Pubdate: Wed, 10 Sep 2008 Source: Tulsa World (OK) Copyright: 2008 World Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.tulsaworld.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/463 Author: Andrea Eger Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) TEACHER BACK IN CLASSROOM AFTER DRUG CHARGE A Tulsa teacher who was charged over the summer with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after being stopped by airport security workers is back on the job at Lewis and Clark Middle School. James Royce Queen, 54, is a reading teacher who has worked for Tulsa Public Schools for 24 years. He was charged July 1 in Tulsa County District Court with unlawful possession of a controlled drug and drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors. Queen has plead not guilty. A jury trial in his case has been set for Oct. 10. Capt. John Bowman with the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office said law enforcement records indicate Queen was cited after airport security workers who were screening him discovered that a "bulge" near the crotch-area of Queen's pants contained a packet of marijuana. Tulsa Superintendent Michael Zolkoski recommended that Queen be fired for "reasons involving moral turpitude, incompetence and willful neglect of duty." But at a routine due process hearing on Aug. 21, four school board members - Gary Percefull, Ruth Ann Fate, Oma Copeland and Bobbie Gray - - voted to give him another chance. The board members approved a deal under which Queen was suspended for 20 days without pay and then reinstated after agreeing to drug abuse counseling and submitting to 18 months of random drug testing. Based on Queen's gross salary of $51,844, 20 days' lost pay would amount to more than $5,700. According to minutes from the meeting, Board President Percefull said the deal was meant to mirror the discipline procedures for a student caught with drugs at school. "He said that the board believed there needed to be a consequence for the gross failure of good judgment, but also believed in redemption and rehabilitation," the minutes quoted Percefull as saying. TPS Compliance Officer Roger Holder said Queen returned to work on Monday because his suspension was considered retroactive to Aug. 7, the first work day for all Tulsa teachers for the 2008-09 academic year. "He was reinstated because he met all of the board's requirements," Holder said. On Wednesday, Queen's attorney Richard O'Carroll said the school board made a "reasoned decision" concerning his client, who he said has a spotless employment record including being runner-up for TPS teacher of the year a few years ago. "He makes one mistake and it's a nominal mistake and it shouldn't be fatal to his career. We didn't dispute the facts at the hearing," O'Carroll said. O'Carroll negotiated a deal with the board on Queen's behalf that means he would "forfeit all due process procedures and immediately be terminated" if he tests positive for drugs during the next 18 months. "He agreed to put harsh protocols on him, and he will do well," O'Carroll said. - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath