Physical education teacher David Sanford, who last year pleaded guilty to criminal charges in a drunken driving incident near the Glenwood Landing School, has been found guilty of related disciplinary charges in an action brought by North Shore Schools and fined $100,000, the largest such fine in New York State, according to attorneys for the district.

State Education Department Hearing Officer Professor David L. Gregory rejected the district's request for termination and instead imposed the "severe sanction" on Mr. Sanford, of Glenwood Landing, in an August 1 decision that was accepted by the North Shore Schools Board of Education on advice of counsel. Mr. Sanford also received criminal penalties after pleading guilty to charges related to the March 15, 2001 incident.

Under the decision, Mr. Sanford, a tenured teacher who has been suspended with full pay and benefits since the incident, will return to work. North Shore Superintendent Dr. Robert W. Root has assigned Mr. Sanford to a position in the high school and middle school.

Anyone interested in reading the entire decision of the hearing officer should contact Ms. Maryellen Mangold, telephone number 518-474-3259 at the State Education Department for a copy.