Laurie Laubenstein (Waupaca Co. Jail)
NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — School District of New London parents are speaking out after a now-fired kindergarten teacher admitted to snorting cocaine in school bathrooms.
Laurie Laubenstein, 55, was charged for possession of cocaine in February.
According to the criminal complaint, she told police she snorted cocaine in her kindergarten classroom’s bathroom and the teachers’ lounge bathroom. She said she was using the drug to cope with a family issue.
Now, parents of Laubenstein’s students say they feel like the district isn’t listening to their concerns about how the situation was handled.
“My husband and I have had serious conversations about where else we could send our kids,” Greta Wempe said.
Wempe and fellow parent Kelli Hammes believe Lincoln Elementary School Principal Kirk Delwiche and the district have been dismissive of their concerns and did not handle the Laubenstein situation properly. They claim Delwiche knew about Laubenstein’s use of an illegal substance well before she was arrested and he should have taken her actions more seriously.
“Understanding Laurie’s situation is rough, and she took accountability for her actions. But the principal needs to be held accountable for his behavior as well,” Hammes said.
According to the criminal complaint, an anonymous reporter voiced her concerns to the principal, but felt they weren’t taken seriously. It goes on to say Delwiche talked with Laubenstein and said everything was under control and there was no risk to her students.
District Administrator Scott Bleck said Delwiche was made aware of a potential district policy violation Jan. 29. He conducted an initial review, but couldn’t confirm a violation. On Feb. 12, police were made aware of suspicious behavior by Laubenstein and found she violated district policy.
Hammes and Wempe said given what was reported to Delwiche, he should have done something much sooner.
“You weren’t doing your job to keep our children safe, and if you’re willing to make that decision, what other decisions are you willing to make at the expense of our children?” Hammes said.
“We really think that Mr. Delwiche dropped the ball on this completely,” Wempe said. “Our questions now are, what else is he letting slip by?”
The concerned parents also feel not enough is being done to support the affected students. While they say students have met with a guidance counselor, the specific situation around Laubenstein’s dismissal hasn’t been addressed.
Bleck says the district has offered support to students.
Additional adult supervision and monitoring have been implemented in the classroom, along with increased support from school counselors and administration to help ensure continuity of instruction and support for students.
Hammes and Wempe want answers now, instead of waiting for the end of the investigation.
Laubenstein will make her first court appearance March 17.
Bleck also answered the other questions below:
When was the school’s principal/district made aware of concerns about possible drug activity involving Ms. Laubenstein?
The building principal was first notified on January 29 of a potential violation of District Policy 522.1, Employee Alcohol and Other Controlled Substances Use. Upon receiving this information, the principal conducted an initial review and concluded that, based on the findings at the time, a violation of District Policy 522.1 could not be confirmed.
On February 12, the District received additional information, with assistance from the New London Police Department, indicating that Ms. Laubenstein had violated District Policy 522.1. This information was provided to the District for further administrative review and legal action.
Has any support been offered to students?
Following Ms. Laubenstein being placed on administrative leave on February 12, the District made individual personal contact with parents/guardians of the affected class to inform them of the situation and offer support. Additional adult supervision and monitoring have been implemented in the classroom, along with increased support from school counselors and administration to help ensure continuity of instruction and support for students .
Does the district believe its communication with parents met district policy in this situation?
Communications were issued directly to affected families, as well as to the broader school community. Information shared in those communications was based on facts that had been established and verified at the time. As additional information and findings emerged during the course of the review, the District provided updates and guidance when appropriate.
All communications were developed with careful consideration to ensure families were informed while maintaining compliance with applicable laws, District policies and procedures, and the confidentiality protections afforded to both students and employees.
Were students drug tested and did they have a high risk of exposure?
County Child Protective Services were contacted to ensure a thorough review and provide support for the students and families involved. This referral enabled the agencies to work directly with families, as appropriate, to assess student safety and welfare and determine whether any additional services or interventions were necessary, reinforcing the District’s commitment to a safe and supportive learning environment.
Additionally, contracted custodial services conducted a deep clean of the classroom, and a police inspection was carried out following the identification of a District Policy violation by Ms. Laubenstein. These measures were taken to ensure a safe, secure, and healthy environment for all students and staff.
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