Clarkstown Police arrested Jill Blau, a teacher at Link Elementary School, on charges of driving while ability impaired on Tuesday. Police report they arrested Blau, 40, of Mahwah, NJ on charges of driving while ability impaired by drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance. They report Blau was stopped at 1 p.m. after she was observed driving very slowly on Gerlach Drive in New City.
Clarkstown School Superintendent Dr. J. Thomas Morton sent a notice to parents on Wednesday afternoon that a Link teacher had been arrested but did not provide a name or explanation. The message noted the teacher is on a leave of absence.
Blau is listed in the Link directory as a special education teacher.
Police report Blau submitted to field sobriety tests, which she failed, and a Drug Influence Evaluation, which is pending.
Sgt. Jo Anne Fratianni said, "A search of Blau’s vehicle uncovered several prescription drugs which she did not possess a prescription for."
Blau was arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court and released on her own recognizance. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 8 on the misdemeanor charges of driving while ability impaired by drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th degree.
Messages requesting comments have been left for PTA leaders and Clarkstown Teachers Association officials.
This is the district’s statement emailed to parents at 3:45 p.m.
Dear Clarkstown Parents, Guardians and Staff,
This is to inform you that we are aware of police activity involving an arrest of a teacher from Link Elementary.
Please know that we have taken steps to address the situation without rushing to judgment and the teacher is on a leave of absence. We will remain in contact with our local officials and counsel as we proceed with care through this process.
As always, the safety and well being of our students and staff is our paramount concern
Dr. J. Thomas Morton
Superintendent of Schools
Clarkstown Central School District
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