Off-Duty Conduct Relating to Teacher’s Substance Abuse Problem Was Not “Immoral” or Grounds for Termination

Well-liked and effective middle school social studies teacher was terminated after her arrest for a DUI and possession of drugs was published in local newspaper.  Teacher successfully completed treatment program and was not convicted of any crime.   The District sought to terminate her based on “immorality” and “conviction of a crime.”  The FDAB unanimously ruled in the educator’s favor, finding that there was no conviction and that the educator’s addiction-related conduct was not “immoral.”