Pubdate: Wed, 13 Sep 2000
Source: Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2000 Sun-Sentinel Company
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Author: Bill Hirschman

BROWARD SCHOOLS MAY CHANGE 'ZERO TOLERANCE' DRUG RULE FOR EMPLOYEES

School Board members sidestepped terminating a Broward County principal
arrested earlier this year for possessing marijuana when the board decided
to defer a ruling Tuesday night.

The board ordered schools Superintendent Frank Till to develop a new policy
that would amend the board's zero tolerance drug policy and provide
employees a second chance that would involve drug rehabilitation and
monitoring.

James E. Lindemann, 48, principal of Sandpiper Elementary, was accused of
possessing marijuana while on a teacher recruiting trip in Pennsylvania.

Lindemann, who has worked for the district since 1976, was temporarily
assigned to the district's Human Resources Development Department following
an internal investigation.

The board was expected to vote on terminating Lindemann at Tuesday's
meeting.

The case became a focal point for debate on whether veteran principals
receive more lenient treatment than principals and other employees. School
Board member Lois Wexler said the district had to develop a consistent
approach.

Some board members, like Judie Budnick, insisted on holding to a zero
tolerance policy, but others, like Stephanie Kraft, felt the district had no
way of dealing with one-time mistakes.

A crucial problem the board faces is that the policy expects employees to
report themselves when they are arrested but at the same time it allows no
leeway for first-time mistakes.

Lindemann told the board in a quiet voice "I know I've done a stupid thing
and I've regretted it ever since ... I'm not asking that you forget what I
have done, but please do not end my career in the Broward County system.

Numerous board members and educators testified to Lindemann's sterling
record.

Till has until the end of October to recommend specific changes in the
policy.

Lindemann, of Fort Lauderdale, was charged March 27 in State College, Pa.,
with possessing marijuana in a hotel room, court records showed in May.

Last month, Till said he was recommending Lindemann be fired at the Sept. 12
meeting.

Tuesday, Till said Lindemann was not always contrite. "There was a flip
attitude about 'give me my punishment and let me get on my way,'" he said.

Lindemann cleaned out his desk at the school Aug. 17, the day after an
internal hearing at which he was allowed to present evidence to defend
himself.
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