1 BEFORE THE TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION

2 OF THE STATE OF OREGON

3 In the Matter of the ) STIPULATION OF FACTS AND

4 Teaching License of ) FINAL ORDER OF SUSPENSION

5 LAURA FRELICH ) OF RIGHT TO APPLY AND

6 ) PROBATION

g On or about June 11, 2008 the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission

9 (Commission) received a report indicating that Laura Frelich may have engaged in
1 0 professional misconduct.
1 1 After review of the matters alleged, Frelich and the Commission agree that their
1 2 respective interests, together with the public interest, are best served by a stipulation to

i 13 certain facts and the imposition of a one-year suspension of her right to apply for a
l 14 license and 4 years of probation. ,
15 By signing below, Frelich acknowledges, understands, stipulates, and agrees to
16 the following: (i) she has been fully advised of her rights to notice and a hearing to
17 contest the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order set forth below, and fully and
18 finally waives all such rights and any rights to appeal or otherwise challenge this
19 Stipulation of Facts and Final Order (Stipulation and Final Order); (ii) this Stipulation
20 and Final Order is a public document and disclosed to the public upon request by the
21 Commission; (iii) this Stipulation and Final Order is contingent upon and subject to
22 approval and adoption by the Commission. If the Commission does not approve and
23 adopt this Stipulation and Final Order, then neither Frelich nor the Commission are
24 bound by the terms herein; (iv) she has fully read this Stipulation and Final Order, and
25 understands it completely; (v) she voluntarily, without any force or duress, enters into
26 this Stipulation and Final Order and consents to issuance and entry of the Stipulated
27 Final Order below; (vi) she states that no promise or representation has been made to
28 induce her to sign this Stipulation and Final Order; and (vii) she has consulted with an
Page 1 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF SUSPENSION —FREL|CH

1 attorney regarding this Stipulation and Final Order and has been fully advised with
2 regard to his rights thereto, or waives any and all rights to consult with an attorney prior
3 to entering into this Stipulation and Final Order and issuance and entry of the Stipulated
4 Final Order below.
5 STIPULATION OF FACTS
6 1. Laura Jane Frelich has been licensed as a teacher in Oregon since March 7, 2007. Her
7 Initial Teaching License issued on March 24, 2007 expired on March 7, 2010. During all
8 relevant times herein, Ms. Frelich was employed by the Oakridge School District.
i 9 2. On January 24, 2008, Ms. Frelich fell asleep during a meeting at work. A fellow teacher
1O smelled alcohol on Ms. Frelich on this occasion.
1 1 3. 0n January 31, 2008, Ms. Frelich left school and did not return. She had previously
1 2 been told by school officials to give notice before leaving her post. Ms. Frelich later
1 3 called the school and slurred her words when she reported her absence.
14 4. On May 17, 2008, Ms. Frelich’s husband Brian Frelich reported to Oakn'dge
1 5 Superintendent Donald Kordosky, that Ms. Frelich had provided him with the key and
16 instructions to remove, from a filing cabinet on school grounds , Ms. Frelich’s alcohol
1 7 container.
18 5. 0n February 12, 2009, Ms. Frelich appeared intoxicated on school grounds with
19 witnesses reporting her slurring her words.
2O 6. Ms. Frelich has received alcohol treatment and has completed a treatment plan. She
21 cooperated with this investigation.
22 IT IS SO STIPULATED:
23 I‘
24 g gm“, i ii; Cln 15 93L“
25 Laura /- I Frel h r Date
26 1/ / ,
27 Mi” l/ M/ ii
28 'oria Ch - WT@' ecutive Director Date
29 Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
Page 2 ST IPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF SUSPENSION —FRELICH

1
2 CONCLUSION 0F LAW
‘ 3 1. By engaging in the conduct in paragraphs 2, 3, and 5 above, Ms. Frelich engaged in
I 4 gross neglect of duty in violation of ORS 342.175(1)(b); OAR 584~020-oo40(4)(g)
5 (Appearing on duty or at any district-sponsored activity while under the influence
6 of alcohol or any controlled substance), OAR 584-020-0040(4)(n) as it incorporates
7 OAR 584-020-001o(5) (Use professional judgment).
8 2. By engaging in the conduct in paragraphs 3, and 5 above, Ms. Frelich engaged in
9 gross neglect of duty in violation of ORS 342.175(1)(b); OAR 584-020-0010(5)(Use
1 O professional judgment) and OAR 584-020-0025(2)(e) (Using district lawful and
1 1 reasonable rules and regulations).
12 3. By engaging in the conduct in paragraph 4 above, Ms. Frelich engaged in gross
1 3 neglect of duty in violation of ORS 342.175(1)(b); OAR 584-020-0025(2)(c) (Using
14 and maintaining student records as required by federal and state law and district
15 policies and procedures)
1 6
17 The Commission’s authority to impose discipline in this matter is based upon ORS
1 8 342.175.
1 9 ORDER
20 Based on the foregoing, the Commission hereby orders as follows:
21 1. Iaura Jane Frelich’s right to apply for a license is suspended for one year from
22 the date this order is executed by the Commission.
23 2. Prior to reinstatement of her license, Ms. Frelich will provide to the Commission
24 a satisfactory alcohol assessment prepared by a licensed provider.
25 3. Laura Jane Frelich will placed on probation for a period of 4 years from the date
26 of reinstatement subject to the following conditions:
Page 3 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF SUSPENSION —FHELICH

1 a. Ms. Frelich will not use alcohol during her period of probation.
2 b. Ms. Frelich shall comply with the Standards for Competent and Ethical
3 Performance of Oregon Educators under Oregon Administrative Rules
4 Chapter 584, Division 020.
5 Violation of any term or condition of probation shall constitute an independent basis
6 for the Commission to revoke Ms. Frelich’s teaching license, revoke his right to apply
7 for a license, or otherwise impose discipline, after first providing Ms. Frelich with
8 notice and opportunity for hearing.
9 Issued and dated this w day of May, 2011.
1 0 TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
1 1 STATE OF OREGON /
1: ski M mix
14 Victoria Ch-m =v-r ecutive Director
Page 4 STIPULATION OF FACTS AND ORDER OF SUSPENSION —FRELICH