Donato enters guilty plea, pays back $15K to CASD

James Donato in an undated file photo. The first chapter to close in the Coatesville Area School District’s texting/fund diversion scandal came Monday when former Coatesville Area High School Athletic Director James Donato pleaded guilty to charges of diverting district funds and violating the state ethics law and agreed to make some $15,000 in restitution to the school district. Appearing before...

A better day than you might think for Coatesville

In beleaguered school district, kids, community are finally coming first By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times If you watched the TV news yesterday, or read some of the local media, yesterday was a terrible day for the Coatesville area community. But I’m here to say this: I don’t agree. When we watched Richard Como — the former superintendent of schools, disgraced in just about every way possible...

Como, Donato face charges for ‘skimming’

Grand jury report slams Coatesville Area Board of Education for mismanagement, cover-up By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan details charges against former Coatesville Superintendent Richard Como and former Coatesville High School Athletic Director James Donato, as the new Coatesville Superintendent, Dr. Cathy Taschner looks on. WEST CHESTER — Following the...

NAACP chapter claims conflict of interest for president

Members ask Dr. Taylor to step aside for matters related to CASD By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times COATESVILLE – NAACP members called for Coatesville Area NAACP Chapter President Dr. Tonya Thames Taylor to recuse herself at the NAACP general meeting Monday night at City Hall, suggesting that her role as a school board member has prevented her from taking actions in the best interests of...

Attorney calls for Romaniello, Ellison to be ousted

Rep. for Hawa claims he was forced to ignore orders from DA Updated, 4:25 p.m.: adds comment from Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan By Mike McGann and Kathleen Brady Shea, The Times Acting Coatesville Area School District Superintendent Angelo Romaniello (right) is facing allegations that he countermanded directives from Chester Couynty District Attorney Tom Hogan to keep the school district’s...

One word: shameful

CASD school board disrespects residents for no good reason By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times CALN — I’ve been to a lot of Board of Education meetings over the years, some compelling, some downright boring, but until Tuesday night, I’ve never been to one that could be described with one word: Shameful. The Coatesville Area School District Board of Education endured (I wish I could use the word...

CASD School Board allows Como, Donato to resign

Despite 3-hours of public comment asking for firings, board votes 6-1 to accept resignations By Kyle Carrozza, Staff Writer, The Times A packed and angry crowd overflowed the auditorium at Coatesville Area School, Tuesday, calling for the firing of former Superintendent of Schools Richard Como and former Athletic Director Jame Donato, after it was determined the two had exchanged numerous racially...