March 29, 2024
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SAD 29 leader charged with OUI Fitzpatrick says he is ‘remorseful’

HOULTON – The chairman of the SAD 29 board confirmed Monday that district Superintendent Steve Fitzpatrick had been charged with operating under the influence after a Nov. 19 incident on Interstate 95 just north of Millinocket.

Chairman Brian McGuire said the board had consulted with an attorney for the school district and did not plan to take any action on the matter until the case is resolved.

Fitzpatrick pleaded not guilty to the charge in Millinocket District Court. A court clerk said Tuesday that Fitzpatrick has requested a jury trial, which is scheduled to take place at Penobscot County Superior Court in Bangor.

“There is validity to the fact that I’ve been charged,” Fitzpatrick said in a telephone conversation Tuesday. “I am very remorseful. I’ve engaged in counseling and I intend to take responsibility for my actions.”

McGuire released a written statement about the event earlier this week.

According to the statement, which was confirmed by the superintendent, Fitzpatrick was driving on I-95 on Nov. 19 when he ran out of gasoline. He pulled over to the side of the road and telephoned his brother for assistance, and was waiting for a ride home. He was not driving the vehicle when a Maine State Police trooper pulled up behind him.

He subsequently was charged with OUI after blowing a 0.15 on the Intoxilyzer, according to a court document.

The superintendent said Tuesday that he did not want to release any further information about the pending case.

In a letter to McGuire, Fitzpatrick said that the incident did not occur while he was acting in his capacity as superintendent or while on school time.

He pledged to continue performing his duties “in the same hardworking and professional manner.”

The chairman said that Fitzpatrick called him and told him about the charge immediately after it was lodged, and that the school board was informed about the matter during an executive session in December. He added that Fitzpatrick had expressed his “deep regret” about the incident.

McGuire pointed out that citizens are innocent until proven guilty under the justice system and said that the board believes that Fitzpatrick is entitled to that same presumption of innocence.

“We remain very pleased with Steve’s performance as our superintendent, and we are confident that he can continue to do his job effectively while he deals with this legal issue,” said McGuire.

“Although the charge against Steve has nothing to do with his official duties,” he continued, “both the board and Steve Fitzpatrick are acutely aware of the importance of setting a good example for our students. The board has been very clear that it will not tolerate violations of our substance abuse policies in our schools, and both the board and the administration will continue to enforce the policies vigorously.”

Fitzpatrick was hired as the SAD 29 superintendent in July 2004. Before that time, he spent 10 years as principal of Hodgdon High School in SAD 70.


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