ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -
A former Fulton County principal charged with stealing money from his old school landed on the short list for the top job at an Atlanta high school.
Fulton County Schools accused Eddie Echols of mishandling funds, but that did not stop Atlanta Public Schools from interviewing him as a finalist for the principal's job at North Atlanta High School.
APS, still dealing with the fallout from the test-cheating scandal, now has to contend with parents who are wondering why the district would interview a man under criminal investigation for a principal's job.
Fulton County School Police are currently investigating Echols. They say he stole $25,000 from Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs while he was principal there.
The Fulton County Board of Education last fall accused Echols of ordering an American Express card both in his name and Riverwood's. Police arrested and charged him last February.
Echols admitted to Fulton County school officials he made some inappropriate purchases.
Keith Bromery, a spokesman for Atlanta Public Schools, confirmed it recently considered Echols as a finalist for the open principal's job at North Atlanta.
CBS Atlanta News asked why the district would consider someone under criminal investigation for position of such high authority.
Bromery responded, "It is not clear. We were aware he is under investigation. Investigation does not preclude him from being considered."
Parents at North Atlanta were concerned to learn the development.
Marcia Williams, whose son is a freshman, said she was troubled to learn APS considered a man under criminal investigation to head her son's school. Williams said, however, she wants to learn more about Echols before she passes judgment.
"In the best possible world, I would like candidates who have not been charged with anything," Williams said. "More importantly, what can he do for North Atlanta in terms of the level of education for my son."
Sherelle Anderson, whose son plays basketball at North Atlanta, questioned the district's judgment.
"That is disturbing. If you're accused of being a thief and you're going to be put over a ton of students, your direction is warped," Anderson said
Atlanta Public Schools offered the job to another candidate, who rejected the offer.
Bromery said it is not clear if Echols is still a candidate.
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