San Jose teacher accused of teaching class while intoxicated

From Mercury News.com

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUTS WOMAN ON LEAVE

By Mark Gomez and Sean Webby Mercury News
Article Launched: 09/02/2008 02:10:27 PM PDT

A teacher at Schallenberger Elementary School in San Jose is on leave pending further investigation into reports that she was "intoxicated while in a classroom," according to police and school officials.

According to police, when the teacher arrived at school Friday morning, her colleagues became concerned that she was inebriated. Her fellow teachers notified school officials, who in turn called San Jose police. Officers who interviewed the teacher did not detect any obvious smell of alcohol but noticed the woman had slurred speech and was stumbling. The woman was given a chemical test and registered more than twice the legal limit of .08, according to police.

The teacher, whose name was not released by police or school officials, was not arrested. A school administrator took the woman home.

In California, it is a misdemeanor to be under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, drug or controlled substance in a condition that leaves someone unable to exercise care for his or her own safety or the safety of others.

Karen Fuqua, a spokeswoman for the San Jose Unified School District, did not reveal many more details. She did say that "the classroom has been secured by a substitute teacher, the kids are great, and the superintendent came by to check on everyone."

Angelic Ruiz, the second-year principal at Schallenberger Elementary, said the teacher is out on leave pending further investigation.

Ruiz would not say what grade the woman teaches, adding that she is "trying to uphold the privacy of the teacher" and balance the safety of the children.