July 17, 2008 - Sally A. Whitchurch, 49, an eighth grade math teacher at Newport Middle School, was arrested for felony possession of marijuana and felony maintaining a dwelling for the purpose of a 
controlled substance.
Also facing charges are her son, daughter and a temporary houseguest. Several growing marijuana plants and various other amounts of the illegal drug were seized Wednesday from the home after a search warrant was executed there.
Whitchurch has worked with the school system since April 1995.
SUSPENDED August 6 - Whitchurch is on suspension with pay for up to 90 days while an internal in-vestigation continues and the criminal case against her proceeds in court, school system officials said.
The suspension took effect Wednesday. According to state statutes, 90 days is the maximum time allowed for the suspension with pay unless the superintendent and employee agree to an extension.
If the superintendent finds there is cause, he may initiate dismissal or demotion proceedings during the suspension period.
If that does not occur, the statutes state, the employee is reinstated to his or her duties and all records of the suspension with pay is removed from their personnel file at their request.
