In a message to families on Tuesday, Oceanway Middle School’s principal said the teacher has been barred from working in Duval County public schools.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A substitute teacher is facing criminal charges after being found with illegal drugs inside a Jacksonville middle school, according to Duval County Public Schools.
In a message to parents on Tuesday, Oceanway Middle School’s principal said the incident happened on Thursday, Jan. 15.
The substitute teacher, who has not yet been identified publicly, was allegedly found with the drugs inside an employee-only area. The incident happened before the teacher reported to a classroom, Principal Stansel said, and the teacher reportedly never had any contact with students.
“The safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority, and I am grateful that no students were involved,” Stansel said.
The teacher has since been arrested on multiple drug-related charges, according to the message.
The individual was employed by the district’s substitute teacher provider, ESS. Stansel said the district confirmed with ESS that the teacher will no longer be allowed to work in any Duval County public school.
First Coast News is working to confirm the teacher’s identity, as well as the detailed allegations.