… as she was on her way to work! As a matter of fact, this isn’t just any kindergarten teacher, this was MY kindergarten teacher several years ago! I can’t believe it! I am thinking about getting her some personalized pens that say something like “Don’t get drunk or you’ll flunk!”
Christian Giggenbach
Register-Herald Reporter
LEWISBURG — School officials say an investigation has begun concerning Tuesday morning’s arrest of a longtime Greenbrier County kindergarten teacher on a DUI charge.
“I have not had a chance to look into all of the particulars and I’ve been making some phone calls,” Superintendent John Curry said Wednesday. “I will investigate this matter and take appropriate actions based on the determination of facts.”
Jennifer L. Tuckwiller, 54, of Clintonville, was driving to Rupert on the first day of school, at about 7:25 a.m. on U.S. 60 near Sam Black Church, and was involved in a single-car accident, according to a criminal complaint filed by sheriff’s Deputy D.J. Vandall.
Although Tuckwiller was not injured, the deputy “observed the driver exhibiting behavior consistent with (being) under the influence” and also “smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage.”
The complaint stated Tuckwiller “admitted to drinking two beers.” She also failed several field sobriety tests. The complaint did not state at what time Tuckwiller admitted to drinking the beer.
“The defendant swayed when standing (and had) slurred speech and red eyes,” the complaint said. “(The deputy) also administered a one-leg stand test which she needed to hold on to the cruiser.”
Tuckwiller was arrested and later registered a .215 blood alcohol level in tests taken in Lewisburg. The state limit for driving is .08.
Tuckwiller was arraigned before Magistrate Brenda Campbell and released after posting $500 bond. Curry said she did not report for work Tuesday or Wednesday, and he was unsure if she would be at work today.
Tuckwiller has been employed in the school system since 1975 and has worked primarily as a kindergarten teacher in Rupert.
haha… this is a funny one, i would love to be in that class…
I understand she wasn’t on her way to school, since she was arrested in a teeshirt and shorts….Seems funny to me that every last detail of her arrest was made public! Think that would have happened if she’d been a football coach who passed out drunk at practice? (Which actually happened in Greenbrier county once:) Kindergarten didnt start until thursday anyway, so who cares? Bet theres bunches of teachers out there who need to tie one on just to face the day! She was my teacher once too, and my kids! I still think shes great!
It would have been different if she was a high school teacher or something, but a kindergarten teacher has to be on top of things all day.