TWO TEACHERS ALLEGEDLY SMOKED POT BEFORE CLASS

The Department of Education has launched its own investigation into
the arrests of two [redacted] teachers yesterday on
suspicion that they smoked marijuana off campus before school began.

Police identified the pair as [redacted] and [redacted] .

Both teachers have been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of
the investigation, according to DOE spokeswoman Sandy Goya.

"They were arrested and posted bail," Goya said.

The offense is a petty misdemeanor.

Police alleged the two were smoking marijuana in [redacted] truck at the
[redacted] around 8:45 a.m. yesterday. A parent reported
the activity to the school, and the principal and three vice
principals met the pair when they entered the campus, police said.
After searching the truck, school officials called police, and the two
were arrested around noon.

Both posted bail at the Wahiawa police station. Court dates have been
set for Dec. 26.

It was not known what subjects the two teach, but [redacted] in 2004 was
one of three coaches of the school's chess club.

This is the second case involving teachers and alleged drug offenses
in recent months.

In October, Leilehua High School teacher [redacted] was charged with
selling crystal methamphetamine to an undercover agent on five
occasions beginning Sept. 8.

In that case, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang ordered [redacted] held
without bail at the Federal Detention Center until his trial, which
will be set at a later date.

In this most recent case, the DOE's Goya said she could not make
comment further because it is a personnel matter. Personnel matters
generally are protected by privacy laws.

School officials could not be reached for comment late yesterday.