CANNELTON, IN (WFIE) -
The Cannelton School Board has removed Al Chapman as school Superintendent after members say he failed to manage the schools finances.
They elected Al Sibbitt to the position, but now 14 News has learned he is in trouble with the law.
Alva Sibbitt says he's innocent of charges of intimidation, resisting law enforcement and criminal recklessness after an incident with an Indiana State Trooper a year ago.
Many are questioning why he is the school's Interim Superintendent.
"That's totally absurd. They need to widen they're horizons, take applications to find someone worthy of being around the kids," says Chad Vogt, a parent of two.
"Get rid of him right now, before he starts," says parent Paul Little.
Friday night, Cannelton parents said they are outraged after Sibbitt, originally a consultant for the school, is voted in as the new Interim Superintendent.
Last December, troopers say they tried to pull Sibbitt over for not wearing a seat belt. Troopers say he refused to stop, ignoring two stop signs before pulling over.
Officials say after talking with Sibbitt, a trooper was returning to his car when Sibbitt suddenly reversed his vehicle into the police cruiser.
Troopers say Sibbitt was then arrested after a struggle.
"That's absurd, I'm not impressed. I don't think he should be superintendent," Vogt said.
Sibbitt says his trial is set in Crawford County in February.
Sibbitt says he's innocent and he has filed a civil suit against Mitchell Community Schools after they terminated his 3.5 year contract with them after the incident.
Before this, Alva Sibbitt worked in the Paoli Community School Corporation for decades, but some Cannelton parents say they don't want to see him in their schools, at least until the case is over.
"They should have not even considered him. It's real simple," Little said.
"They should find a better candidate for the job, most definitely," said Vogt.
Sibbitt has been working as a consultant for the school over the last couple months.
Sibbitt says all school board members were aware of the situation when they voted him into the Interim Superintendent's position last night.
Those board members issued no comment Friday night.
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