Niagara Falls teacher sentenced for impaired driving

An English teacher at St. Paul’s High School in Niagara Falls was sentenced to one year probation and must pay a $2,000 for driving drunk.

48-year old Frances MacDonald took a group St. Paul students on a fishing field trip to Haldimand County in May of last year. On their way back home, the van MacDonald was driving hit a motorcyclist. He suffered leg, back and head injuries. MacDonald was charged with impaired driving. Breathalyzer evidence indicated she had twice the legal limit of alcohol in
her system.

In court on Wednesday, she admitted she’s now getting help for alcohol addiction: “It’s been a really long year for me and my family. It’s been in the news and I don’t think people really understand how detrimental it is to my family, my children. I’ve taken all the appropriate measures to get rehabilitated this year. I’m looking forward to a new life and I hope everyone can move on from this.”

MacDonald is on a leave from teaching. But it’s believed she is still employed by the Niagara Catholic District School Board. Director of Education John Crocco says he can’t discuss the case, but promises to take appropriate action.