Brandon Twp.- Nine Brandon Middle School students were suspended Sept. 24 following an investigation of an alleged possession of a controlled substance.
School officials say at about 2 p.m., Sept. 22, middle school staff were notified a student was in the possession of the prescription drug Ritalin during school hours. Following the report, Brandon Middle School Principal William Snyder along with Arnie Terrel, Oakland County Sheriff’s department detective and Brandon School District liaison officer investigated the claim.
Following the investigation one student was in the possession of Ritalin at school and had provided doses to other students. Allegedly, the Ritalin pills were consumed by two students after school on Wednesday Sept. 22 and before school on Thursday, Sept. 23. The other seven students were involved in the possession or distribution of Ritalin.
Ritalin is a prescription drug used in treating children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) producing a calming effect resulting in a reduction in hyperactivity and an improvement in attention span.
While the drug is common among children, law enforcement officials say it’s not a typical street drug.
‘I’ve had no cases of Ritalin traded on the street,? said Oakland County Lt. Joseph Quisenberry, Oakland Narcotic Enforcement Team. ‘There’s not a big abuse potential like cocaine or other common street drugs. We just don’t see it on the street.?
Bart Jenniches, Brandon Schools superintendent says that all nine students have withdrawn from the Brandon Schools District and none of the students had any prior history of drug activities.
‘While all nine were suspended, six of the nine students will face expulsion for distribution,? said Jenniches.
School expulsion means students will not be able to return to the school district while suspension allows students to possibly returning at a later time. The expelled students will also face consequences from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department including drug classes and probation.
‘It’s not the norm to have drugs in our school district,? said Jenniches. ‘We resolved the issue in a timely manner and will maintain a drug-free school.?
Following the investigation, Snyder addressed several classes regarding drugs in the schools and the current situation says Jenniches. ‘Both Terrel and Snyder did a fine job contending with the issue,? said Jenniches.
Several parents of Middle School students attended the Brandon School Board meeting on Oct.11 to express their concern regarding the drug issue at the school.