Washington State teaching credentials for a 5th-grade educator have been suspended following allegations of alcohol consumption on school grounds. The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) issued a Final Order on Thursday outlining the disciplinary action.
The findings relate to incidents occurring during the 2023-2024 academic year while the educator was employed at Lydia Hawk Elementary School. Records indicate the individual submitted a resignation to the district on January 30, 2024, intended to be effective at the conclusion of August.
State documents state that on February 12, 2024, alcoholic beverages were consumed during the school day while on the elementary campus. Following this event, the educator was placed on administrative leave two days later.
In April 2024, the district issued a "Cause for Termination" letter. However, because the resignation had been filed prior to this action, the termination was stayed. The individual remained on administrative leave for the remainder of the school year.
During an interview with the Office of Professional Practices, the educator stated that February 12 marked the first instance of arriving at the school intoxicated and the only time alcohol was consumed on the premises. Despite this statement, the record notes the individual admitted to a routine of bringing a bag of wine to school and filling a tumbler while students were out of the room.
Acting on a formal complaint received from the superintendent of North Thurston Public Schools, OSPI initiated the suspension of the Washington certificate. The April 23, 2026 order concluded that "clear and convincing evidence" proved the educator committed acts of "unprofessional conduct" as defined by Washington Administrative Code 181-87-055, which addresses alcohol consumption on school grounds.
To determine the appropriate disciplinary level, the state applied the standards outlined in WAC 181-86-080. This regulation requires the consideration of at least eleven factors, including the seriousness of the act and indicators regarding behavioral fitness.
OSPI officials stated that the suspension aligns with state interests by deterring future unprofessional conduct and "protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of students, colleagues, and other affected persons." The order stipulates that the credential will remain suspended for a minimum of three months.