BROOKSVILLE - The state Education Practices Commission on Thursday approved a settlement agreement that could pave the way for suspended Eastside Elementary School music teacher Marcus A. "Tony" Martinez to return to the classroom.
Debbie Hogan, Martinez's lawyer, said she planned to get the official paperwork to the school district personnel office as soon as possible. "As soon as we get it over to the (district), I'm sure he will be reinstated," Hogan said.
Personnel director Barbara Kidder was not available for comment. However, in the past she has said that the district reserved the right to rehire Martinez or not once he gets his teaching certificate in order. The School Board suspended Martinez without pay about five months ago, after the state pulled his teaching license, asserting he had not revealed three DUI convictions on his application.
The board did not reappoint Martinez for the 2003-04 school year. The agreement allows Martinez to get his certificate, but places him on probation for a year.
