Local Teacher Intoxicated in Kindergarten Classroom

Police arrested an Ankeny kindergarten teacher who was intoxicated in class last Friday, according to the Des Moines Register.

The unfortunate visit to East Elementary came after police received a report that Jennifer Rich, 40 years old and a veteran in Ankeny schools, had a beer in her classroom. There were students and parents on hand for the February 13 Valentine’s Day party.

Rich, who had two empty beer cans and four full cans in her bag, was charged with public intoxication and child endangerment. She failed the preliminary breath test and had watery, bloodshot eyes during questioning, according to an Ankeny Police Department news release.

A substitute replaced Rich as soon as possible - something her students will have to get used to as they will have a long-term sub until a permanent replacement is identified.

Having taught in the district since 2001, she had never given school officials or local law enforcement any reason to expect such an incident that led to her immediate resignation, which was approved at their regular school board meeting the same day.

Julianne Taylor, the school’s principal, called the students’ parents over the weekend to break the news.

Further details about the case won’t be released until Rich appears in court.

Photo Credit: File | Patch

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