WAYNESBORO – Summitview Principal Steven Pappas had his opportunity to speak on a Friday, Jan. 30, hearing at Hooverville Elementary School. A crowd of over 200 had packed the auditorium and hundreds more watched via live stream in anticipation of finally hearing what Pappas had to say.
Pappas, who is on administrative leave from the school until a decision has been made on whether to demote him to his former role as a teacher, spoke for over three hours. His attorney questioned him about each allegation which included comments made about cafeteria food, the handling of an emergency situation, the handling of the school library reset, alleged comments made about the teachers union, and his previous disciplinary actions dating all the way back to 2018.
Pappas presented his defense in a calm and professional manner but got emotional when discussing his relationship with his students and staff. At times having to pause to collect himself before giving his response. He also became emotional when speaking of his daughter, who had recently spoken up for her father at a school board meeting.
In addition to his defense of the accusations made against him, Pappas was also presented with his annual performance reviews from the 2024-2025 school year, where he received high marks in every area and showed marked improvement in goal achieving tasks.
When asked if he wanted to resign from his position, Pappas stated firmly that he did not. He stated that he was eager to get back to work because “he likes his job” and that he “feels blessed that he is able to help people.” Pappas stated that when he first arrived in the Waynesboro district in 2013, he felt like an outsider, felt like he wasn’t wanted by the community, but that has changed.
He has felt the overwhelming support for him by the people of Waynesboro, and he wants to get back to work with his staff and, most importantly, his students.
The school board prosecution did not have a chance to cross-examine Pappas due to the late hour when the defense had concluded its testimony. A fourth night of hearings will be Feb. 11.
In addition to Pappas’ attorney Catherine Rowe, called several other witnesses including teachers who work for Pappas, a fellow principal, who had once been assistant to Pappas, and the Summitview Elementary School secretary, Harmony Covalt, who read from a prepared statement regarding what she had witnessed as she was present for some of the incidents.
She had this to say to the board, “There are two sides to every story being told. I am frustrated with our district stating that Mr. Pappas was under administrative leave and under pending investigation. Yet as someone who was an observer of many of these incidents firsthand, I was never questioned on any of these accusations.”
All the witnesses called by the defense spoke highly of Pappas’ professionalism and the strong relationships he has built with his staff and his students, not just at the elementary school, but dating back to his days as a high school principal.
The prosecution cross examinations for most of the witnesses called by the defense were brief, often less than five minutes. The crowd, which consisted mostly of Pappas supporters, made their presence felt throughout the evening. After every testimony, the witnesses received a round of applause and cheers. There were also several in the crowd wearing T-shirts that stated “#WeStandwithPappas.”
The Feb. 11 hearing will be at 5 p.m. at Hooverville Elementary School.
Parent supporters of Pappas have gathered 1,504 signatures to their petition to reinstate Pappas. It can be found at https://www.change.org/p/reinstate-mr-steve-pappas-as-principal-of-waynesboro-area-school?source_location=search.
Supporters also have launched a drive to help pay Pappas’ legal bills at https://www.givesendgo.com/StandWithPappas2026?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=sharelink&utm_campaign=StandWithPappas2026.
The district has two attorneys, funded by the district.
