School board member faces possible removal in Lynchburg

Lynchburg City School Board member Christian DePaul faces possible removal after admitting he replaced the official portrait of former Superintendent Dr. Crystal Edwards with a picture of "Sloth" from the movie "The Goonies." He also reportedly placed Interim Superintendent Dr. Ben Copeland's name on the altered portrait. DePaul called the incident, which occurred in the School Administration building after a student discipline committee meeting on January 21, a "joke" that "turned out to be nothing close to that."

The prank was discovered on January 27 during a staff training session. DePaul apologized, acknowledging his actions were inappropriate for a school board member and set a poor example for students. He stated that while he thought the prank would be funny in a different context, it was not.

Before DePaul's admission, former School Board Chairman Dr. James Coleman and former Lynchburg Mayor Carl Hutcherson addressed the board, demanding accountability for the incident. They emphasized the importance of respect and called for the person responsible to be removed from the board. Hutcherson specifically called on Mayor Larry Taylor, Vice Mayor Curt Diemer, and the city council to take action.

DePaul apologized directly to Dr. Copeland, emphasizing their positive relationship. Dr. Copeland declined to comment. DePaul left the meeting quickly and was unavailable for further comment.

The Lynchburg City Council will now decide whether DePaul will remain on the school board or be required to resign.