An update on Rebecca Perry, the Alexandria, VA school superintendent who was arrested for drunk driving.
Apparently, the school board has decided to give her a "second chance."
Alexandria Panel Retains Schools Chief
Contract Is Cut; Alcohol Counseling Ordered
By S. Mitra Kalita
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 30, 2004; Page B01The Alexandria School Board gave its support last night to Superintendent Rebecca L. Perry, voting 7 to 1 to stand behind her a week after she was charged with drunken driving.
"Ms. Perry's decision to drink and drive was a serious lapse in judgment. Serious consequences should follow," board Chairman Mark O. Wilkoff said. "At the same time, it is also clear that she has been a tremendous asset" to the city's schools.The board placed several conditions on her continued employment -- including shortening her contract by a year, to end in June 2005, and requiring her to enroll in an alcohol counseling program. But her contract, worth $168,000 a year, can be renewed.
Perry, who did not attend the emergency meeting, the fourth since her arrest early last Friday and the first to be open to the public, issued a written statement accepting the conditions. The statement repeated the apology and the plea for forgiveness she made Tuesday.
"I deeply appreciate that the School Board has chosen to give me a second chance," she added. "I pledge to do whatever I can to share the lessons I have learned from this experience with our students and community."
Let's see how well she's learned the lesson the next time one of her students needs a "second chance."
Posted by Thief at April 30, 2004 11:10 AM