MARBLEHEAD — The Internet puts information at our fingertips. But that's no advantage if you've been charged with wrongdoing — not even after you've been cleared. Former Marblehead Community Charter Public School head Tom Commeret is learning that the hard way.

This week, the state Ethics Commission found fault with Commeret's handling of a contract to update his school's building in 2003. He responded from his Marblehead home, disputing the finding. Yet, he was even more eager to address charges that he once pushed a student. He was found not guilty in 2008. The verdict notwithstanding, he remains stymied in his quest to find a new job.

"And it's not for lack of trying," he says, noting that he's been seeking work far from Marblehead.

A quick Google search reveals all the details of the case, and it's not hard to imagine that, despite the verdict, prospective employers are frightened off by Commeret's history.

"I ended up going through this ordeal," he says, "and I did absolutely nothing." His legal costs neared $100,000.

Commeret says he has no money problems and, at 57, could consider retirement. But, he says, "I live to work. I work to serve the kids. And I lost that." He'd be happy, he adds, just to be a classroom teacher. "It's a very joyous activity."

Currently, he's asking for an investigation of the investigation that brought him to court. He's sent documents to the district attorney's office. "I need to clear my name."

Debating for dollars

Outspoken former Finance Committee member Jack Buba is unhappy with references to the fact that charter school students cost the town money. It isn't as simple as it sounds, he says.

Citing state law, he notes that the per-pupil cost of a student departing Marblehead School District schools for the charter school isn't fully withdrawn until after three years. Meanwhile, the town is reimbursed as if the student (or a percentage of the student) is still there.

"The formula is 100 percent the first year, 60 and 40 percent after that," he explains. "This money is supposed to help the district deal with the unexpected loss of a student." By contrast, he says, when students leave the charter school the full payment for that pupil is abruptly withdrawn.

In response, School Committee member Amy Drinker points out that the state's revenue crisis has left officials with "grave concerns" about whether state reimbursements will continue. Even under the present system, she notes, after three years the town gets nothing, while infrastructure costs cannot be so easily reduced.

Winter parking ban

The winter parking ban starts Monday, Nov. 30. After that, don't leave your car on the street longer than an hour from 12:01 a.m. to 7 a.m.

"In other words," says a press release from the town, "do not go to bed on Sunday, Nov. 29, and leave your vehicle on the street."

Actually, even if you don't go to bed (and who among us hasn't spent a rewarding night working on our stamp collection until the sun comes up?) it's still trouble if you leave your car on the street overnight.

The parking ordeal ends on April 15.

'Oklahoma' is here

The set for the Marblehead Little Theatre's production of "Oklahoma" has arrived. It's the same set used for the touring production of the Broadway revival starring Hugh Jackman. But there's no evidence the Australian cowboy ever got his Wolverine claws on it.

"It's the actual set that they took on the road," says the Little Theatre's Susan Griffin. The company that provided the set worded their press release very carefully in making a connection to Jackman.

No matter. Griffin promises a terrific show, headlined by Fjaere Harder as Lauri and Alex Grover as Curley, with 30 kid actors and 60 cast members in all. If you are a gal (or guy) who can't say no, the show runs from tomorrow night to Nov. 15 at Marblehead Veterans Middle School, on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. A discounted dress rehearsal ($10) takes place tonight at 7:30. Purchase tickets ($20, $25 or $30) online now at www.m-l-t.org ($2 service fee applies) or by calling 781-631-9697.