School District May Not Be Able To Remove Superintendent After Second DUI Arrest
EL DORADO COUNTY (CBS13) — The superintendent of El Dorado County schools has been arrested for driving under the influence for the second time in six months.
Jeremy Meyers wasn't at his desk on Thursday afternoon. Instead deputies say he was drunk behind the wheel when he crashed into what used to be a large utility box.
The El Dorado County Office of Education says it doesn't know where Meyers was before Thursday's crash. An office spokesperson says the superintendent makes his own calendar and employees don't have access to it.
Sheriff's deputies found him at 2 p.m. on Thursday where they say Meyers was driving drunk on Green Valley Road when he went off the road and crashed his truck into a utility box.
Deputies say his blood-alcohol content exceeded 0.15—roughly twice the legal limit.
This is the second time he's been arrested on a DUI charge in six months. Meyers was cited in June for a DUI. Two weeks after his attorney pleaded no contest, Meyers issued the following statement:
"On June 9, 2015, I received a DUI citation. To my family, the incredible staff at the El Dorado County Office (EDCOE) and all of the students and families in El Dorado County, I sincerely apologize for this personal mistake. I have already accepted responsibility and am personally dealing with my error in judgment. Most importantly, I want everyone to know that this will not interfere with the great work of EDCOE in continuing to provide quality education for all of the children and families in our county. Thank you for your understanding."
The district at the time of his first arrest called the issue a personal matter Meyers was handling on his own. Upon learning of this second arrest, it released a statement, saying in part, "while unfortunate, we will continue to work together and deliver high-quality support to our county-wide programs, school districts …"
But that's not good enough for locals who say the superintendent didn't learn his lesson the first time.
The county school board's hands may be tied, since the superintendent isn't an employee of the board of education, rather an elected official. Voters gave Meyers the job in 2014.
The board says it will discuss the arrest at Saturday's scheduled board meeting, but it's unclear if any action can be taken against Meyers.
He could not be reached for comment.