POT AT SCHOOL NETS 4 ARRESTS

Whitten Middle School Students Face Expulsion

When it comes to guns, drugs or violence, Whitten Middle School Principal
James Belk believes in a zero tolerance policy at his school.

That's why Belk said he had to follow state laws and school policies when
four of his students allegedly came to school Thursday with marijuana.

Robert Graham, Jackson police spokesman, said the boys, ages 12-14, were
arrested, charged with possession of marijuana and taken to the Hinds
County Youth Detention Center.

"This is the first time this has happened this year," Belk said. "We have
zero tolerance here.

"Someone from the student body came forth to inform us. Our students are
not allowing this in the school either."

The boys, whose names were not released, are in grades six through eight at
the south Jackson school.

"The student who had the largest amount on him said he got the drugs from a
friend who doesn't go to the school," he said. "All their parents have been
contacted."

Jerry Luckett, Jackson public schools safety coordinator, said drugs are
not a problem within the district because of visible security and school
administrators.

The students will go before a school committee for a hearing on March 5.
"They have been recommended for expulsion," Luckett said.