Former Pembroke Academy Dean Surrenders Teaching Credentials

PEMBROKE, NH — The former dean of a local high school has surrendered her teaching license after being convicted on drug charges. Rekha Luther, 38, pleaded guilty in Merrimack County Superior Court on possession of a narcotic drug in a safe school zone and possession of a controlled drug in a safe school drug charges, both felonies. She was sentenced to a short stint in prison, three months, after being arrested in 2016, after fentanyl was found in her desk at the school, according to the Concord Monitor.

Luther also received two years of probation and 18 months to five years of suspended prison time, according to the report. Prosecutors had originally asked for a year in jail, according to WMUR-TV.

The court decision prompted the New Hampshire Department of Education to request the revocation of her teaching credentials, according to Commissioner Frank Edelblut.

“Ensuring that our students are safe in the classroom and in the school community is a top priority for the Department of Education,” he said in a statement. “Thankfully, incidents involving a certified educator pleading guilty to a criminal offense such as this are extremely rare. However, when they do occur, the Department of Education acts quickly and takes all appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our students while being mindful of the rights of our educators.”

Edelblut also thanked everyone involved in the case for their hard work and cooperation with the NH DOE.

Luther had originally agreed to a plea deal, according to the report, but later, backed out of the deal. Repeatedly, she missed hearings, and was sent to jail in July 2017. The 20-day stint turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it allowed her, the report noted, to seek recovery assistance.

After pleading guilty, Luther apologized to the court and her family.

Image via Pembroke Police.