http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2012/11/28/breaking_news/breakingnews09.txt
No one can argue that this is a sad story with no winners, no matter what happens. While this is an isolated incident, it is not unprecedented, In fact we don't have to go back too far to find another similar incident. Arrests of LPS employees have been made in school zones:
There was a classroom aide at the FORD SCHOOL who had a parent in high places. I could never find the resolution of that case.
If it does not already have one, LPS should have a drug testing policy for ALL new hires and employees, and it should include random drug testing. I realize the teacher's union may have something to say about this, but the fact is, most employers do have such a policy today. I am upset that this teacher was placed on paid leave pending a criminal investigation, but again, I would speculate that has something to do with the teacher's union as well. Had this been a student and not a teacher, would the same courtesy be given by providing the student with a free tutor while he/she is on their 'leave' pending a criminal investigation? This is a very serious and scary issue because you are correct, it is not the first time an LPS employee has been caught using, possessing, and/or distributing drugs on school premises. However, I do agree with Dr. Latham that this incident shouldn't overshadow the efforts being made by the majority of staffers who are committed to creating a positive learning environment for students.
ReplyDeleteI believe they haggled over a drug testing policy for a few meetings after the last incident. I don't know of anything was ever finalized but it would have been for new hires so wouldn't have mattered here. In the end we are judged by how we overcome our obstacles.
DeleteYou bring up a very valid point about the discrepancy in how a student would have been treated. Maybe we need a STUDENT UNION, LOL.
Remember this story, LYNN SCHOOL WATCH: Is Everyone Treated The Same??
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