Pennsylvania Teacher Charged With Public Drunkenness After Locking Herself in School Bathroom

Katharine Viviano, a first-grade teacher at Pleasant Valley Elementary School in McMurray, Pennsylvania, has been charged with public drunkenness. Police responded on Oct. 8 to find Viviano, 50, locked inside a school bathroom, exhibiting slurred speech, glassy eyes, and smelling of alcohol.

According to reports, surveillance footage showed Viviano leaving the school around 11 a.m. to visit a liquor store. Upon her return, she allegedly backed her car into another vehicle in the school parking lot before re-entering the building. Once inside, she reportedly locked herself in a classroom bathroom and refused to exit until officers persuaded her.

Viviano is said to have confessed to drinking vodka earlier in the day. Her students were removed from the classroom while staff and law enforcement addressed the situation. The teacher was reportedly unable to walk on her own and refused a breathalyzer test.

The Peters Township School District confirmed in a statement that charges had been filed, initially attributing the incident to a suspected medical emergency. "The Peters Township Police Department conducted an investigation into the incident and, as a result, charges have been filed against the teacher for public drunkenness," the district stated. "We understand that this information will be concerning to families, but please know that the safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority." The district emphasized its focus on supporting affected students and maintaining a positive learning environment. It remains unclear if Viviano has been placed on leave.