Message from Superintendent: Arrest of PES Principal Paul

Hudson
Message from Superintendent Charles G. Wilson
RE: Arrest of Portal Elementary School Principal Paul Hudson
The Effingham County Sheriffs Department notified me Thursday, evening, after 9:00 p.m., that
they had arrested Paul Hudson, principal of Portal Elementary School, for solicitation in their
jurisdiction. I am deeply saddened and disturbed by this information. His alleged actions are not
in keeping with the core values we expect all of adults and students in our district.
Mr. Hudson has been employed by the Bulloch County Board of Education since 1999. He
served as Portal Elementarys assistant principal from 1999-2001, and became principal in 2001.
Our school district has never received any complaints of this nature about Mr. Hudson from the
public, parents or students. He has never been reprimand by our school system for this type of
behavior. Mr. Hudson and all of our employees submit to full state and federal criminal
background checks prior to employment and then every five years thereafter. Mr. Hudsons
background checks have never revealed criminal behavior. His last background check was in
February 2012.
My first priority moving forward is to ensure the safety of all the children in our care, especially
those at Portal Elementary School. Mr. Hudson has been immediately suspended from all of his
duties pending completion of legal proceedings.
I met with the Portal Elementary School faculty and staff this morning. I have appointed the
schools assistant principal, Laurie Mascolo, as the acting principal to lead the school.
Our district personnel will offer counseling and support to the students, faculty and staff at the
school. I will reach out to parents and the Portal Elementary family and work with them to
ensure we are ready to meet and prepare their children for success from day one and beyond.
If anyone has any information pertinent to this investigation, they are encouraged to contact the
Effingham County Sheriffs Department. We always encourage anyone to report any suspicious
behavior to law enforcement.
Posted by: Hayley Greene
Published:7/29/1
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