1 BEFORE THE TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
' OF THE STATE 0F OREGON
3 In the Matter of the ) STIPULATION OF FACTS,
4 Teaching License of ) FINAL ORDER OF REPRIMAND
5 STEVEN MATTHEW PETER ) AND PROBATION
6 On May 25, 2006, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (Commission) received a
7 report from Maureen R. Sloane, Superintendent, Portland Public Schools indicating that Steven
8 Matthew Peter (Peter) self reported that he was addicted to a “controlled substance".
9 Mr. Peter fully cooperated with the Commission‘s investigation. After review of the matters
1O alleged, Mr. Peter and the Commission agree that their respective interests, together with the public
1 1 interest, are best served by a stipulation to certain facts and the imposition of a public reprimand
12 followed by a four (4) year probation.
13 This document sets forth the facts upon which the parties have agreed and the stipulated
14 sanction to be imposed. Mr. Peter stipulates that there is sufficient evidence in the Commission’s files
’ and records to support the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and order set forth below.
16 By signing below, Mr. Peter acknowledges, understands, stipulates, and agrees to the
17 following: (i) he has been fully advised of his rights to notice and a hearing to contest the findings of
18 fact, conclusions of law, and order set forth below, and fully and finally waives all such rights and any
19 rights to appeal or otherwise challenge this Stipulation of Facts, Final Order of Reprimand and
2O Probation (Stipulation and Final Order); (ii) this Stipulation and Final Order is a public document and
21 disclosed to the public upon request by the Commission; (iii) this Stipulation and Final Order is
22 contingent upon and subject to approval and adoption by the Commission. If the Commission does
23 not approve and adopt this Stipulation and Final Order, then neither Mr. Peter nor the Commission are
24 bound by the terms herein; (iv) he has fully read this Stipulation and Final Order, and understands it
25 completely; (v) he voluntarily, without any force or duress, enters into this Stipulation and Final Order
26 and consents to issuance and entry of the Stipulated Final Order below; (vi) he states that no
' promises or representation has been made to induce him to sign this Stipulation and Final Order; and
28 (vii) he has consulted with an attorney regarding this Stipulation and Final Order and has been fully
Page 1 STIPULATION OF FACTS, FINAL ORDER OF REPRIMAND AND PROBATION - Peter

1 advised with regard to his rights thereto, or waives any and all rights to consult with an attorney prior
' to entering into this Stipulation and Final Order and issuance and entry of the Stipulated Final Order
3 below.
4 STIPULATION OF FACTS
5 1. The Commission has licensed Steven Matthew Peter since April 24, 1984. Mr. Peter
6 currently holds a Standard Teaching License valid March 30, 2006, through March 29, 2011, with a
7 Standard Music Endorsement.
8 2. Mr. Peter began teaching for Portland Public Schools on March 1, 1988. Mr. Peter is
9 currently teaching at Wilson High School, Portland Public Schools.
10 3. On or about May 24, 2006, Mr. Peter self reported that he was addicted to a “controlled
1 1 substance".
12 4. Mr. Peter entered into a “Rehabilitation and Last Chance Agreement” with the Portland
13 Public Schools on May 24, 2006.
. 5. On June 23, 2006, Mr. Peter was admitted to Pacific Hills Treatment Centers and was
15 discharged on July 21, 2006.
16 6. On February 8, 2007, Mr. Peter told Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
17 Investigator that on January 30, 2007, he relapsed and has used a controlled substance.
18 IT IS SO STIPULATED:
19 M fltf/YW d?
20 Stev atthew Pe Date
21 \MMF 03- 02-0?
22 ictoria Cham in, Executive Director Date
23 Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
24 CONCLUSIONS 0F LAW
25 Steven Matthew Peter is guilty of Gross Unfitness in violation of OAR 584-020-0040(5)(e)
26 through his continued use of a controlled substance which constitutes an act of criminal conduct. Mr.
Peter is guilty of Gross Neglect of Duty in violation of OAR 584-020-0040(4)(n) as it incorporates OAR
fi 584-020-0010(5) through his demonstrated failure to use professional judgment when using controlled
Page 2 STIPULATION OF FACTS, FINAL ORDER OF REPRIMAND AND PROBATION 4 Peter

1 substances. The Commission has authority to impose discipline in this matter under ORS 342.120
' through 342.430 and OAR Chapter 584.

3 FINAL ORDER

4 The Commission hereby adopts and incorporates herein the above findings of facts,

5 conclusions of law, and based thereon, hereby imposes a Public Reprimand.

6 Furthermore, the Commission places Mr. Peter on Probation for a period of four (4) years to

7 commence the date of this order and subject to the following special terms and conditions of

8 probation:

9 1. Mr. Peter shall notify the Commission of any discipline imposed upon him by an employing
10 school district for any reason during the term of this probation; 5
11 2. Mr. Peter shall report in writing within ten days to the Executive Director Of the Commission
12 any arrest or citation for any felony, misdemeanor, or major traffic violation;

13 3. Mr. Peter shall submit to the Commission the plan of ongoing treatment he will be taking
. throughout his probation for his chemical dependency condition as recommended by the treating

15 professional he has been using;

16 4. Mr. Peter shall submit to random urinalysis samples to an approved substance abuse

17 program on monthly basis specific to schedule 2 controlled substances.

18 5. Mr. Peter shall sign a medical release form and provide a copy of the release form to the
19 substance abuse program manager and to the Commission;

20 6. Mr. Peter shall report to the Commission every six (6) months during his probation on or
21 before: September 16, 2007; March 16, 2008; September 16, 2008; March 16, 2009; September 16,
22 2010; March 16,2011; September 16, 2011; and March 16,2012.

23 7. Mr. Peter shall comply with the Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance of

24 Oregon Educators under Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 584, and Division 020.

25 Violation of the terms of this probation may constitute an independent basis for the
. Commission to revoke Mr. Peter's teaching license or othenrvise impose discipline, after first providing

Page 3 STIPULATION OF FACTS, FINAL ORDER OF REPRIMAND AND PROBATION - Peter

1 Mr. Peter with notice and opportunity for hearing. It is Mr. Peter's duty to proactively seek termination
. Of the probation at the end of the four years.

3 Issued and dated this é day of March, 2007.

4 TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION

5 STATE OF OREGON

6 c.

7 B m

8 ‘ oria Chamb utive Director

9 Approved as to form:
10
11
12 argare Iney, OSB # 88135
13 Attorney r Steven Matthew Peter [030507]

Page 4 STIPULATION OF FACTS, FINAL ORDER OF REPRIMAND AND PROBATION - Peter