Nebraska Teacher Accused of Arson

(Lincoln, Nebraska) A local teacher, Sharon Brewster, has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to and destroying the Lincoln Public Schools headquarters building.

Fire inspectors suspect a former Lincoln teacher used a cigarette lighter to set fire to a pile of papers on her supervisor’s desk.

The May 30 fire grew quickly out of control and destroyed the Lincoln Public Schools district headquarters before it could be extinguished. School officials have estimated the loss at $20 million.

Sharon E. Brewster, 44, a gifted-education coordinator and reading recovery teacher, was arrested Monday on suspicion of first-degree arson. She remains in jail awaiting the filing of formal charges.

A gallery of photos of the destruction is here.