New London Elementary Teacher Charged for Cocaine Use at School

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 58-year-old elementary school teacher in New London, Wisconsin has been charged with possession of cocaine near a school after an anonymous report and subsequent investigation found evidence of her using the drug on school grounds. Laurie Laubenstein admitted to authorities that she had been using cocaine since August 2025 and had snorted it in the school bathroom on the day in question.

Why it matters

This incident raises serious concerns about drug use by teachers in schools and the potential impacts on student safety and wellbeing. It also highlights the need for stronger drug prevention and detection policies in schools to protect children from exposure to illegal substances.

The details

According to a criminal complaint, on February 9 an anonymous report was made to the New London Police Department about a teacher, identified as Laubenstein, behaving strangely and with powder visible on the bathroom counter. On February 10, an officer found the powder tested positive for cocaine. Two days later, a K9 unit alerted on Laubenstein's vehicle in the school parking lot. Laubenstein later admitted to authorities that she had been using cocaine since August 2025 and had snorted it in the school bathroom that day, but denied using it at her desk.

• On February 9, an anonymous report was made about a teacher behaving strangely and with powder visible in the school bathroom.
• On February 10, an officer found the powder and it tested positive for cocaine.
• On February 12, a K9 unit alerted on Laubenstein's vehicle in the school parking lot.

What’s next

Laubenstein's initial court appearance is scheduled for March 17 at 1:30 p.m. where a judge will determine if she should be released on bail.