Pubdate: Thu, 28 Sep 2006
Source: Daily Sentinel, The (Grand Junction, CO)
Copyright: 2006 Cox Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.gjsentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2084
Author: Kylene Kiang, The Daily Sentinel
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials

UNION WILL BACK TEACHER IF FIRED ON DRUG CHARGES

The teachers' union that represents Lincoln Orchard  Mesa Elementary 
School teacher  [Name redacted]  said it does  not condone  [Name 
redacted]  alleged criminal behavior, but still  will support her in 
the event of termination from  employment.

[Name redacted] , formerly known as  [Name redacted] , 41, has 
been  arrested twice since October 2005. She was charged 
with  methamphetamine and marijuana possession after the 2005  arrest 
and will face new charges from prosecutors  Friday, following her 
arrest Sunday.

"This is a criminal case. The charges against this  woman are outside 
the scope of her employment," read a  joint statement from the Mesa 
Valley Education  Association, the teachers' union for Mesa County 
School  District 51, and the Colorado Education Association.  Neither 
group is involved in the legal matters of  [Name redacted]  criminal case.

"CEA represents members in legal matters related to  their 
employment. CEA will represent  [Name redacted]  if and  when the 
district moves to terminate her," according to  the statement.

Mesa County School District 51 released a statement  Wednesday in 
response to public criticism of  [Name redacted]  paid  leave.

"By placing ( [Name redacted] ) on administrative leave, the 
district  is not defending ( [Name redacted]) or condoning her 
alleged  conduct."

The district is re-evaluating her employment status.   [Name 
redacted] , a first-grade teacher, has been employed by the  district 
since 1999. Since October 2005, she has been  on administrative leave 
and continues to receive normal  salary and benefits. Under the 
Colorado Teacher  Employment, Compensation and Dismissal Act, grounds 
for [Name redacted]  firing would include a felony conviction 
or  acceptance of a guilty plea. The act does not allow 
for  dismissal on the basis of filed criminal charges.

Fran Docherty, the West Central Colorado UniServ  director who works 
with the Colorado Education  Association, said no matter what the 
outcome will be,   [Name redacted]  right to representation in an 
employment-related  case won't be denied.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine