A Florida middle school teacher is on administrative leave without pay following an arrest on drug charges last week. However, the superintendent explained that, following completion of a drug rehabilitation program and resolution of the charges, district policy could allow the teacher to return to work.
The charge against the teacher is possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. Authorities reportedly discovered him passed out in his car in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant and transported him via ambulance to the hospital. It is unclear when the teacher regained consciousness, but during an examination, he allegedly mentioned in the hearing of law enforcement that he had left the school at lunch that day and took a Xanax pill, as well as using cocaine and meth that morning before school started. Additionally, authorities received a sunglasses case allegedly belonging to the teacher from a security guard at the hospital. It reportedly contained 25 Xanax pills, an unidentifiable crushed orange pill, a rubber ring and two lighters.
The teacher’s subject is not known, only that the district reportedly hired him in August and the school’s website lists him as support staff. The superintendent explains that district policy allows for the teacher to potentially keep his job because the charge was possession of a pharmaceutical without a prescription. However, this would be contingent upon his completion of drug rehab. The superintendent’s recommendation to the school board will be to keep the teacher on leave for the time being.
While some employers may offer second chances to employees charged with or convicted of drug crimes, a criminal record can also hurt future job prospects, especially when one works with children and adolescents. Those concerned about future employment due to drug charges may find it helpful to contact an attorney.