New Jersey art teacher allegedly overdosed on the drug fentanyl in front of middle school students

A New Jersey art teacher has been arrested after he allegedly overdosed on fentanyl in front of middle school students at a Westfield school, according to a police press release.

Frank Thompson, 57, was charged Thursday with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of children in connection with a November 2022 incident.

The Westfield Police Department received a report from a school resource officer on the morning of November 29 that Thompson was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in a classroom at the Roosevelt Intermediate School.

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The art teacher “was spotted by students and watched in distress” and was being treated by a school nurse, police said.

The school’s clerk reportedly noticed signs of a drug overdose in the teacher and administered naloxone hydrochloride, also known as “narcan,” an opioid overdose treatment.

Thompson then showed signs of improvement.

After the incident, investigators allegedly found fentanyl and “assorted drug paraphernalia” in a classroom closet.

Thompson is scheduled to appear in court on February 1.

“While the Westfield Public School District cannot comment on confidential personnel matters, we will remain focused on the safety of students and staff and maintaining the integrity of the classroom learning environment,” said Superintendent Dr. Raymond Gonzalez in a statement.

“We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Westfield Police Department.”

It’s unclear if Thompson is still employed by the Westfield Public School District.