North Attleboro High School substitute teacher fired for smoking marijuana in classroom

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass (WLNE): A substitute teacher at North Attleboro High School was fired on Monday after a group of students told the school he was smoking marijuana in a classroom.

Peter Haviland, the Principal of North Attleboro High School, sent a letter to parents informing them of the incident. 

“During the course of the school day several students reported that a substitute teacher had been leading conversations in a classroom about smoking marijuana and was observed using marijuana in front of students in the same classroom,” Haviland said. 

Haviland said they were able to confirm it quickly and immediately fired the teacher. 

“Prior to leaving the building, the individual was referred to our NAHS School Resource Officer to process all related information,” Haviland said. “Effectively immediately, that individual is no longer employed in our school, will not gain employment in any role within the North Attleborough Public Schools, and will not be allowed on our campus for any event or reason.  

The school will not name the teacher, but word quickly spread among the students. 

“I was just in disbelief,” Brett Labonte, a senior at North Attleboro High School, said. “I couldn’t believe that a teacher would even bring that in school. never mind use it in front of kids. That’s just setting a bad example.”

Haviland is thankful for the students who came forward. 

“When they saw something, they reported it,” Haviland. “They saw it was wrong. And had the courage to report on it.”

Throughout the remainder of the week, school administrators and counselors will be available to support any student who may have ongoing concerns. 

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2019