Substitute teacher tells Franklin County board he was barred from substituting and asks for explanation

Christopher Alonzo, a longtime substitute teacher, used the board's public input period to say he received an April 16 email telling him he could no longer substitute for the district and that administrators would not explain why.

"It said due immediately that I was not to be able to substitute anymore," Alonzo said, adding he asked what the allegation was and was not told. He said a district official "hung up point blank, rudely," that he has retained all related emails and that he has consulted attorneys and Senator Bowman regarding the issue.

Alonzo said he has substituted at Franklin County schools for the last three years and described his background as a minister and firefighter, asserting he "would never hurt a child" and calling the situation "slander." He asked the board to provide the details of the accusation so he can respond and protect his reputation.

Board members did not take immediate action during the public comment period; the board chair moved on to the next agenda item after Alonzo concluded.

What the board and district said: The meeting record shows Alonzo raised the complaint publicly and that he reported contacting school attorneys and state officials. The presenter of district personnel matters later reported that personnel processes and reporting are handled through Human Resources; no on-the-record board response detailing personnel findings or steps was provided during the meeting minutes for Alonzo's comment.

Next steps: Alonzo said he has retained documentation and has engaged counsel. The transcript does not record a formal district response, a staff investigation timeline, or a personnel hearing scheduled during the meeting. The record of Alonzo's request is in the public-comment segment of the board minutes for follow-up by the superintendent or HR.