Prairie Grove teacher relinquishes license

Melissa Stewart, former Prairie Grove High School teacher.
Melissa Stewart, former Prairie Grove High School teacher.

PRAIRIE GROVE -- In a plea bargain reached last week, Melissa Stewart, a former Prairie Grove High School teacher, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor and agreed to permanently relinquish her Arkansas teaching license, according to prosecutor Steven Parker.

"My objective was to ensure that she didn't teach again," Parker said.

Stewart will pay $470 in fines, fees and costs. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail that was suspended contingent on her giving up her Arkansas teaching license permanently.

Parker said the paperwork to give up her license has been forwarded to the Arkansas Department of Education.

Stewart will not be able to teach in Arkansas, Parker said.

Stewart was cited Dec. 3 with knowingly furnishing alcohol to a minor after she admitted to police she purchased alcohol for individuals she knew to be younger than 21, according to a police report.

The incident occurred Oct. 31 at an apartment on West Thurman Street in Prairie Grove. Former Prairie Grove students and current high school students were at the apartment, according to the police report.

Stewart also admitted she was aware underage individuals had consumed alcohol at her home in the past.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge Dec. 23 and was scheduled for trial Feb. 2 in Prairie Grove District Court.

On Feb. 1, Parker said the officer involved in the case was out of town and the trial was moved to Feb. 16. Parker said it didn't appear a settlement would be reached. However, the next day, Stewart, represented by attorney Eldon Cripps of Bentonville, and the prosecutor agreed on a plea bargain.

Stewart was suspended with pay from Prairie Grove School District in December. The School Board voted to terminate her contract Jan. 7.

Allen Williams, superintendent, recommended terminating Stewart's contract because of inappropriate conduct.

Stewart worked for Prairie Grove High School for five years and was in her sixth year as a math teacher.

Stewart's attorney could not be reached for comment.

NW News on 02/11/2016

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