Hazard Principal Under Investigation
Hazard Principal Under Investigation Save Email Print
Posted: 11:09 PM Sep 5, 2008
 Last Updated: 1:19 AM Sep 6, 2008
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Photos posted on a well known web site have a Kentucky high school principal under investigation.

The state Attorney General's Office along with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is looking into Hazard High School Principal Donald "Happy" Mobelini.

The investigation comes after photos of him surfaced on Facebook. The pictures show Mobelini taking his daughter and four of her friends to a rock concert in Cincinnati. The girls, ages 16 to 17, are seen drinking and smoking in Mobelini's presence.

He told 27 NEWSFIRST that he had no idea what the girl's were doing behind his back.

The four girls told 27 NEWSFIRST they hid the alcohol from Mobelini.

The principal told us Friday night he is fully cooperating with the state investigation.

Hazard Superintendent Sandra Johnson did not return our calls for comment, but she told the "Herald-Leader" no action will be taken against Mobelini because the incident did not happen on school property and was not a school function.
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Posted by: fedupwithHappy Location: Hazard on Sep 14, 2008 at 07:47 PM
It is obvious from the statements in the paper this week that there will be nothing done about this incident, just like there was nothing done the last time. How many more times does it take for someone to take this seriously. Where is the girls mother in this instance. I think, it is wrong for a man to take a bunch of single, underage girls, unchaperoned anyway. I think he needs to grow up and stop living vicariously through his teenage daughter.
Posted by: time4change Location: N/A on Sep 12, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Ohhh, Happy?! Do you have major allergies to where you can't smell?! How could you not know?! You have to realize that this is causing a major problem in that small town. It's time to get our children back, and hold those accountable for buying and giving under age kid's drugs and alcohol! It's a shame to see such a good school of excellence, reputation go down the drain due a leader that thinks his credituals are measured by those that "have his back." It does nothing for the kids for which he should be held accountable. It's time to get out of the mind set of, what happens off school grounds, stay off school grounds! Hazard High is not Vegas!! 1. A serious investigation needs to take place. 2.Get the kids involved in something other than parties by giving back to the community to build up what the principal and those who don't think his irresponsible actions are a big deal, are tearing down.
Posted by: crazy Location: knoxville on Sep 10, 2008 at 10:42 PM
This is crazy hes been around twice when there has been alcohol but everytime someone takes the fall other the who should, "him". you might need to think hard about these consequences
Posted by: N/A Location: Hazard on Sep 10, 2008 at 05:20 PM
the Superintendent must be down right stupid. this man is in a position where he should be held accountable for his actions. this is the leader of your high school. Get REAL!!!!!!!
Posted by: zack Location: paris on Sep 10, 2008 at 06:51 AM
To Cindy let me say to you that Police Officer(s) get by with a lot more then what he has done. They get put in jail with pay, off the job for a few days with pay and ect... Thats like the Trooper who got a dui not long ago was put in jail with pay. SO think befor you speak.
Posted by: anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:59 PM
The thing that bothers me about this is he flat out lied for one, but what's he teaching these young kids? He teaching them that it's ok to drink and act however they want. If they believe they can go to school and get by with whatever they want, I can only imagine how they act at home. I think this man is a horrible influence on teenage children and Hazard High School needs a change in leadership ASAP. Someone needs to do something about this and I just hope people just set around and let this continue to happen until one of these kids are hurt or killed.
Posted by: steve Location: pery co. on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:31 PM
hello, more hazard dogs- bull- s--t. come on people. weres the justice. put the man in jail just like you would me in the same situation.
Posted by: Rebecca Location: Hazard on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:14 PM
I think that he should be held for his actions. I have two young children one that is not far from High School, I do not wont one of my children going to school where someone like this is doing this stuff. He should have never took those kids anywhere by hisself. And from the pictures it shows you what they was doing. Yes I think he should be in trouble for this.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Same principal who hired a coach to teach a foreign language that he has no credentials for, is not fluent in, has no knowledge of and can not teach it either!
Posted by: Kim Location: Lexington on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Happy is a good man and if he had not rushed my little sister from Hazard High School to the doctor the day she had trouble breathing...there is no telling what would have happened...but there are some things I don't get about this situation.I watched the video that was on WYMT. In the video, he said "I didn't know." #1..how did he not see the girls drinking and smoking when looking in the rear view mirror? #2...how could he not smell the smoke and the beer? If he wants to keep his job he better come up with an excuse better than "I didn't know."
