State Suspends Lacey Educator’s Teaching Certificate Over Alleged Alcohol Consumption on Campus

In a Final Order issued on Thursday, the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction suspended the state teaching credentials of educator Lindsey Frazier, following a complaint regarding her alleged consumption of alcohol on school premises.

According to the state’s disciplinary findings, the suspension stems from incidents during Frazier’s employment as a 5th-grade classroom teacher at Lydia Hawk Elementary School during the 2023-2024 school year.

Prior to the disciplinary incident, the document notes that Frazier had submitted her resignation from the district on January 30, 2024, which was to take effect at the end of August.

The OSPI order states that on February 12, 2024, the educator consumed alcoholic beverages during the school day on the elementary school campus.

According to the document, Frazier was placed on administrative leave two days later.

In April 2024, the district issued a “Cause for Termination” letter. However, due to her prior resignation, the state order notes that the termination was stayed, and she was kept on administrative leave for the remainder of the school year.

The state’s order indicates that during a subsequent interview with the Office of Professional Practices, Frazier stated that February 12 was the first day she came to the school intoxicated, and the only time she consumed alcohol on the campus.

However, the document also notes the educator reportedly admitted that it was her habit to bring a bag of wine to school and fill a tumbler when students were out of the room.

Acting as the administrator of state education regulations, OSPI moved to suspend Frazier’s Washington certificate after receiving a formal complaint from the superintendent of North Thurston Public Schools.

In the April 23, 2026 order, the state concluded there was “clear and convincing evidence” that Frazier committed acts of “unprofessional conduct” pursuant to the Washington Administrative Code 181-87-055, which governs the consumption of alcohol upon school grounds.

To reach its conclusion, the state noted it applied the standards outlined in WAC 181-86-080.

This code requires the state to weigh at least eleven factors when determining the appropriate level of educator discipline, including the seriousness of the act, proximity of time in which the acts occurred, and indicators of a behavioral problem or lack of fitness.

OSPI officials concluded in the document that the suspension serves the interest of Washington State by deterring subsequent unprofessional conduct and “protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of students, colleagues, and other affected persons.”

According to the order, Frazier’s credential will be suspended for at least three months.