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Shafter High students surprised by teacher's arrest

School scrambling to find replacement after police search chemistry instructor's lab, home

BY JENNY SHEARER, Californian staff writer
e-mail: jshearer@bakersfield.com | Wednesday, Dec 5 2007 9:05 PM

Last Updated: Wednesday, Dec 5 2007 10:54 PM

Several students at Shafter High School said Wednesday they were shocked to hear about chemistry teacher Jeff Scheidemantel’s recent arrest on suspicion of making methamphetamine in his school lab.

“He’s really cool,” said Shafter High junior Laura Urias. “He knew when to teach, to be a friend and be a mentor. Just the fact that he is (arrested) is shocking.”

Her friend, Liset Gaona, said she didn’t want to believe that Scheidemantel is guilty.

Scheidemantel was arrested Saturday on suspicion of possession of precursor chemicals used to make methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine and manufacturing meth endangering children, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.

His chemistry lab at the school and his home were searched. In November, local and federal agents were notified when Scheidemantel went online to buy red phosphorous, an ingredient in making meth. During the weekend raid, authorities found recipes for making meth and seized weapons from his home.

Bakersfield police Sgt. Greg Terry believes the case may be turned over to the Kern County District Attorney’s office in the next few days.

Scheidemantel had earlier posted bail and was at his home Wednesday.

“I’m sorry, there’s no comment,” he said Wednesday through the beveled-glass door at his home in Seven Oaks while a small child looked through a side window. Neighbor Daniel Garza, 18, was surprised Scheidemantel was already home.

He said the family hasn’t lived next door for very long. He thought the incident was “freaky. Where else would he keep a lab? That’s dangerous. Those things explode all the time.”

Back at the high school, students said they have had three substitutes this week.

“We actually did book work today,” Urias said. On Monday, they watched a science-themed film, and on Tuesday, they watched part of “Shrek.”

Octavio Patino, assistant principal for instruction, said another chemistry teacher at the school is creating lesson plans for Scheidemantel’s students.

The school is looking to hire someone to replace Scheidemantel, who has taught there since 2006, on a permanent basis. The job may be posted sometime this afternoon, Patino said. In the interim, the school will use a long-term substitute who is “highly qualified” in chemistry, he said.

Interested candidates would need to have a degree or teaching credential in chemistry.