BILL CALLS FOR CLOSE REVIEW OF TEACHERS' CONVICTIONS

The state superintendent would have to evaluate every felony and
serious misdemeanor conviction of a teacher under a bill approved
Tuesday by the state House.

The bill, approved 98-6, would give a teacher convicted of a felony 15
days to request a hearing from the state superintendent.

The superintendent would have 20 days to decide whether to issue a
suspension or schedule a hearing for those convicted of a serious
felony, including assault, drug trafficking or criminal sexual
conduct. A hearing also could be ordered for less-serious felony and
misdemeanor convictions.

Martin Ackley, spokesman for state Superintendent Tom Watkins, said
the superintendent supports the bill in concept.