Tuesday.

When asked for additional comment from Superintendent Howard S. Smith, the communications office said there was none at that time.

Simmons has been the target of rumors in the school involving relationships with a teacher or teachers.

On Jan. 30, the following statement was released: "The District has received notice of charges filed with the New York State Division of Human Rights regarding employee interaction at South High School.

"These charges involve alleged conduct that was already addressed through a full and complete District investigation which led to remedial action where appropriate."

Simmons

Names and details related to the incident or incidents were not released by the district.

The district has named James Brotz as acting principal. He recently retired as superintendent of the West Seneca Central School District. He also served as West Seneca West High School's principal for 10 years.

The announcement of Simmons' leave of absence came the morning after Monday's afternoon protest by former South students.

Zabrini Reich, 21, a South grad and current student at the University of Michigan, protested outside the school in support of Simmons.

"I find it troubling that he is being falsely accused. He is the one holding this school together," she said.

Reich was joined by four to five other protestors carrying signs that point the finger of blame at business teacher Michelle Anzalone.

Megan Vacanti, a 2005 South graduate, said she supports Simmons, saying he was nothing but professional.

Anzalone said she could not comment on any legal issues involving the rumors but that she felt she was being targeted. She said an investigation took place in the school and she was called in to be part of it.

Brotz

She said one of the protestors seen outside the school is related to a close friend of Simmons'.

"It is absolutely untrue information. It's unfortunate they are trying to target me, but the truth will come out in the end," she said, adding that she is doing her best trying to continue to teach and keep the allegations out of the classroom. "I won't stoop to their level to try and damage anyone."

Anzalone said the comments being made about her are slanderous and in retaliation.

The district stated that any investigations into teachers or administrators are personnel matters and not discussed publicly.