Monday, July 23, 2007

Summary - July 23, 2007

Summary July 23, 2007
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Investigation
Between their financial scandal and Eubonics Oakland doesn't need more bad publicity for their schools, Which is why the invesigation of school board trustee Chris Dobbins, 35, for his friendship with a 17-year-old student is disheartening for those who hoped they were making progress in reform. Not that anyone had any serious expectations for them. (California)
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ARRESTED - Drugs
Police suspected a drug buy and arrested Kimberly Williams, 41, a special ed teacher after they found marijuana, cocaine and prescription drugs in her car. (Texas)
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New Charge - drugs
Police put a hold on a South Carolina special education after today's bond hearing so they could add a drug possession charge for crack cocaine. It's the second drug offense for Ralph Marcell Hough, 31, who is facing criminal sexual conduct charge.
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GUILTY PLEA - Sex abuse of an 11-year-old
In another case of Delayed Justice, Lois Enden, 55, a school aide pleaded guilty to second-degree rape of an 11-yer-old boy nearly seven years ago. The abuse only ended when he left the fifth grade and the school. (New York) FEMALE
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SENTENCED
In another one of those cases where a teacher's credential appears to have played a major part in plea negotiations, allowing James Lighthizer, 54, to plea bargain four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct down to a single second-degree charge. He got off with a one-year sentence - not in prison, but the county jail - and 5 years' probation. He will also have to register as a sex offender. Back in June they were promising that he would be dismissed, once his license was revoked. They got his license but not by revocation. The D.A. bragged he had it in his possession. Oh, and the school district isn't going to investigate itself any more. (Michigan)
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REFUSED TO SENTENCE
A Muncie, Indiana judge refused to sentence Judith Lynne Straub, 50, a school secretary accused of stealing school funds. The judge would not accept the ridiculously low 60-day sentence that was part of the plea agreement. He ordered an October trial.
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Random Drug Testing for Teachers
Is still being debated by a Charleston, West Virginia school district. Naturally, the teachers union is opposed. "Eight [teachers], that I know of," said board member Pete Thaw when asked how many educators have been in trouble with the law over drugs in the past year."
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NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL
The Record (NJ) sounded very disappointed in a popular Teaneck, New Jersey, principal who pleaded guilty to third-degree charge of official misconduct and fourth-degree child endangerment for sexual conversations with a 17-year-old student that ended with him asking the boy to expose himself for a recommendation. In 2003, Joseph White was acquitted of charges of fondling another boy, one that he and his wife were considering for adoption. White got a standing ovation from colleagues for his victory and the victim was vilified (and probably humiliated) in court.
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BARGAINING FOR THE LICENSE
A teacher got a great deal when the prosecution dropped charges of stalking, simple battery, making harassing phone calls and false imprisonment in exchange for a plea that netted the teacher 60 days that, with time served, let him walk. The agreement included a stipulation that Mark Taylor would drop his appeal of his termination. The only problem is that he has yet to fill his part of the bargain. He had two prior convictions for family violence that the school knew about as well as prior warnings about discussing his personal life with students. (Georgia)
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WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET FIRED???