Corbin Middle School teacher on paid leave until DUI case is settled

Keith Lamkin

A Corbin Middle School teacher has been placed on leave with pay pending the outcome of his DUI case.

Keith Lamkin, who teaches eighth grade science, has been on leave since his arrest on Dec. 24.

Superintendent Ed McNeel declined to talk specifically about Lamkin’s case, but said, in such instances, it is board policy to place the individual on paid leave until the case is adjudicated in court.

“We don’t condemn someone because there is an accusation,” McNeel said.

Lamkin is scheduled to appear in Whitley District Court in Corbin today for a pretrial conference on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, no/expired registration plates, no/expired Ky. registration receipt and one headlight.

According to the arrest citation Lamkin failed several field sobriety tests and blew a .136 on the breathalyzer.

Kentucky State Police Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Mike Hamblin stated that he was on Cumberland Falls Hwy. about 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve when he saw the Buick Lesabre with one headlight.

“Upon getting behind the vehicle, I noticed the vehicle cross the center line then cross the fog line,” Hamblin stated, adding the license tags had expired at the end of November.

Hamblin initiated a traffic stop and upon speaking with the driver, later identified as Lamkin, he noted a strong odor of alcoholic beverages on Lamkin’s person. In addition, Hamblin reported that Lamkin has glassy and bloodshot eyes.

“Above stated he had drank a couple of beers and a mixed drink,” Hamblin stated.

Lamkin failed to perform several field sobriety tests after which he was placed under arrest.

Hamblin stated he was taking Lamkin to the Corbin Police department to perform the breathalyzer. However, Hamblin was forced to stop while en route as Lamkin became sick and threw up in his cruiser.

McNeel said there is nothing specific in the Corbin School System’s employee handbook or the Kentucky Education Professionals Code of Ethics related to driving under the influence of alcohol.

However, the code of ethics includes a provision that certified personnel, “Shall exemplify behaviors which maintain the dignity and integrity of the profession.”

“Everyone from the superintendent on down is subject to the code of ethics,” McNeel said.

As to what action the school system may taken if Lamkin is found/pleads guilty to the charge, McNeel said there is nothing set in stone.

“This is my 49^th year in education and in that time I have had the opportunity to experience all types of situations,” McNeel said. 

McNeel noted the final decision on any disciplinary action rests with the school board. 

Lamkin did not return calls seeking comment.