WEST FARGO — A West Fargo Sheyenne High School teacher accused of driving drunk and leaving the scene of an accident is apologizing to the high school community.
Nathan Robert Schleicher, 35, of Fargo was cited early Saturday, Feb. 27, by Fargo police on misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence, refusal to take a chemical test and failing to stop/remain at the scene of an accident, according to court records. He allegedly drove after drinking at a south Fargo bar and hit a tree before walking home on Friday night.
In a letter sent via email Friday to Sheyenne staff and families, Schleicher said he wanted to apologize for his actions and he thanked the school district officials including Sheyenne High School Principal Vince Williams for their "support and confidence" in him. He also acknowledged he violated the trust of the community.
"As a father, teacher, and leader in our schools and community, I understand how sacred that trust is and how easily it can be lost," Schleicher wrote. "I failed in each of these roles that night: to be a dependable father and husband, to teach others what it means to be responsible and to lead by example true to my convictions.
"I take very seriously my responsibilities in each of these roles. While I do not have the ability to go back and change my actions that evening, I do have the ability to learn and grow from the experience—a process which began that very day and will continue into the foreseeable future.."
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The West Fargo School District then opened an internal investigation and announced later Saturday that Schleicher would be allowed to return to work on Monday. The investigation found there was “sufficient evidence to support the [police's] allegations.”
“After conducting an internal investigation, which included an interview with Mr. Schleicher, it was determined that he will be returning to work this week,” the Saturday statement said. “Decisions regarding any potential action will be made once an outcome is determined in his case.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, police did not book Schleicher into the jail but issued him a citation. He is scheduled to appear in court on the charges March 10.
