SOLANO COUNTY, CA – Former Sacramento area teacher Drake Sherman, who the editorial board has various nicknames for that need not be mentioned here, could be released from state prison in approximately 30 days, following his 16-month sentence for criminal misconduct. According to court records and information obtained from sources familiar with the case, Mr. Sherman was convicted of charges that could lead to the revocation of his teaching credential. After credit for time served and good behavior, he will have completed the majority of his sentence earlier than the original duration.
Mr. Sherman, previously employed at a local school in Solano County, was removed from his teaching position once formal allegations were made, and the legal process concluded with his conviction. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) has suspended Mr. Sherman’s teaching credential pursuant to EDC 44940. We expect that he will be dismissed from his current employment because of the nature of the charges. Under current regulations, he would be permitted to apply for reinstatement in about ten years.
However, The Antelope Times—a community newspaper serving the Antelope area—has announced its intention to submit a formal letter to the CTC opposing any future reinstatement of Mr. Sherman’s credential. Citing the seriousness of his misconduct, the newspaper’s editorial board plans to emphasize the importance of maintaining public trust in educators and ensuring student safety. Sadly, we find it even more troubling that his social science credential allows him to teach children as young as preschoolers.
Although details regarding the specific nature of Mr. Sherman’s crime have largely remained sealed or redacted in publicly accessible documents, the overall context indicates a breach of professional and legal standards that the community finds unsettling. In announcing the plan to write to the CTC, the editorial team at The Antelope Times expressed concerns about the potential consequences should Mr. Sherman be allowed to return to teaching in the future.
The precise timeline for Mr. Sherman’s release aligns with reports suggesting that, under California’s sentencing guidelines, inmates who demonstrate good behavior can receive “good time” credits that reduce their overall length of incarceration. Once released, Mr. Sherman will have served his sentence but will still face the ramifications of his criminal record, especially as it pertains to his previous career in education. Although this is an opinion piece, we are not going to make any comments regarding California’s “good time” credit system just yet, but we reserve the right to do so in the future.
As part of its ongoing coverage, The Antelope Times has urged community members, parents, and school administrators to stay informed about decisions made by the CTC. The editorial board has also encouraged other concerned citizens to voice their opinions and submit written comments if they share the stance that Mr. Sherman should not regain a teaching credential. On behalf of our readers and in the interests of the public, we will send a letter to the CTC in opposition to the reinstatement of his credential.
While Mr. Sherman has legal avenues available to him after the mandatory waiting period, the response from local residents and media outlets underscores the broader discussion about accountability in education. The controversy surrounding his case illustrates the delicate balance between second chances and the duty to ensure a safe learning environment for students.
We may publish the letter in the coming days. Stay tuned.