Teacher Fentanyl Overdose Prompts Westfield Schools To Review Policies

WESTFIELD, NJ — In light of the recent news that a Roosevelt Intermediate School art teacher overdosed on fentanyl in a classroom, Westfield Superintendent Raymond González said the district is re-examining its policies and overall culture.

Students discovered Frank Thompson, the 57-year-old art teacher, laying unconscious on the classroom floor on Nov. 29. The school's resource officer then administered Narcan to Thompson, after observing signs that he was experiencing an overdose.

Following an investigation of this incident, police discovered a quantity of a suspected controlled dangerous substance and various items of drug paraphernalia inside a closet in the classroom.

Thompson was then charged with possessing fentanyl, drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of children on Jan. 5.

Read more: Westfield Art Teacher Faces Charges After Drug Overdose In Classroom

Superintendent González briefly addressed the incident at Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting. He reiterated that the district is bound by confidentiality in matters concerning school employees.

School Business Administrator Patricia Ramos told Tapinto that Thompson, as of last week, remains employed by the district with an annual salary of $101,965.

"While there are details we cannot share, I do want to reassure everyone in instances such as this, as a district we always reflect on where we can improve our practices and protocols to keep our schools safe," González said.

He explained that the district is reviewing its policies and staff training, regarding its professional obligations, and how to recognize "red flags and warning indicators."

"We're also examining ways we can enhance our school culture in all of our schools to make sure that everyone feels safe and comfortable reporting something if they see something they are concerned about," González said

According to Police Chief Christopher Battiloro, Thompson has been served with a complaint-summons through his attorney and is scheduled to present himself to Central Judicial Processing on Feb. 1 at 8:30 a.m.

You can view the entirety of Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting on YouTube.

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