Massachusetts elementary school staff member placed on leave after student gets a hold of their cannabis

A Massachusetts elementary school staff member has been placed on leave after a student Friday reportedly got a hold of cannabis that was in the staff member’s possession.

According to Erin Obey, Superintendent of Pembroke Public Schools, officials learned that a paraprofessional at Hobomock Elementary School brought a backpack into the classroom containing a small quantity of cannabis in edible form.

Friday morning, the staff member discovered that a student had opened the backpack and removed the cannabis. Staff members immediately reported the incident, and although the child appeared unaffected in any way, the child was immediately transported to South Shore Hospital for observation and evaluation. Obey stated that she does not believe that the child ingested the substance.

In addition to notifying the child’s parents, schools officials contacted the Pembroke Police Department, which has begun an investigation, and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

The employee has been placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation, according to Obey, which is standard practice.

A statement released by Obey suggests that a punishment could be coming for the accused staff member.

“Under the Drug-Free Workplace Policy adopted by the Pembroke School Committee, the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of controlled substances or alcohol, while on duty or on school grounds, is strictly prohibited. Any violations of this policy will be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including immediate suspension and dismissal. In order to protect the privacy of the student and employee involved, we are unable to provide additional details about this matter.”