Pubdate: Wed, 22 Nov 2006
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal (KS)
Copyright: 2006 The The Topeka Capital-Journal
Contact:  http://cjonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/455
Author: Barbara Hollingsworth
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.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?228 (Paraphernalia)

TEACHER FIRED BUT NOT CHARGED IN DRUG CASE

Auburn-Washburn Unified School District 437 has fired an [redacted] 
teacher suspected of having drug paraphernalia on school property.

[redacted], who had taught at [redacted] schools for four years, was 
terminated by school board members Monday night for "apparent 
possession of drug paraphernalia on school property." [redacted] was 
removed from his teaching duties Oct. 25.

The teacher isn't currently facing criminal charges.  However, the 
Shawnee County Sheriff's Office investigated the case and has turned 
its findings over to the office of Shawnee County District Attorney 
Robert Hecht, said sheriff's spokeswoman Martha Lutz.  Hecht said he 
expects to review the case next week before deciding if charges will be filed.

Auburn-Washburn school board members began moving toward firing 
[redacted] late last month for violating school board policy.

[redacted] was sent written notice that he was entitled to a public 
hearing if he requested one. By the time board members met Monday 
night, a 15-day waiting period during which [redacted] could have 
submitted a written request for a hearing had passed without such a 
submission, said district spokesman Martin Weishaar.

The firing became effective Monday.

Superintendent Brenda Dietrich previously wrote to parents that the 
district had no reason to believe students came in contact with the 
materials. On Tuesday, she said that statement remained true.

Legal tangles that result in a conviction can keep teachers out of 
the classroom in Kansas. Convictions are to be reported to the Kansas 
State Department of Education under state law and can result in a 
teacher's license being revoked. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake