Largo, FLORIDA

Nov 14, 2006 - Described as "The offense [was so] brazen, so egregious that Pinellas School Board member Linda Lerner almost laughed as she read the account aloud."

Sharion Thurman, 56, Gibbs High School teacher "with a long history of work troubles" had falsified hundreds of student ballots in an attempt to get her niece elected homecoming queen in September. Despite a 20-year record includes numerous reprimands for poor judgment, insubordination, misconduct and disparaging remarks, she was given a 25-day unpaid suspension. Once the sponsor of the student council and junior class, Thurman has been removed from all school activities

The Tampa Tribune points to other questionable board discipline actions. But surely board member Linda Lerner's quote is a clue.

Mar 18 - Thurman is still certified to teach in Florida. Letter to the editor about the suspension and what it says about the Board of Education. Thurman got EducationWonks' Wanker of the Day Award.