The contract of a Greene County high school teacher who was arrested at the school March 31 with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit for intoxication was terminated at a special meeting of the board of education Wednesday.
School superintendent Tim Christensen recommended terminating the continuing contract of special education teacher Peyton Paddock, 24. The board approved the recommendation unanimously. Paddock will remain on paid administrative leave through the end of the current school year. The Iowa Board of Education Examiners will be contacted as required by law.
According to court documents, school principal Brian Phillips called Paddock to his office March 31 at 11:34 am after teachers reported “abnormal behavior.” Police performed a preliminary breath test at the school with a result of 0.255 (percent blood alcohol). Paddock had driven himself to school and was shown on surveillance video staggering into the school. Paddock was arrested for operating while intoxicated and public intoxication.
Paddock changed his guilty to the OWI charge May 4 in Greene County district court, having initially pleaded not guilty. He was sentenced May 5 to 180 days in jail, with all but two days suspended. He may complete the Des Moines Area Community College 48-hour alcohol education program in lieu of the jail time. He was placed on probation to Boone/Greene County Probation for one year. He must also undergo a substance abuse evaluation and complete any recommended treatment at his own expense. Paddock was fined $1,250 with a $187.50 surcharge; one-half the fine and surcharge were waived because he has already obtained a temporary restricted license.
The charge of public intoxication was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. He was assessed $60 court costs in that case.
The standards of professional conduct and ethics of the Iowa Board of Education Examiners (BOEE) prohibit teachers from being on school premises or at a school-sponsored activity involving students while under the influence of, possessing, using or consuming alcohol.
Licensed teachers whose conduct is found to be unprofessional or unethical can be disciplined by the BOEE, up to and including revoking his or her teaching license.