Posted by: chester j Location: lost creek on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Let me guess they were drinking non-alcoholic beers such as Near Beer or Odules and that explains the whole thing so whats all the up roar over?
Posted by: Tradition Location: Second St. on Sep 9, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Why do we all think that this is a no one's business? I think it is public awareness that we have: 1.principal's, whether they are yours or someone else's should not be taken students to concerts such as this one. I don't really care if he's a dad or not! 2. It is a my business when young children attend a school and parents want to trust this man, but this stuff goes on? How many of you will let your child go to the next concert? 3. When you do not know what is going on in your back seat due to the loud music, talking on your cell phone, my business if I am traveling the same road as YOU! 4. It's my business when I am a citizen, a voter in the ciy were we elect these folks, my vote WILL go to someone else the next time. 5. It is my business, I care about childrens' lives, their future, their values and their education. I am appalled that the superintendent is not doing anything, ashamed.
Posted by: sue Location: jackson on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Is one of the responsibilites of the principle to supervise the young students at his school? How can this man be trusted to do this part of his job in the future when he has already demonstrated twice that he he isn't aware of what is going on around him?
Posted by: j and 1 Location: hazard on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:05 PM
hey he aint doing it for nothing
Posted by: Ida on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I may not know everything my children do but I would know if they were with me in my car behaving as these girls were with vodka, beer, and smoking. But even though he was on his own time what makes this a concern to people is these kids are the same age group as the ones his chosen career puts him in authority over. Also four of the girls are students from his school. I have read his name, underage kids, and drinking have come up before. I saw what was written below and a mother says she has let her child attend out of state trips with him and felt her child was safe. I am reading it these were organized school trips where other chaperones were traveling with them. But to be sure maybe this is something the investigators should at least glance at to be sure it is not a pattern of behavior.
Posted by: Cindy Location: Hazard on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Let me say this if this was a police officer he would have been fired. A principal who is in charge of our kids now he should be held to a higher standard than a police officer. He should turn in his resignation and let someone who can lead that school to a better future. This is the second incident in the last couple of months involving this guy that has hit the news. Why does the city schools put up with this. I would never send my kids to this school because of this man.
Posted by: denise Location: hazard on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:40 AM
PLEASE DO NOT RUSH TO JUDGEMENT. WE ARE ONLY HUMAN. WE DO MAKE MISTAKES. TO ERR IS HUMAN TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE.
Posted by: Brandon Location: Richmond on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:10 AM
you know they have these new beers that you can't hear open and are also oderless.LOL.
Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:23 AM
I bet that principal would trade those girls for a good fattening hog right about now.
Posted by: sarah Location: Hazrd on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Surely not Happy again!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Kids are very sneaky and if you don't know the entire story you should not judge. Teachers/Principals are held at a higher standard at school and at home. School officials are now being told that they should not have MySpace/Facebook or any other social gathering page but why is it that they are told what they can and cannot do and noone else is? If he did know that these girls were drinking then he needs to be held accountable but if he did not know then people need to mind their own business!!
Posted by: Appalled Location: Frankfort on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:23 PM
It is disturbing that a high school principal would be caught in this type of action. After reading the comments, I feel they bring up several interesting points. One of the truest being that if this goes on with his own child and her friends what is going on at that school. Also, if he is a respected City Commissioner, this community deserves the stereotypical comments and ideas often given to Eastern Kentucky. I hope that this incident will not be covered up like the last one. If enough parents, citizens, educations will step up for these children--something will be done otherwise the students will suffer. Popularity is not a requirement for a school principal. It is not even considred a leadership quality. Mr. Mobelini should be a role model to his students not their friend. Also, he should be a role model for his children. I am truly dissapointed in those educators, board members and school personnel who turn their heads as if this is acceptable. Stand up for the student
Posted by: ...... on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Its his daughter and her friends. As a parent, I think that it should stay in their own "family" business
Posted by: Renee Location: Hazard on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:51 PM
As a parent of a child who attended RW Combs and now Hazard High, I feel much more comfortable with my child at Hazard. My child has attended out of state trips with Happy, and I felt totally confident that my child was being taken care of. This inicident has nothing to do with him being principal, he was acting as a father and should not be judged as principal. I am sure that every parent out their can say their children are perfect, yeah right. I think that unless your child was involved you should mind your own business and take care of your "perfect children and life". I will back Happy to the end and so will my child. Happy treats everyone the same, whether they are from the projects or from Hospital Hill. You will never find a better principal. I know growing up my parents didn't know everything I did, as I am sure you don't know about your kids even if you think you do. Happy cares about the children at HHS. Happy keep your head up and remember we love and support you!
