Pedro Santana Principal Rally 5.12.09

May 12, 2009 A few weeks ago, Pedro Santana, the Principal of MS 391, Bronx, NY, was removed from the school building on an allegation that he prevented an incident from being reported. Mr. Santana completely denies the allegation. The parents of MS 391, are rallying in support of Principal Santana. They marched from the school on Webster Avenue to Fordham Plaza, across from the School District Office at 1 Fordham Plaza. Purposes of the march include: •Demanding for the quick return of Principal Santana to the school. •Informing the public what Principal Santana has done for the school and community. •Protesting a policy that can remove staff members from a school before any guilt can be established. Mr. Santana is a Principal who is considered responsible for turning MS 391 around. The Angelo Patri School MS 391, once considered a 'difficult' school, went up 2 levels on last year's quality review, and the school's reputation for creating a caring and dynamic environment is felt by all who enter. Pedro Santana was raised in the school's community. The son of an ex convict and a welfare mother, he became Principal of he same school that labeled him special. He served in the Peace Corps in Kenya, and eventually came to MS 391 as Principal 3 years ago. He was awarded one of 25 recipients of El Diario's Most influential Latino's of the year for 2007, and will be honored this month by the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Committee. Parents, Students and Staff marched up Webster Avenue in the Bronx, and Rallied in front of Fordham Plaza on May 12, 2009. It was covered by both Fox 5 and News 12. Posted are excerpts from both.