Posted on 9/1/2007, 2:41:19 AM by Coleus
A state appellate court yesterday ruled that a former New Providence High School choir director who was fired for kissing a male student in 2002 deserves a new hearing to possibly reclaim his revoked, state-issued teaching certificate. The Superior Court Appellate Division's ruling reversed a decision last year by the state board of education to permanently revoke the certificate for the teacher, Stephen Fox. The judgment returns the case to the Office of Administrative Law, where Fox, who had been a nine-year employee of the New Providence Board of Education, intends to present witnesses on his behalf. Those who will testify for him include teachers, students and parents, said one of his attorneys, Nancy Oxfeld of Oxfeld Cohen. That hearing is likely months away, she said.
Fox, who was fired in 2004, was pleased with yesterday's decision, Oxfeld said in an interview. Her client is someone who had "an excellent career, who made one stupid error in his life," she said, adding that criminal charges were never filed against him. "He understands it was wrong." In arguing their case to the appeals court, Fox's attorneys cited supporting case law, his client's own admission of guilt and his exemplary teaching record. The state board of examiners did not grant him a hearing, revoking his certificate after reviewing documents he submitted.
The state board of education upheld that decision. While it noted Fox's outstanding teaching record, it concluded the conduct in question "was of such character and seriousness as to unequivocally demonstrate his unfitness to teach." Deputy Attorney General Melanie Brookes argued the appeal for the state board of education. Fox, who is in his 30s, had served as chairman of the high school's music department and was choir director for the middle school and high school.
(Excerpt) Read more at nj.com ...
They sure must be hard up for teachers, if they let this guy anywhere near kids again. Just imagine what the school district’s legal exposure will be if he ever touches a kid again.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.