JUL 1 0 1996
l BEFORE THE TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION
OF THE STATE OF OREGON
3 In the Matter of the ] STIPULATION OF FACTS, SURRENDER OF LICENSE
4 Administrative License of ) AND ORDER OF SUSPENSION OF
5 JOHN WILLIAM STARR ) LICENSE
6 l
7 On May 30, 1996, the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission informed John
8 William Starr that the Commission found sufficient evidence of violation of Standards
9 for Competent and Ethical Performance of Oregon Educators to warrant a hearing
10 regarding his fitness to serve as a school administrator. Mr. Starr requested a hearing
1 1 on the allegations, but before a hearing date was set. the parties have agreed that
12 their respective interest and the interests of the State are best served by a Stipulation
13 of Facts. Surrender of License and Order of Suspension of License as set forth below.
14 FINDINGS OF FACT
15 l. John William Starr holds a Standard Administrative License endorsed
16 administrator and superintendent and valid from 1 / 24/ 95 to 2/25/2000.
17 Starr previously held a teaching license which expired on 2/25/81.
18 2. During the 1995-96 school year, Starr failed to meet District expectations as
19 principal of Lakeview High School due in part to physical and mental
2O conditions that required extended sick leave and hospitalization.
‘.. i 3. During his employment with Lakeview High School. Starr suffered numerous
22 seizures. Tests have determined that these episodes are not epileptic, but are
23 brought on by stress. ,
24 4. Following several incidents of hospitalization in Spring 1996, Starr applied for
25 disability retirement.
26 5. On April l7, 1996. Starr entered the Lake District Hospital with a loaded
27 firearm and requested to see his physician. On May 14, 1996, in Lake County
28 Circuit Court, he was indicted on one count of Possession of a Firearm in a
29 Public Building, a Class C Felony. At the time this stipulation was signed this
30 charge was pending and a trial date has been set for August 14, 1996.
31 6. Starr was released on his own recognizance while awaiting trial on the above
32 indictment. In view of Mr. Starr‘s mental condition at the time of release, the
33 court directed him to have no contact with: the Lake District Hospital (except
34 with prior notice), the Lakeview School District [except the Superintendent's
35 oflice), and/or the 3rd Floor of the Courthouse. The court also prohibited Starr
36 from possession of firearms of any lo'nd.
37 7. The court ordered Starr to take prescribed medications, to refrain from use of
38 intoxicants of any kind, and to obey any directives of Lake County Mental
39 Health.
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PAGE 1--PROPOSED STIPULATION AND ORDER--JOI-IN WILLIAM STARR

l John William Starr enters into this Stipulation of Facts with knowledge that if the
Q Teacher Standards and Practices Commission accepts the surrender of his license it
will suspend his Oregon Administrative License endorsed in administrator and
4 superintendent. Further, Starr agrees that he will not request reinstatement of either
5 his administrative or his expired teaching license.
6 This Stipulation is contingent upon approval and adoption of the Order by the
7 Commission. If the Commission does not adopt this Order. neither Mr. Starr nor the
8 Commission will be bound by these stipulations, and Mr. Starr retains all rights to a
9 hearing on the allegations in the Notice of Opportunity for Hearing.
10 IT IS SO STIPULATED:
11 Z ‘ 7 ' %
12 n William Starr Date
13 K 9/ l
14 David V. Myton, Exec tive Secretary Da
15 Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
. ULTIMATE FINDINGS OF FACT
17 John Starr lacks the physical and mental health necessary to serve as an
18 administrator in Oregon schools.
19 CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
20 ORS 342. 143 and 342. 175 establish the qualifications of school administrators and
21 authorize TSPC to require evidence of mental and physical health deemed necessary
22 to serve as an administrator.
23 OPINION i
i
24 M a superintendent of schools or school principal, John Starr is required to make i
25 professional decisions that affect teachers, students. and parents. Schools and 1
26 communities must have confidence in educational leaders. Mr. Starr's performance in
27 1995-96 raises serious questions about his current ability to maintain that
28 confidence. His agreement to surrender his administrative license and to not seek
29 reinstatement is a responsible and professional resolution to concerns about his
30 recent performance. His decision does not detract from his earlier professional
31 accomplishments.
PAGE 2——PROPOSED STIPULATION AND ORDER—-JOHN WILLIAM STARR

1 ORDER
9 The Commission accepts the surrender of and suspends the Administrative License
3 #910205 endorsed for administrator and superintendent issued to John William
4 Starr. valid from January 25, 1995 to February 25, 2000.
m \1/ .

5 Dated this 2 day of , 1996.

6 TEACHER STANDARDS AND PRACTICES COMMISSION

7 By: MM [j

8 avid V. Myton, Ex ..utive Secretary

9 DVM/cs

O 1
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PAGE 3--PROPOSED STIPULATION AND ORDER--JOHN WILLIAM STARR

‘r CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
2 I hereby certify that I served the foregoing order by mailing a true copy thereof
3 certified by me as such by U. S. First Class Mail and U.S. Certified Mail with Retum
4 Receipt Requested to:
5 JOHN WILLIAM STARR
6 235 SOUTH H STREET
7 LAKEV'IEW OR 97630
r7“
8 Dated this Q -' day of , 1996.
9 Byzgfiiéflg 2 OZ. @ci/c)
10 c arlene A. Smith i
1 l Secretary to the Commission l
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PAGE 4--PROPOSED STIPULATION AND ORDER——JOHN WILLIAM STARR