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W-E schools superintendent pleads guilty to DUI

At his May 23 pretrial, Thompson said he would take responsibility for his actions and apologized to his friends, family and the community.
Stephen L. Thompson

CHARDON -- The Willoughby-Eastlake Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting tonight to discuss the discipline for Superintendent Stephen Thompson, according to officials. They previously met May 19 to discuss Thompson but immediately adjourned into executive session.

And Chardon Municipal Court records reflect that Thompson, 48, of South Russell, pleaded guilty this afternoon to driving under the influence and failure to maintain an assured clear distance charges stemming from a 2:30 a.m. crash May 17 crash at the corner of state Route 306 and Mayfield Road in Chester Township.

Attorney Kenneth Callahan represented Thompson in court today. Attorney Ron Graham represented Thompson at his first court appearance.

Related story: Willoughby-Eastlake school superintendent charged with DUI

Related story: Willoughby-Eastlake school superintendent pleads 'not guilty'

Court records show he had a blood alcohol concentration of .17 and the legal limit in Ohio is .08.

Thompson is the former school superintendent at Chagrin Falls schools.

At his May 23 pretrial, Thompson said he would take responsibility for his actions and apologized to his friends, family and the community.

"Last weekend I made a significant mistake, one for which I am truly sorry. I operated a motor vehicle when I should not have," he said.

He also said he would make a donation to Students Against Drunk Driving.

"I sincerely hope this incident will be reminder to everyone how one bad decision, isolated incident, can be painful, embarrassing and potentially tragic," Thompson added. "I sincerely apologize and commit to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure this never happens again."

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