Middleton-Cross Plains must reinstate teacher who viewed porn at work

Matthew DeFour:

The Middleton-Cross Plains School District shouldn't have fired a teacher who viewed pornographic images at work and must reinstate him with back pay and benefits -- estimated at about $200,000 -- an arbitrator has ruled.

Superintendent Don Johnson and the School Board said in a joint statement Wednesday they were disappointed in the decision by a private arbitrator. They plan to discuss whether to appeal the decision at a meeting scheduled for Monday at 6:30 p.m.

"This ruling completely minimizes conduct that cannot be tolerated," the statement said. "It sends the message that it is acceptable for employees to view pornography at school, during the student-school day, on school equipment. It also flies in the face of the need to provide a professional work environment and a safe place to educate our children."

The teacher, Andrew Harris, said in an interview he was grateful for the ruling.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 1, 2012 1:39 AM
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