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Reporter: [Cheryl Glassford]

Teacher arrested for allegedly being 'high' at school

Parents of students attending Goose Rock Elementary School in Clay County say they're shocked after a teacher's arrest.

"When I drop them off at school I expect them coming into a safe environment and have teachers in their right mind," said Jessica Smith, a concerned parent.

Police say 42 year-old Marietta Abner was not in the right state of mind for teaching her special education class Monday.

School officials contacted the school resource officer after they suspected Abner had come to work under the influence.

"She was suffering from slurred speech, poor balance, several other indicators that led him to arrest her for public intoxication," said Manchester Police Chief Jeff Culver.

Manchester police say Abner was also in possession of prescription pills in an improper container. Some of the pills are believed to be Suboxone - which is used to treat opiate addiction, and Klonopins - an anti-anxiety drug.

Abner was arrested and charged with public intoxication and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

"I love the school," said Smith, "I wouldn't want my kids going anywhere else, but it shocks me about what happened."

Abner is out on bond and is scheduled for an arraignment Thursday.

School officials say they are still deciding what action to take in regards to Abner's employment.


Opinion

Do you agree with state education officials' plan to require schools to record children's body mass index as way to combat the growing problem of childhood obesity?

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