By Sarah Cook

The Selma Times-Journal

 

A small amount of marijuana was found on a Dallas County High School special needs student Wednesday after a teacher asked the student what was in their hand.

The student has been identified as a male juvenile and Don Willingham, assistant superintendent for Dallas County Schools, said he believes another student passed the drug along to the juvenile.

After finding the drug, the student was called to the principal’s office and identified another student who was also found with a small amount of marijuana.

“We contacted both parents and the sheriff’s department and that’s where we stand now,” Willingham said. “Statements are being taken from the teacher who originally discovered it.”

Superintendent of Dallas County Schools Dr. Fannie McKenzie said the amount was very small and officials are still investigating how the drug got on to school property.

“The information I’ve received so far said the amount found wasn’t enough to smoke,” McKenzie said. “When we have incidents like this, the students are suspended if found guilty and we notify the parents of the child and the sheriff’s department, which is exactly what we did in this case.”

Regardless of the amount found, McKenzie said Dallas County Schools have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drugs, and school administrators will continue to enforce that.

“We won’t tolerate drugs in our schools and we won’t tolerate that kind of behavior,” she said.

Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Chief Randy Pugh said the incident occurred around 2 p.m. Wednesday and is under investigation.

“We think someone gave it to him but we’re not sure yet — that’s what we’re looking at and that’s why it’s taking a little longer to come to a conclusion,” Pugh said. “It’s not a normal case because it involves a child with special needs.”