I totally agree with you.
I repeat!
Read: "Many outside the teaching arena are unaware of the process teachers must endure to rebut allegations such as the ones in the article. Ms. St. John would have been out of work without pay for months in order to contest the allegations. She could not afford such an endeavor. To end the matter and return to the job she loves, she entered into the last chance agreement." -the small print..
...the paper crucified her! Rumor, allegations is what that story is based on. She was trying to do what was best for the students, the parents and the school. She took the best way out for all but herself.
You have read where she is "soft" on the
confrontation mode
with students" as she is an adult and they are prone to reacting like children. Then
the Times stepped in and did a hatchet job on her. Those particular students (failing and friends) are probably real proud of themselves right now.
But hey in conclusion her signing that paper makes her guilty.