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Three students faced expulsion hearings during the Calhoun Board of
Education meeting last night, with two being expelled and one expulsion
postponed. All were facing drug related charges linked to possession or
distribution of marijuana.
Two of the hearings were conducted in executive sessions. The board voted
unanimously to expel a 13-year-old middle school girl. Superintendent Ron
Blankenship told the youth "If you do well after a semester, I will
recommend you to the day program."
A 16-year-old male appeared before the board, but after consideration, the
case was postponed.
Principal Garza charged a 19-year-old male Senior with giving marijuana to a
student for passing to another juvenile. The student turned the substance
over to school officials, according to statements in the open expulsion
hearing.
The name of a witness to the drug transaction, a school employee, was held
confidential, although the employee provided a written statement.
The Senior told the school board "I don't have a job, I'll get kicked out of my
house and I can't even enlist in the Army," referring to his expulsion. The
youth will likely face criminal charges over the incident.
Garza presented computer pictures of the substance, which State Police
Sgt. J. L. Cooper said appeared to be marijuana. Garza told the board the
youth had been doing well in school with no major disciplinary problems, but
according to state school regulations, he should be expelled.
The 19-year-old male was expelled by unanimous vote, but Superintendent
Blankenship told the youth he could attend the Alternative Learning Center
four evenings a week and he might be able to graduate with his class. "It
will be up to you what you do with this," said Blankenship.
Blankenship informed board members the Arnoldsburg School, after having
academic problems, has been given temporary accrediation.
Board member Ralph Cunningham extended the school board's condolences
to the Vonda Gunn family, especially for her tenure as an educator and for
"service to her community."
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