Posted by: anonymous Location: anonymos on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:35 PM
I am a student at hazard and I feel 10 times safer & and more academically sound at hazard then I would at pcc under the principal.People souldn't through rocks at glass houses till you clean up your own back yard. At hazard everyone is equal and one big family.
Posted by: anonymous Location: anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:24 PM
People are just madd because hazard beats pcc at everything!!!!!
Posted by: clay2 Location: mt sterling on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:20 PM
If this case doesn't at least get a firng,the Central office needs to be charged and fired. Trash is Trash even with a Rank 1
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Southeastern Ky on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Schools and government is not the publics business? And I think the story is out. It's just that not everyone is liking it.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Hazard on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:13 PM
I think that not everyone knows the entire story and they need to mind their own business and deal with their own lives!
Posted by: whitney Location: Lexington on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:28 PM
People need to mind there own business!!!!!
Posted by: Help Needed Location: Hazard on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:01 PM
The state needs to step in on this one, just like the last one...Something MUST be done....
Posted by: F gilbert Location: Hazard on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Has the mayor gotten involved yet?
Posted by: Renea Location: Williamsburg on Sep 8, 2008 at 01:02 PM
What is so stupid is that he'll most likely get away with it. All the comments concerning smell, he must have had a horrible cold not to smell the alcohol but the smoke from the cigarettes should have been seen. He's making excuses and if this were someone else they would have been arrested. Come on KY, let's not play stupid to someone just because of who they are.
Posted by: Jeff Location: Hazard on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Do all principals act like this?
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:36 PM
A grown man in a vehicle with 5 drinking (possibly drunk) teenage girls. It’s not that it just looks bad, it’s that it’s illegal. There are laws that protect minors from things like this. If you keep people like this as high school principal along with the people protecting him then quit complaining about your area having such a high rate of alcohol and drug use. I’ve seen news article after article about Southeastern Kentucky’s problem with it. There has even been speeches about it. This with the principal will only be buried if the people of Perry County allow it to be buried.
Posted by: Becky Location: Backwoods on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Happy, keep your head up...we love you.
Posted by: Hap_Hazard Location: Hazard on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:48 AM
It's high time he hands in his resignation. This is the second time alcohol was related with him and students.
Posted by: Virgil Edwards Location: Richmond, KY on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:21 AM
You people are outside your mind. The last thing that needs to happen is Even more government control over our schools they already have so much control that they can predict what your kindergarten kid's IQ is gonna be when they graduate High School. What needs to happen here is well simply nothing cause you hypocrites did the same flippin thing when you were 16 and 17 years old and who says they haven't is liars cause you simply don't have the gall to admit that you did it and just had overly strict parents or school staff that rather than help you learn from mistakes they would rather shove policies and rules down your throat.
Posted by: ME Location: HAZARD on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:05 AM
did this happen in KY? I thought it was against the law in Ky for someone to provide beer to anyone under the age of 21, how else would they get these if they are under age? how did the students on the Hazard Football Field get beer? these students were under his supervision when they were arrested for being drunk. wake up people! is this person someone who you want to influence your children,yes he is well known and friends with the mayor in Hazard but he needs to get help, he has a serious problem, what are the girls parents saying? makes me wonder just how he feels about teenage girls, there is a name for that why else would he allow them to get drunk? no idea what was going on behind his back! (no rear view mirror, could not smell smoke or beer?) music loud (what was he expecting, maybe to hear thin drinking yet he talk ok on the cell phone) what about his own daughter? think he does not know her well enough to tell she had been drinking. bet this guy believes his own stor
Posted by: Upset Location: hazard on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:10 AM
Watch how fast this issue gets buried. The pricipal has been protected so many times that he thinks the rules don't apply. Sooner or later someone is going to get injured or worse because of this kind of behavior. I don't want this guy around my kids.
