MELBOURNE, Fla. — An assistant principal at Melbourne High School was arrested and charged for driving drunk early Friday morning. Police said Margaret Spinazzola was swerving on Dairy Road around 12:30am.
Spinazzola is still getting a paycheck from Brevard County schools, even though she was placed on administrative leave.
"Yeah, I got, like three forwards of her mug shot," a student said.
The speed limit on the road is 40mph. Police said Spinazzola was going 60mph and they could tell something was wrong the moment they pulled her over.
Police said her eyes were red, her speech slurred and she reeked of alcohol.
WFTV went to her home Friday, and even though the SUV Spinazzola was driving was parked outside her house, no one came to the door.
WFTV found several parents and students that had plenty to say.
"Not doing a good job of being a good role model," said a parent. "She's in a position where she should know better. We had a kid here last year who was killed drinking and driving. I think it's very, very sad."
"She tried to set an example for us and that not a good example, but people make mistakes we're all human," a student said.
The district has not decided whether Spinazzola will keep her job. A spokeswoman told WFTV, unlike other egregious offenses a DUI does not lead to an automatic firing.
The spokesperson also said, "Legally we are not allowed to impede a person's salary or income because of this crime."
So for now, Spinazzola will continue to get her paycheck. The district will review the case against her and possibly decide next week if she'll keep her job, be demoted, or fired.
WFTV
