Longtime Sunnyside Superintendent Resigns After Second DUI

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. (AP) — A longtime Sunnyside School District superintendent is resigning in the wake of his second arrest on drunken driving charges.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reports that Rick Cole submitted his resignation effective at the end of the school year. He has headed the district since 1999.

District officials say Cole has taken a medical leave of absence and is checking into a treatment program. Superintendent Mac Chambers to head the district while a search begins for Cole's successor.

Sunnyside School Board President Stephen Winfree said Wednesday that Cole made the decision to resign himself after his arrest on Saturday.

Cole was charged with drunken driving in June in Benton County. He pleaded guilty in October to an amended charge of negligent driving.