Wheatley Principal Ronald Rodriguez and Chief High School Officer Dana Bost were arrested in Alabama on marijuana possession charges. It happened nearly two months ago when the pair was driving through Prichard, Alabama.
The situation has parents concerned.
"He's trying to tell us, 'Don't do drugs,' and that's what my daughter told me," said Wheatley parent Michelle Williams. "He's teaching them to do drugs, basically. And what does a parent say to that?"
Bost is charged not only with marijuana possession, but also possession of a controlled substance. Rodriguez is charged with marijuana possession.
Both made bail and made it back to Houston. HISD says Rodriguez had been on the job, but as of Monday, no more.
Below is a statement from HISD on the arrests:
- Chief High School Officer Dana Bost and Wheatley High School Principal Ronald Rodriguez are no longer with the district, effective immediately.
A national search for a new Chief High School Officer is underway. In the interim, Chief Middle Schools Officer Michael Cardona will assume responsibility for this role, overseeing both middle and high schools until a permanent replacement is hired.
An internal and external search is being conducted to find a new principal at Wheatley High School. In the interim, Special Assignments School Support Officer Richard Barajas will serve as administrator in charge of the high school. A 22-year veteran administrator, Mr. Barajas' focus is on helping campuses maintain student learning and administrative operations during leadership transition periods.
We can't comment further because these are personnel matters. However, we do want to thank the Wheatley community for their continued cooperation and support as we work to maintain our focus on teaching and learning and ensuring that both continue uninterrupted.
The arrests are the talk of the campus.
"He really cared about the kids, and I don't know what's going on, but I pray for him," student Demisha Clark said.
"He's supposed to be the principal, giving us good advice, and he's supposed to be our role model," student Alexander Flores said.
We will provide you with additional information as we have it.
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