Briones signs last chance agreement

Briones signs last chance agreement

Walla Walla Public Schools and teacher Jesus Jesse Briones finalized a last chance employment agreement Thursday, Jan. 11 to end his paid administrative leave following a 13 month investigation stemming from a local arrest in December 2005 .

Briones  who worked as a Spanish teacher at Walla Walla High School prior to his administrative leave  has been transferred to the Paine Campus Alternative School to serve as a Plato Lab Instructor, Translator and Drop-Out Coordinator.

 I wish to take this opportunity to apologize to the Walla Walla Public Schools, my peers, and to the larger community for my recent and past behavior involving alcohol abuse, Briones said in a prepared statement. Again, I am sorry for my actions and greatly appreciate being given this opportunity to prove my worth as an educator and citizen of our community.

Per the agreement, Briones' employment will hinge on strict consequences for his professional and public conduct. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bill Jordan says the agreement is fair and protects the district against future incidents. He says now it's time to support Mr. Briones and help him resume his professional career.

We have come to an agreement that works for both parties, Dr. Jordan said. Now we need to welcome Jesse back to our district family and support him in his new position.

For additional information, call Communications Director Mark Higgins at 526-6716.