David Clune argued that he was under considerable stress due to family issues.
GLOUCESTER TWP. -- A former Timber Creek High School math teacher who suggested via text message he "get baked" with "hot" underage students will lose his teaching certificate, according to a decision from the state Department of Education's board of examiners.
David Clune, who currently holds two mathematics certificates issued in 2003 and 2004, was a tenured member of the Black Horse Pike Regional School District. He was arrested in August 2013 and charged with harassment as a result of his alleged texts and online messages to two students.
"I always noticed u in the halls, between u and me...very hot and u look mature," Clune allegedly texted her over the Fourth of July weekend that year, according to the board of examiners' decision, which continues to include Clune's invitation to "shoot the s*** and get baked...just me and u though..."
In all, the school district alleged Clune's "unbecoming conduct" included 70 text and Facebook messages to the two former students. He also used classroom or prep time to access websites not related to school work and failed to report an August 2013 arrest for a domestic disturbance.
Why did police investigate school party?
In response to a 2014 order to show cause as to why his certificates shouldn't be revoked, Clue argued in a Jan. 2015 answer that he was under "considerable stress" as a result of his parents' failing health. Further, his disabled wife did not go to the shore with him that Fourth of July weekend for a family party, "causing him to become depressed and to overindulge in alcohol."
For those reasons, Clune's answer included admitting to the allegations but denying his certificates should be revoked.
"Teachers ... are professional employees to whom the people have entrusted the care and custody of ... school children. This heavy duty requires a degree of self-restraint and controlled behavior rarely requisite to other types of employment," the board of examiners ruled in a May vote to revoke.
The board adopted the decision on June 23 and ordered Clune's two mathematics certificates revoked immediately.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.