Santillo removed as CMS principal

After being convicted last month of driving under the influence of alcohol, Sam Santillo, 45, is being removed as principal of Carson Middle School.

"Based on recent events and following a district investigation, Mr. Santillo is voluntarily being re-assigned to complete a variety of administrative tasks for the district," a press release issued Monday night stated.

Santillo was arrested May 28 on U.S. 395 in north Reno after a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper pulled him over for speeding, according to an NHP report. The trooper found an open container of alcohol and less than an ounce of marijuana inside the car.

He pleaded guilty last month in Reno Justice Court to driving with a .136 blood-alcohol content, resulting in a misdemeanor, 42 hours of community service and about $700 in fines.

Santillo said he also will have to attend a victim impact panel and that his driver's license has been suspended for a minimum of 90 days.

Superintendent Richard Stokes had said the district would conduct its own investigation into the matter.

The district and Santillo jointly released the statement Monday.

"Information from the internal investigation, state law, district policy, the employee association contract, and Mr. Santillo's productive work history were all used to arrive at this decision," the statement read.

"The process of hiring a new principal at Carson Middle School will begin immediately," it concluded.