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Last updated on Thursday, July 12, 2012
(SALEM) - The Salem School Board, in an announcement at their Monday night meeting, said Laura Mahuron will not lose her job.
Stephanie Taylor Ferriell of the Leader-Democrat reports that Mahuron and her husband, John, both face misdemeanor charges in connection with an alleged underage drinking party that took place at their rural Salem home in late May following the SHS graduation.
The Salem School Board announced that Laura Mahuron will be placed under a year-long suspension. She will undergo a teachers improvement program, a alcohol/drug awareness program and must complete at least 40 hours of community service, after which she will be fully reinstated.
"Mr. Oppel and I have reviewed the events of the evening and we met with Mrs. Mahuron and we came up with a disciplinary agreement we agree is fair," said Salem Community Schools Superintendent Lynn Reed. "It shows there are consequences and I think she made an error in judgement. However, we think this is fair. Mrs. Mahuron will not be a teacher in our schools for a year. I think that's a severe consequence. That says our teachers will uphold the policies of the board and the laws of the state of Indiana and we expect that and we think that will continue."
Reed said Laura Mahuron makes more than $50,000 and her suspension will be without pay, though she will still receive insurance through the school that she must pay for out of pocket.
The Mahurons have retained attorneys and their cases are moving forward in Washington Superior Court. Laura Mahuron is represented by Tom Scifres while John Mahuron is represented by John Mead.
A pre-trial conference is set for Aug. 27.
The couple is charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. The couple allegedly provided alcohol for teens at a graduation party held at their home. Eleven teens over the age of 18, who tested positive for alcohol, were each charged with minor consumption, a Class C misdemeanor. Most have already had their court appearances.
There were 14 juveniles who tested positive for alcohol. Their information has been forwarded to the probation office. Cases involving juveniles are closed to the public. There were several other teens at the Mahurons' home on Rush Creek Road. Some fled into the woods when law enforcement officers arrived, while others did not test positive for alcohol.
"She is remorseful about the events of the evening," Reed said. "I feel that some of the events that were portrayed in the media are not factual. I think there are always rumors in the community and I think we should speak to the facts."
Laura Mahuron is a teacher at Salem Middle School and has been employed with Salem Community Schools 12 years.
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