Carson Middle School principal ousted

Carson Middle School vice principal Dan Saddler will take over as interim principal until a replacement can be found for Sam Santillo, who was removed from the job after pleading guilty to drunken driving last month.

Santillo, 45, pleaded guilty July 16 to a May 28 drunken driving arrest and was sentenced to 42 hours of community service and about $700 in fines.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol report, Santillo was pulled over for speeding on Highway 395 in north Reno. The trooper reportedly found an open container of alcohol and less than an ounce of marijuana inside the car.

In a joint statement released Monday evening, Santillo and the Carson City School District announced he would be leaving his post as principal.

He will maintain his $100,000 salary while serving as the district's administrator of the Medicaid program.

Superintendent Richard Stokes said it was a difficult decision, but the district wanted to retain Santillo's expertise.

"Mr. Santillo has been an excellent employee for the school district for 20 years," Stokes said. "He has a lot of knowledge, skills and abilities that will offer additional benefit for the school district."

Santillo attended Carson City schools from the second grade on, graduating from Carson High School in 1982.

He spent the first nine years of his career as a teacher then served as vice principal of Eagle Valley Middle School as well as Carson Middle School.

He took over as principal of Carson Middle School in 2003 when Tom Badillo retired after 25 years.

In 2007, he was named administrator of the year by the Nevada Association of School Boards.

Saddler will take over immediately the duties of principal, overseeing the everyday tasks as well as instituting the school's new Positive Behavior Support program that includes the district's first and only dress code.

"He's going to be able to be on the spot to answer any questions about the program and the institution in general," Stokes said.

Because of a district policy requiring that principals have at least three years administrative experience, Saddler is not eligible to apply for the position.

"He'll keep the business side going and take care of all the activities principals do while we conduct the search," Stokes said.

Santillo's reassignment does not mean he will never return to a school setting.

"This assignment is meant to assist the school district in its work," Stokes said. "I believe that if the position goes well for all parties, at some point Mr. Santillo could be considered for any administrative position for which he is qualified."