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GARY K. ALTEMUS, Petitioner
vs.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BOARD OF REVIEW, Respondent
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Issues:
Unemployment benefits, public employee, alcohol, policy and procedure, evidence.
Case Summary:
Gary K. Altemus, a former teacher with the Forest Hills School District, appeals the denial of his application for unemployment benefits. School officials ordered Altemus' termination for violating the district's employee conduct policy. The district cited Altemus' frequent absenteeism and a recent DUI conviction. State officials rejected Altemus' initial application for unemployment benefits, and he subsequently filed an appeal.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
The state's benefits review board affirmed the decision to deny Altemus unemployment benefits. The board ruled Altemus' DUI conviction reflected his disregard for the school district's standard of acceptable employee behavior. Altemus now appeals.
Outcome:
Altemus loses. The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania affirmed the ruling of the benefits review board.