Posted by: HHS Location: Lexington at UK on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:34 PM
What happened? Why? How many times has the state came into this district? Is any of this an open document? I remember a few years ago, a lady was a principal at RGE, Herld? She was so nice, so supportive, she was just gone, what happened to her? She was my principal at RGE and things were smooth, I know it's not the high school, but it was a good learning environment. I hope things work out for Hap, he is a good guy, but I guess that gets in the way at times from being productive at your job.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Southeastern Kentucky has an enormous problem with adult alcoholics and drug users. Check with Operation Unite about it. Why do people think we have such a problem? Because before they became adults they were taught it was acceptable as teens. This school principal seems to be teaching more than reading and writing.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Rock and Roll, Booze, Sex, and Drugs. Talk your parants into letting you attend Hazard High. Has adults that understand a young person's needs.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Southeastern Ky on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:12 PM
There is a serious problem with the kids in Hazard and the county. The State needs to step in because making the problem worse is that the school officials and power-holding politicians and their friends seem to be not only fully condoning it but participating in it by doing things such as supplying them with places like school football fields to have 'no adult present' nighttime parties. A person has to be an idiot to believe no one knew drinking was going on at those parties. And where is all this booze coming from? Unless some of the parents are buying it for them, there has to be a near constant flow of cars with teenagers coming and going from the places they're getting it. Next time use your votes to help and improve the city and county by electing people that will serve the people rather than look upon it as their private kingdom.
Posted by: concerned Location: Hazard on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Who in there right mind would put this man over there children. If something is not done what are we showing our kids. Happy and the rest of the school system need to wake up and we need a new school system for the city. Changes are needed.
Posted by: madmother Location: hazard on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Needless to say, if that had been me, and this was found out about me, I would be under the jail, with no kids. What is it going to take to wake you people up. Are you waiting for the news to say Local principle and 5 girls dead in accident before anyone wakes up. Come on.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Someone said the windows were down? Look again at the video. There is reflection in the windows meaning they are closed, and also the girls' hair is not blowing in any of the photos. He said there was very loud music, but he was on the cellphone? He also said it was 5 AM. The photos show it was daytime. Beer smells in a close vehicle. They were smoking cigarettes also. One picture shows a bottle of vodka just sitting out on top a cooler along with a drink. Would you at sixteen be this open with your father driving? And they didn't sneak drinks already mixed into the van. They had cans of beer and at least one bottle of harder alcohol. The beer was in a cooler, so wouldn't you have been concerned that your father would have opened it to get a pop or bottle of water at a rest stop, gas station, or after the concert? Those girls had no fear of discovery. What does that tell you? As for putting it in cups, they didn't want to be seen drinking beer by other cars on the road.
Posted by: Cristine Location: Jackson on Sep 7, 2008 at 02:35 PM
If he can be duped by three teenagers in a car, imagine what goes on at the school that is 'hid from him" His excuses are laughable.
Posted by: steve on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:24 PM
No surprise here from a liberal ran institution.
Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on Sep 7, 2008 at 09:30 AM
The principal can be brought up on charges for corrupting minors and fired from his post.
Posted by: Ed Location: Hazard on Sep 7, 2008 at 12:02 AM
If this kind of stuff is allowed to continue much longer then the state needs to take over the school system. He doesn't need to be supervising anything that involves kids
Posted by: Jason Location: Hazard on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:28 PM
It is plain and simple, Hazard is corrupt. This guy is a city commisioner, principal and was given Man of the Year award at civic night. A behavior pattern has began, and it is devastating to the youth he is responsible for. Action needs to be taken, he needs to be removed, the superintendent needs to be investigated and the Mayor needs to be dismissed of his duties. Corruption
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:27 PM
Just so you know, all the windows were actually opened, and he was on his cell phone most of the time, so before you go and judge a story, I suggest you research first. Just read the Lexington-Herald article.
Posted by: HELLO! on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Not the first time! Sure it won't be the last. This goes on all the time, and not just in Hazard.
Posted by: lol on Sep 6, 2008 at 02:16 PM
maybe they poured the beer into cups before they got in
Posted by: A Location: R on Sep 6, 2008 at 12:52 PM
They say not action because he wasnt on school grounds. Yet these days when kids fight or steal off school grounds the schools still try to punish the students or gte rid of them. More proof that with more power you only get a bigger pile of manure.
Posted by: Are you kidding.... Location: KY on Sep 6, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Okay, you cannot tell me that these girls were opening up beer cans in the back sit of an enclosed vehicle and this man did not smell the alcohol....I don't think any action should be taken because it did not happen on school property but just the simple fact that he said he didn't know...HA!!!!!!! That is funny!! Liar!
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