Saugus High principal defends self in statement

SAUGUS – Saugus High School Principal Joseph Diorio defended his tenure at the school and released a statement Thursday night regarding his three-week absence.In the statement, emailed by attorneys Howard B. Lenow and Sheilah F. McCarthy, of Wayland, Diorio said he has “consistently managed the affairs of Saugus High School – financial and otherwise – in an exemplary manner” over nearly 11 years.?My job evaluations year after year, including the one completed by Superintendent (Richard) Langlois in June, 2012, indicate the highest rating – ?commendable? – across the many facets of my job,” said Diorio. “I have worked diligently to manage the student activity checking account by strictly adhering to the local administrative procedures prescribed and state law requirements as I understand them.”Langlois said in a Wednesday statement that Diorio was placed on non-disciplinary leave on Dec. 18 “pending the conclusion of an inquiry into the management of certain financial and other affairs of Saugus High School.”Town Manager Scott Crabtree hired accounting firm Powers & Sullivan to audit the high school?s student activity account based on recommendations from 2011 and 2012 town audits.Diorio said he “promptly implemented” recommendations from a 2011 audit and noted that on Dec. 11, one week prior to his leave, Langlois “formally re-appointed” him to serve as Student Activities Treasurer at the high school.Diorio also said he “regrets the rumors” of his disappearance, which he called “completely false.”The school department would not comment on Diorio?s status for three weeks, even though he had not been seen at the school since before Christmas break.?From the start of the review, I have been cooperating fully, have made myself available to the officials conducting it, and have never been out of touch with the superintendent?s office,” said Diorio. “I look forward to assisting with the review in any way I can and hope it will progress efficiently and expeditiously so that my unblemished reputation can be restored and I can return soon to leading the important business of leading Saugus High School.”Diorio?s attorneys state that he will not be making any further public comment while the review is pending.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].