Principal Gets DUI -- Needs to Take DUI Course

by: Mike Miller
9/1/2019

Do you think the educators of our children should be held to a higher standard? I firmly believe that teachers and school principals need to set an example for our children. However, I do not believe they should lose their jobs over getting a violation for driving under the influence (DUI).

Following is a true story an elementary school principal whop should keep her job, but should be mandated to at least an online alcohol class. As reported in newsitem.com.

The principal at a Pennsylvania elementary school was charged with DUI and allegedly begged the officer for leniency because of her job.

Holly Ann Judge, 36, was stopped at 11:30 p.m. and initially refused a Breathalyzer or blood test. There was little doubt as to her level of inebriation as she was unable to stand without stumbling during a field test.

While I believe everyone deserves a second chance, Judge’s level of intoxication is quite frightening. A blood-alcohol test determined her BAC was .33 percent, more than four times the legal limit.

Magnuson said he initiated a traffic stop after seeing a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee pull onto South Market Street without using a turn signal, drive over the center line and continue traveling north in the southbound lane, according to the newspaper.

The officer said the driver, later identified as Judge, seemed flustered when asked questions; her eyes were bloodshot and she smelled of alcohol. Judge admitted to having a couple of drinks, but begged Magnuson to let her go because she would lose her job, the paper reported. The insurance card she presented had expired in April, police said.

Judge faces two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence, failing to drive on the right side of the road, failing to drive on the road, failing to use proper turn signals, failing to have required financial insurance and driving carelessly and recklessly, the newspaper reported. She was charged Thursday before District Judge John H. Reed, Selinsgrove.

Judge was appointed principal in October 2011. Her annual salary is $93,244. School officials withheld comment, but a special school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Island Park Adminstration Center conference room, according to the newspaper.