Petitioner requests that I annul the one-semester suspension imposed by the panel and authorize the termination of respondent's services. The appeal must be dismissed. In that decision, I modified the panel determination since I found that respondent's conduct did, indeed, constitute conduct unbecoming a teacher. The matter was remanded to the panel for assessment of an appropriate penalty, and the panel suspended respondent without pay for one semester.
Petitioner now challenges the penalty imposed.
Respondent raises two procedural issues which I must consider before addressing the merits. Petitioner's affidavit sets forth its efforts to effect personal service upon respondent. My Office of Counsel, upon being contacted by petitioner's counsel and told of the circumstances concerning attempted service, authorized substitute service. Substitute service has been made. Therefore, respondent's claim of improper service has no merit.