CLARK SUBSTITUTE TEACHER DISMISSED

Man Reportedly Showed Students Pictures Of Himself Drinking And Smoking
Marijuana

LA CRESCENTA -- School district officials have revealed that a substitute
teacher at Clark Magnet High School was dismissed after showing students
pictures of himself allegedly drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana.

The incident occurred in late May and the teacher was dismissed June 5
after school officials learned what had happened, said Don Empey, deputy
superintendent of educational services for the district.

The substitute, whose name was not released by the district because it was
a personnel matter, had been covering for teacher Julie Melville's Spanish
class. After completing an assignment left by the teacher, the class began
working on an assignment on their own, Empey said. At that time, the
substitute asked students if they wanted to see pictures of his trip to
Europe, which included the pictures in question, Empey said. Only a few
students saw the pictures, he said.

Officials could not be certain that what the substitute was smoking was
actually marijuana.

"He gave the impression [to students] it was," Empey said."We thought it
was inappropriate."

At anyone one time, Glendale Unified has between 275 and 300 substitutes in
their pool, said Cathy McMullen, assistant superintendent of human resources.

"Many of the substitutes have become regular teachers in the district," she
said.

Substitutes must have a bachelor's degree and have passed the CBEST test in
order to work in the district. While working for Glendale Unified, the
substitutes are governed by the same rules and regulations as teachers.