August 31, 2007 (Date is publication date) - Tracy Rockhold, 38, a kindergarten teacher, was fired by the school board this week. She has 10 days to appeal the decision.
She was terminated after shepleaded guilty to second-degree theft, a felony, on July 26, 2007.
In her plea in Scott County District Court, she admitted to taking $2,195.60 in merchandise from SuperTarget on Nov. 12, 2006, according to East Moline School District superintendent Barry Green.THE PROCESS: STEP A: The teacher has a right to request, within 10 days of receiving notice, a hearing before the school board about the termination.
She was given a deferred judgment and sentence, meaning if she does not commit another crime for two years her record will be wiped clean.
STEP B: If the school board upholds the termination, then the teacher has the right to appeal to the State Board of Education, which makes a determination as to whether the termination is valid or not.
In cases such as these, the Illinois Education Association advises the tenured teacher of their due process rights, represents them and provides legal counsel.
ONLINE READING: See The Hidden Costs of Tenure, a series by Scott Reeder.
