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Toubled teacher deserves treatment not punitive pink slip

By Times editorial
Published September 13, 2006

School superintendent Heather Fiorentino and the Pasco School Board must put student safety as a top priority.

It is Fiorentino's justification in seeking to dismiss troubled teacher Patti Withers, a language teacher at Pasco High School who ingested anti-anxiety medication and other pills after school had let out for the day May 22. Withers' actions, in a school office, were witnessed by three or four students, plus staff members.

Removing Withers from the classroom is understandable. Students shouldn't be exposed to such irrational behavior.

But calling for her firing under the pretense her perceived suicide attempt constitutes an immoral act is unreasonable. Withers' behavior wasn't criminal. That she did it in front of witnesses is indicative of a person seeking attention, according to mental health experts.

Fiorentino's recommended punishment would limit Withers' ability to obtain mental health care. On Aug. 1, the Pasco School Board, over Fiorentino's objections, voted 3-2 to suspend Withers with pay so she could maintain her benefits while she appeals her recommended firing. She is now on a leave of absence pending an Oct. 3 School Board hearing.

Fiorentino says she is looking out for the welfare of the children. It is prudent that she would. But, if Fiorentino is so worried about the impact of Withers' actions, how come there was no followup counseling for the students?

To substantiate her recommendation, Fiorentino distributed National Institute of Mental Health literature to the School Board detailing how a person exposed to suicide may be more likely to attempt to take his or her own life, too.

The phenomenon of suicide clustering among young people is well-documented. Fiorentino's motivation here is without question, but she can accomplish her goal absent Withers' dismissal.

We'll also refer to the National Mental Health Association. It defines mental illness "as a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, perception and behavior. If these disturbances significantly impair a person's ability to cope with life's ordinary demands and routines, then he or she should immediately seek proper treatment with a mental health professional."

And, the association states, "with the proper care and treatment, a person can recover and resume normal activities."

Withers' personnel file indicates a strong teacher characterized by supervisors as caring, dedicated and hard-working. If her evaluations aren't accurate reflections of her performance, then the school's principal isn't doing his job adequately. The district said there is no ulterior motive; Withers is being judged simply for actions on May 22.

Then it is sensible to try to salvage the career of an employee with a solid work record. Withers doesn't need to return to the classroom, but she doesn't need to be discarded, either.

[Last modified September 13, 2006, 01:09:06]