The incoming assistant principal at a Mattapoisett Middle School is coming under fire for his views on spanking.

Silas Coellner is a pastor who says spanking children to discpline them is an acceptable form of punishment.

Some parents are leery of his appointment.

Old Rochester Junior High School principal Kevin Brogioli defends Coellner, saying he’s a good fit for the school.

The isue came to light after Coellner posted a podcast of a sermon he gave.

In the sermon, Coellner stressed he would never want to hurt a child and said spanking is more about “teachable moments.”