This Week's Backside Of The Bell Curve Winner!

Georgia's State Superintendent
Of Schools

And Documented Drama Queen

Linda Shrenko

Schrenko surrenders

In handcuffs, former state school chief pleads innocent to stealing $614,000

By BILL RANKIN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It was an entrance that might have seemed better suited to a red carpet than a federal courtroom.

Linda Schrenko, the fashion-conscious former Georgia school superintendent, smiled for the television cameras while wearing a dramatic camel-colored coat with fur-looking collar and cuffs when she showed up Monday morning to surrender to authorities.

Two hours later, Schrenko appeared somber as she was led before a judge in handcuffs to face charges of stealing $614,000 in federal education funds, much of it allegedly diverted to her failed campaign for governor — and $9,300 for a face-lift.

Schrenko pleaded innocent and was released on $40,000 bond. She was also ordered to submit to drug tests after she disclosed that she takes a variety of prescription medications for neck and back pain from an auto accident more than a decade ago.

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In 1994, Schrenko, a former teacher, became the first woman to win statewide elected office in Georgia and the first Republican to run the state's education agency. She was re-elected in 1998 and was considered a leading candidate for governor in 2002.

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Schrenko's attorney, Pete Theodocion of Augusta, said after the hearing Monday that he regrets so much attention has been paid to "a face-lift," which Schrenko had around the time of the 2002 elections.

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Feldman ordered Schrenko to submit to drug tests after he was handed a list of the prescription medications she is taking. "You're taking some strong medication, as you well know," the judge said.

He also ordered Schrenko to turn over a firearm she owns to her daughter, who lives in Evans. LINK

Ms. Shrenko isn't hooked on phonics anymore.

She's hooked on prescription drugs, cosmetic updating, Republican politics, and stealing from school children.

But she looks great, doesn't she?