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Investigation continues into BCES incident
BY CHRIS BRIDGES
The investigation continues into the alleged incident at Banks County Elementary School earlier this month which involved fifth grade male students drinking from a water fountain in which a substance had been poured.
Superintendent Chris Erwin said Tuesday the investigation is ongoing concerning the alleged matter involving assistant principal Lori Rylee, who has been placed on leave. Rylee allegedly forced the male fifth graders to drink from a water fountain at the school after a substance had been poured into it. There is question as to whether the substance was urine or Gatorade.
Erwin said he is awaiting lab results which could take an additional two weeks.
The incident came to light after some of the students involved began talking with their parents telling them they had been told by Rylee to drink from the water fountain. Students said they were told by the assistant principal to not tell their parents about the incident as law enforcement and the Department of Family and Children’s Services would be notified.
A group of parents spoke to the Banks County Board of Education at its meeting last week demanding action be taken against Rylee and that the BCES principal and teachers receive additional training in how to handle matters of this nature.
BOE chairman Ron Gardiner told the parents the matter was being investigated. A large group of BCES teachers also attended the May BOE meeting to show their support for Rylee, who has been an employee of the Banks County School System for 13 years. Erwin has said he does not have a timetable for the investigation to be completed although some of the parents who attended the meeting were asking for a quick resolution to the matter including the dismissal of Rylee.
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