Teacher resigns over providing details of test

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (AP) -- A teacher has resigned more than a month after being put on leave for giving other teachers details about a state writing proficiency test.
Laura Lawrence quit her job as curriculum coordinator at Hannah Ashton Middle School in suburban Columbus on Wednesday during a marathon meeting of the Reynoldsburg school board. The 46-year-old will be able to collect 136 days of sick leave and remain on the district's insurance policy for six months, according to the terms of her resignation.
"We have this done now," board president Harry Zeune said. "It won't drag out."
Lawrence was put on paid leave March 5 after school officials got a tip she had told other teachers about a writing test given to sixth-grade pupils.
It was her job to help teachers develop lesson plans that would enable pupils to succeed on the test.
Fourteen teachers waited until 1 a.m. Wednesday to speak on Lawrence's behalf. An executive session regarding her resignation didn't end until about 4 a.m.
"No one cares more about kids than Laura," special-education teacher Lorraine Gaughenbaugh told the board. "Her life is centered around being the best teacher."
The state Department of Education still will review the case and could discipline Lawrence, spokesman J.C. Benton said.