Drunk sub at Magruder sent home in an Uber

[Anonymous]

SOURCE: https://www.fox5dc.com/news/possibly-intoxicated-substitute-sent-home-from-magruder-high-school-in-an-uber

A substitute teacher arrived at Magruder High School Wednesday morning showing signs of being under the influence of alcohol. Instead of being arrested, the school said it sent the substitute home in an Uber.

Just before the first bell rang, around 7:45 a.m., administrators said they were notified that the sub was possibly drunk. After contacting non-emergency police and the Community Engagement Officer assigned to Magruder, the school decided to launch an internal investigation, which determined the person was possibly intoxicated.

When the last bell had rung for the day, Magruder's Principal, Dr. Leroy C. Evans, sent a letter home to parents informing them of the incident, and how the school decided to address the matter.

"The safety and security of our students and staff is of the utmost importance," the letter reads. "All students and staff have a right to a school environment that is safe, positive, and respectful, which promotes student learning conducive to teaching and learning."

Principal Evans said the incident is now being handled by the Montgomery County Public Schools Department of Compliance and Investigations as a "personnel matter."

Montgomery County police said the substitute teacher is not facing charges. They said they did receive a call reporting a drunk teacher Wednesday and confirmed he took an Uber home.

[Anonymous]

Arrested for what? Is there a law about subbing while drunk?
Glad they were sent home, but this does not seem like a law enforcement matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arrested for what? Is there a law about subbing while drunk?
Glad they were sent home, but this does not seem like a law enforcement matter.

Perhaps disorderly conduct or culpable negligence for getting drunk while being responsible for children.

But anyway, the article says the sub wasn't arrested.

At that time of day, I'd be more concerned about non-alcoholic drugs or some kind of illness, and wouldn't send someone off in Uber.

[Anonymous]

Never a dull moment at MCPS and more specifically, Magruder.

I thought people said it was very difficult to get vetted and approved to be a sub in MCPS? Doesn't seem like it if drunks are making it through the screening process.

[Anonymous]

We have a sub shortage. I say let the drunks and stones stay but we draw the line at crack heads.

[Anonymous]

Who paid for that Uber? These endless perks need to be reigned in
Was there a tip? Did they leave a review?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a sub shortage. I say let the drunks and stones stay but we draw the line at crack heads.

This. We gotta take what we can get. It's a large, overcrowded and understaffed school system.

[Anonymous]

Is the county still paying subs $19 an hour? This is what they get. Substitute teachers make about the same as pool operators.

[Anonymous]

I hope any health concerns were rules out?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Arrested for what? Is there a law about subbing while drunk?
Glad they were sent home, but this does not seem like a law enforcement matter.

nobody was arrested

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the county still paying subs $19 an hour? This is what they get. Substitute teachers make about the same as pool operators.

Yes - Still only $19.xx an hour. I haven’t heard if there is an increase in next year’s budget.

[Anonymous]

Nothing really to see here. Any employer might have to deal with an employee with an alcohol problem. Of course the reaction is more elevated when a school is involved, but this was handled appropriately. It is unlikely that the sub will be hired again by anyone, and I hope that they get the help they need. It's also a cheap shot to try to tie this to some imaginary pattern at Magruder. The sub probably worked at many schools.

[Anonymous]

I am impressed the principal even sent out an email. The sub likely never made it past the front office staff. The community would have never known otherwise.

Clearly this sub has psychological or substance abuse issues and needed help. No reason to arrest them. However, we don't know if drunk driving was an issue. Sub could have ginned up in the parking lot before walking in.

[Anonymous]

It’s possible they were drunk. But, I’m just putting this out there, low blood sugar in diabetics presents its self as intoxication. Many people with low blood sugar are confused for being drunk. Did they rule that out?

[Anonymous]

For all we know the sub died in the Uber or shortly after exiting.

But that's off campus so doesn't affect the MCPS stats.