By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
St. Joseph School Superintendent Gabe Edgar regrets his actions from the night of March 26 when he was given a misdemeanor for driving while intoxicated.
"I'd just like to apologize to the students and staff of the St. Joseph School District and the St. Joseph community," Edgar told KFEQ Radio in an interview. "My actions brought a negative light to the district, community and my family. And for that, I'm sorry."
After a couple of weeks of deliberation, the St. Joseph School Board announced Thursday that Edgar will remain superintendent after the Board reaffirmed its commitment to Edgar in wake of his arrest.
“After careful consideration of the allegations against Dr. Edgar, the progress the District has made under Dr. Edgar's leadership, and consideration of many expressions of community support for Dr. Edgar, the Board reaffirms its commitment to moving forward with Dr. Edgar as the Superintendent," said Board president David Foster.
Edgar says he was humbled by the wave of support he's received from people in the district during this time.
"You know you have a few friends, you know you have some people who are in your corner, but I had no idea," Edgar said.
A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper pulled Edgar over in St. Joseph on March 26 for driving on the wrong side of the road. Edgar opted to a blood draw, later acknowledging the tests disclosed a blood alcohol content above the legal limit.
Edgar said in a statement earlier this week that he had been drinking beer on the evening of the 26th while watching NCAA March Madness basketball games.
Edgar, who has served as superintendent for the district since last April, was formally charged Monday with a misdemeanor for driving while intoxicated. If convicted, he could face up to a $500 fine, a maximum of six months in jail and a suspended license.
"I have and I am taking steps personally and professionally to insure nothing like this will ever happen again," Edgar said. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity to keep serving as superintendent, and will do everything in my power to make things right."