XPost: alt.education, alt.true-crime, pdx.general   
   XPost: or.politics   
   From: pjberg@webtv.net   
      
   July 12, 2007   
       
   An Open Letter to the Vernonia Community:   
       
   The Vernonia School Board is deeply saddened by the recent actions of   
   Mr. Miller that resulted in his citation for marijuana possession. Mr.   
   Miller has been an excellent role model for his students and staff, and   
   in his prior work as teacher and coach. Our district has appropriate   
   drug and alcohol policies in place and is committed to enforcing them   
   for students and staff. We are an active participant with the Vernonia   
   Community Drug Free Coalition and have developed strong ties with the   
   Vernonia Police Department in working with our youth to strengthen the   
   message to both students and parents concerning the pitfalls of all   
   forms of drug use.   
       
   After reviewing the sheriff's report and conducting an internal   
   investigation, we have determined that this appears to be a single   
   incident of poor judgment.  Mr. Miller has voiced very sincere remorse   
   for his actions and a commitment to do whatever it takes to set things   
   straight. All interactions with Mr. Miller and subsequent   
   administrative disciplinary actions will be dealt with by the   
   superintendent, since this is a personnel issue. And because this is a   
   discipline issue, by law it will not become a public record.    
       
   The Board in no way condones Mr. Miller's actions. What he did was   
   wrong, especially for a person in his position. However, this incident   
   did not happen on school time or school grounds, therefore our actions   
   must adhere to district policy and the statutes of the State of   
   Oregon.    
       
   During this difficult time, however, we do offer to him and his family   
   the support of all members of the Vernonia School Board. Working   
   through difficult times together can only help us grow stronger for our   
   schools, our students and our community.   
       
   Vernonia School Board Members   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)