SALEM EDUCATOR FACES DRUG CHARGES

Ginger McKenzie, a respected fourth-grade teacher, is accused of growing
and distributing marijuana with a partner

SALEM - A fourth-grade teacher who was suspended Friday after being
arrested on drug charges was described by school officials as one of their
kindest teachers and an active supporter of school activities.

Ginger Lee McKenzie, 46, was arrested Thursday on charges of possessing,
distributing and manufacturing a controlled substance after police found
marijuana and growing equipment at her home. McKenzie, a teacher at Liberty
Elementary since 1979, was suspended with pay. Terry Hillman Williams, 40,
who lives at the home, was arrested on the same charges. Both were released
on their own recognizance.

"This is the first thing I have ever heard that would call any attention to
Ginger," said Ed Dodson, the area director for Liberty Elementary. Dodson
was the principal at Liberty who hired McKenzie in 1979.

"We don't have a lot of money to spend on elementary athletics," he said.
"She's been involved in volunteering to raise money, sometimes staying all
day or however long it takes. She's a real team player."

On Thursday, police confiscated 73 rooted marijuana plants, more than 4
ounces of harvested marijuana buds, $900 in cash, a .357-caliber handgun
and miscellaneous growing equipment from the mobile home that Williams and
McKenzie share. The Salem Area Interagency Narcotics Team, with assistance
from the Salem Community Action Team, obtained a search warrant after
receiving tips. Police found the harvested marijuana in the mobile home
that the couple used as their living quarters. The plants were found in a
separate mobile home on the property.

The news came as a surprise to Salem-Keizer School District officials
because of McKenzie's reputation. "To my knowledge, she has been a
respected and valued teacher, that's what I've been hearing," said Kathryn
Dysart, a district spokeswoman. Principal Marilyn Campbell sent letters
home to parents Friday stating that the charges were not related to
McKenzie's employment.

It was the second time in two weeks that the district has suspended an
employee as a result of a police investigation. Jan. 16, a 12-year-old
child-care worker was suspended without pay while police looked into
complaints that he fondled boys ages 9 to 11 at Wright Elementary School.