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High School Principal Resigns Amid Investigation

Gwendolyn Glenn/ WFAE

Hopewell High School principal John Dino Gisiano, who was suspended with pay in July, has resigned, according to CMS officials.

In a message sent to parents Tuesday night, Matt Hayes, the school’s Learning Community Superintendent said retired principal Michael Turner will serve as the Beatties Ford Road school’s interim principal.

“As we begin our search for a full-time principal, I will keep you, the Hopewell community updated,” Hayes said. “…we are committed to ensuring continuity and stability at Hopewell High School.”

Credit Gwendolyn Glenn
Hopewell High School on Beatties Ford Road

Gisiano’s resignation comes less than three weeks before schools are scheduled to open on Aug. 27. In his letter, Hayes assured parents of CMS’s confidence in Turner’s ability to “…ensure that Hopewell is ready for new and returning students, teachers and staff on the first day of school.”

Hayes did not address the reasons for Gisiano’s suspension or resignation. A letter to parents earlier this month from Hayes only said that the investigation of Gisiano did not involve any students. 

Inquiries to CMS press officials did not shed any light on the investigation. An email from that office said, "An employee’s personnel information regarding investigations or suspensions is not available for disclosure under the state’s personnel laws."

Gisiano has worked for the school district since 2005 and was appointed Hopewell's principal in 2013.

Gwendolyn is an award-winning journalist who has covered a broad range of stories for local and national media. She voiced reports for National Public Radio and for several years was a producer for NPR’s All Things Considered news program in Wash., D.C. She also worked as an on-air contract reporter for CNN and has had her work featured in the Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post.