Should convicted felon work in school district?

Mid Michigan (WJRT) -- (03/23/06)--She's a convicted felon, but the question is should she still be able to work for a Mid-Michigan school district?

Next week the state will release a controversial list of school employees with felony convictions. It's part of a new law.

Earlier this year a federal judge blocked the list from being released. Supporters say it will keep parents better informed.

Opponents feel mistakes on the list could hurt people's reputations. When that list is revealed, a woman from Tuscola County's Watertown Township will most likely be on it.

She's worked in the Millington School District for decades. Even though she has been convicted, to some, this case underscores the relevance of such a list.

The Millington educator has now been convicted twice of animal abuse, and that makes it a felony. But should that have any bearing on whether or not she can do a good job in school?

"There's no doubt in my mind it was not fed properly or maintained, taken care of," said Watertown Township Police Chief Phil Millerov.

Millerov is talking about an animal abuse case in 2000. Larry Mitchell and his wife Sharon were convicted of animal abuse for the treatment of a horse and others.

One horse died. Just last week, the couple again was found guilty of animal abuse, and this time it's a felony, and they have been ordered to never own animals again.

Sharon Mitchell has been an employee of the Millington Schools for 31 years, where she is currently a guidance counselor.

"You have to wonder. If you've got a person that can't take care of their animals, how can they actually teach your kids or train your kids to go on with life in the future?" Millerov said.

State law says the Millington School District must agree in writing to continue Mitchell's employment with the school because the animal abuse felony is not as severe as, say, criminal sexual conduct.

That charge would result immediate dismissal.

"I think it should be based on what kind of felony it is," said Jodi Williams, whose son is counseled by Mitchell. "If it's not against children or society in general, I don't think it should be that big of deal."

Williams doesn't see why the felony conviction should have any bearing on the guidance counselor's job status.

"She's a nice person," she said. "Everybody makes mistakes."

It was back in February when the school employee felony list was recalled because of inaccuracies. That new list is expected out sometime this month.

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