Teacher hospitalized, then arrested after meth found in Livingston Junior High classroom

A Livingston ISD teacher has been arrested after police say methamphetamine was found inside a classroom at Livingston Junior High School.

According to the Livingston Police Department, school administrators contacted officers on Thursday, March 12, after discovering a suspicious substance on campus.

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Investigators responded and found that the substance was methamphetamine. Officers also said they found other items that were commonly linked with drug use.

During the investigation, witnesses were interviewed and police identified Amanda Stanzel, a teacher at the school, as a person of interest.

Authorities said Stanzel had already been taken to a hospital for medical treatment at the time.

On Friday, March 13, officers interviewed Stanzel at the hospital and presented the case to Judge Terri Mayer, who found probable cause and issued two arrest warrants.

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Police said Stanzel was released from the hospital on Wednesday, March 18, and was taken into custody by Livingston officers. She was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of Abandoning or Endangering a Child, Elderly, or Disabled Person, and Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Drug-Free Zone.

Investigators said at this time there is no evidence that any students came into contact with the drugs.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Livingston ISD released the following statement regarding the incident:

“Livingston Independent School District is aware of the press release issued by the Livingston Police Department regarding the recent arrest of a Livingston Junior High teacher.

On March 12, 2026, campus staff responded to a medical situation involving the employee. During that response, staff members discovered a substance, and the administration notified law enforcement immediately. The Livingston Police Department conducted its investigation, which led to the employee’s arrest.

We immediately placed the employee on administrative leave following the March 12, 2026, incident. The individual remains on administrative leave pending the Board’s action on the employee’s contract.

Livingston ISD takes this matter very seriously. We neither condone nor tolerate this type of behavior by staff members. The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to follow all legal and personnel procedures.

At all times, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and drug-free learning environment.

Because this is an ongoing legal and personnel matter, the district will not provide additional details at this time."