HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
A Huntsville teacher fired for not showing up to teach the first week of school won her appeal.
A hearing officer found Davis Hills Middle School teacher Joann Thompson was guilty of neglect of duty, but the officer overturned her termination.
[Click here to read Hearing Officer Ruling (PDF)]
Dr. Casey Wardynski issued a statement saying this decision will make it hard to improve the culture in schools.
He said he'll ask for a review of the decision overturning her punishment.
[Click here to read Dr. Wardynski's statement (PDF)]
Thompson asked for personal leave in August to attend a church convention in Washington DC. When her principal turned down her request, she went to Dr. Wardynski. Thompson told Wardynski through email that she already purchased non refundable tickets for the trip.
Thompson also said she had attended this convention numerous times in the last nine years. She arranged for a substitute teacher for the first week of school.
Wardynski replied to Thompson's email and said she was expected to be in her place of duty at the start of the school week.
After being denied permission to take leave for the trip, Thompson attended the convention and missed the first week of school.
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Dr. Casey Wardynski says this decision will make it hard to improve the culture in schools.
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