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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake