Pharis addresses complaint about alcohol at school

Calendar of events

Discussion

December 1, 2009

Staff report

THOMASVILLE Ñ Grady County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tommy Pharis says there have been a few Òisolated incidentsÓ of alcohol brought on a school campuses this year but it is not Òan ongoing problem.Ó

ÒIt is not an ongoing problem but, unfortunately, we do have kids who bring alcohol to school,Ó he said Tuesday. ÒWe do not have an alcohol problem in our schools, but we have had a few isolated incidents.Ó

His statement is in response to a rant the Times-Enterprise received Nov. 25 about Òhaving alcohol in middle school.Ó

Pharis said there has been an incident at each of the three middle schools Ñ Washington, Shiver and Whigham Ñ this school year, but stressed it is not a common occurrence. He was unaware of any that occurred in recent weeks.

He said, when this does happen, procedure is followed and the system takes it very seriously.

ÒWe consider it a serious issue and take appropriate action,Ó Pharis said. ÒWe make sure everyone is aware of the rules and follow procedure.Ó

The usual punishment for a first offense is 10 days out-of-school suspension, but this can sometimes be more depending on the circumstances, he said.

ÒAlcohol is against the rules and not tolerated,Ó the superintendent said. ÒIf you have alcohol at school you receive appropriate punishment.Ó