SALEM SCHOOLS Through letter, board reprimands teacher

Officials told an instructor his actions were unacceptable.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- A teacher whose car contained drug-related items has received a letter reprimanding him.
The letter, issued Friday, follows the school district's review into a case that unfolded when a towing company showed up at the junior high school on North Lincoln Avenue on Feb. 6 to repossess the car belonging to Dennis Milne, 32, of Columbiana.
While doing a routine inventory, the tow-truck driver discovered inside the car marijuana seeds and a makeshift pipe, police have said.
The driver towed the car across town to the police station. By not calling authorities to the scene where the items where discovered, the driver probably compromised their use as evidence in a criminal case, police have said.
Milne has been questioned by police about the items, which he has denied owning or having any knowledge of. He is not charged with any crime.
School officials conducted their own probe into the matter, resulting in the letter of reprimand, which was placed in Milne's personnel file.
About letter: The letter calls his actions unacceptable.
"Your personal financial difficulties need to be addressed because of the negative impact this repossession" has had on the school district, the letter states.
The fact that police were called to the school and that the matter was publicized in area newspapers also was addressed.
"You and the district must deal with the fallout that is a result of your actions ... . Fallout thus far has included negative press coverage; numerous direct parent contacts of concern; innuendo; and reports of activity unbecoming a teacher."
Superintendent Dr. David Brobeck declined to elaborate on the letter.
Brobeck said last week that because Milne is not charged with a crime, the district did not have the option of firing or suspending him.