Teacher Under Investigation Fires Back At APS

From KOAT-TV.com -  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A middle school teacher fires back after Albuquerque Public Schools suddenly put him on paid leave this week.  Tony Hillerman Middle School teacher Steve Buford sent Action 7 News a strongly worded statement on Wednesday. In it, Buford said he's angry, hurt and has no idea why he's being tried in the court of public opinion.  Buford's sudden departure from his middle school classroom and the word that he'd been placed on administrative leave left parents and students wondering what happened.  "Actually he's a really good teacher, and we really don't know what's going on. This is crazy," parent Julie Rose said.  Even Buford said he doesn't know why he was put on leave.  "Today is Wednesday and I still have no idea what I'm being accused of," Buford wrote to Action 7 News. "I was presumed guilty and treated like a criminal from the beginning without due process."  An APS spokeswoman called the issue a personnel matter and said Buford was sent a letter explaining his rights and the action taken against him. She also said Buford had a "lengthy conversation with an employee relations specialist where he was told why he's been placed on leave."  Buford said he got the letter, but never had a conversation with an employee relations specialist. Read more

Teacher Under Investigation Fires Back At APS