In response to pictures found of him on a Web site, Albert "Al" Santora resigned last Feb. 24 from his role as dean of students at Paul VI High School.
The Web site attributed Santora as the creator of the Mid-Atlantic Leather contest, an annual event that draws gay men, some of whom attend the event dressed in leather garb. Pictures of Santora had been seen on that Web site, as well as other Web sites relating to the contest.
An alumnus of the school discovered the Web site while doing research on the Internet.
Santora could not be reached for comment.
Paul VI's principal, Philip Robey, said Santora resigned on good terms of his own accord. As dean of students, Santora interacted with students daily.
"It would just have made it difficult for him to do his job," Robey said. Robey likened the pictures of Santora to the cop in the music group the Village People. "It was an unfortunate situation."
Linda Shovlain, communications director for the Diocese of Arlington, which oversees the school, agreed.
Santora "decided that he could not efficiently continue his position at the school," Shovlain said.
After Santora resigned, Robey sent a letter to parents explaining the situation. He also went around classrooms the next day to talk to students. Robey said some students knew of the situation, while others didn't know what had happened. He also said parents have been supportive of the resignation.
"The kids have moved on," Robey said.
Santora came to Paul VI in 1999 as a faculty member. He later became dean of students.
Rev. Nicholas LaDuca, a teacher in the religion and technology departments, will take over Santora's position for the remainder of the school year.