Fired Middle School Teacher Draws Probation

Thursday, April 18, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The sentence means that Shade, who preached a strong anti-drug message while he taught and coached at Traner Middle School, will have to take part in a drug rehabilitation program during his probation.

Wednesday's sentencing stems from the 1992 arrest of Shade and his stepson during an alleged drug buy. Because of legal disputes over evidence, the case languished in the courts.

Shade eventually entered a plea in February to one count of possession in a deal that could eventually allow him to return to teaching with a clean record.

"I made a mistake in poor judgment, poor decisions," Shade told Washoe District Court Judge Connie Steinheimer before the sentence was imposed. "But I have learned from these mistakes.

"It has made me a stronger person."

Deputy District Attorney Tom Viloria said Shade denied to the Nevada Division of Parole and Probation that he had a drug problem, but later admitted using marijuana three to four times a day for 21 years.

Because of life changes in 1991, , Shade used marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and alcohol, the prosecutor said.

Shade had been working in a non-classroom job pending his successful completion of a drug rehabilitation program that included drug testing.

But his future with the school district is anything but certain.

Washoe County School Superintendent Mary Nebgen said Shade's employment ended when he failed to show for a drug test March 29.

Shade's attorney said his client overslept and will go to court, if necessary, to keep his job.

"It was not a case of somebody running and missing a drug test," David Houston said. "It was a case of someone exhausted and oversleeping and missing a drug test by 45 minutes."

Nebgen, however, said a deal is a deal.

"He signed an agreement that indicated should he fail to appear for a drug test, it would constitute his irrevocable resignation," she said.