Pubdate: Tue, 26 Sep 2000
Source: Des Moines Register (IA)
Copyright: 2000, The Des Moines Register.
Contact:  http://www.dmregister.com/
Author: Staci Hupp

TEACHER FACING DRUG CHARGES IS FIRED

Carroll school officials on Monday fired a popular speech and drama teacher 
charged with drug possession.

Yvonne Fielder, a 26-year classroom veteran who has received statewide 
honors, was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia 
after authorities searched her home Aug. 16. Fielder's attorney said the 
marijuana belonged to her 20-year-old son, Jason, who also faces drug charges.

Board members agreed Monday that Fielder is a poor role model "who showed 
unprofessional conduct and poor leadership," said Superintendent Steve Schulz.

"It's amazing to me how they could say that when she hasn't been to court," 
said Fielder's daughter, Marcy Hallem of Mason City.

State law allows schools to punish employees who are accused of crimes.

Fielder can appeal. Her trial is scheduled for Nov. 28.

Police said they found a marijuana cigarette in Fielder's jewelry box 
during the search. They also found pipes, photographs of people smoking 
marijuana and a videotape on how to make the illegal drug Ecstasy, court 
records show.

None of the items belonged to Fielder, said her attorney, Dave Shinkle.

Jason Fielder of Fort Dodge moved in with his mother a few days before the 
search, Shinkle said.

Police offered to free Fielder if her son helped them investigate other 
drug cases, but "they couldn't make a deal that was acceptable to the 
county attorney or the police," Shinkle said.

Mother and son will be tried together, said Carroll County Attorney John 
Werden.

"I have made it clear that it's a goal to have zero tolerance on drug 
charges," he said.
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