School district fires kindergarten teacher, says she was intoxicated with alcohol in class



TACOMA -- A Tacoma kindergarten teacher who had a previous alcohol offense has been fired after being found intoxicated last month with alcohol in a beverage container in class, the Tacoma Public Schools confirmed Monday.

The incident occurred Feb. 19 at Larchmont Elementary, and the teacher, identified as Klara Bowman, was fired last Wednesday following an investigation into the incident, the school district said.

A district spokesman said Bowman was intoxicated and that she walked into a wall. A student in Bowman's class went to the main office to report the incident, and an assistant principal went to the class to check it out. The teacher was taken out of class, then escorted off campus. After she was fired last Wednesday, a letter was sent out to parents informing them that she would not be returning.

Bowman had a prior alcohol offense in February 2011 while teaching at Grant Elementary School and that resulted in a "last chance" agreement, the district said.

She has been working for Tacoma Public Schools since 2008.

According to the Associated Press, Bowman plans to appeal her firing.

Here is part of the letter sent to parents by Larchmont Elementary Principal Cynthia Horner:

"As most of you know, Ms. Bowman has been away from the classroom for the past week. This letter is to let you know that Ms. Bowman will be out for the remainder of the school year. As this is unexpected, I am asking you to partner with us, in our efforts, to ensure the most successful year possible for your child when we welcome a new teacher.  We are currently in the process of hiring the most qualified teacher to lead the class through the end of the school year..."