[12/5/03]School and law enforcement officials have chosen to remain mum about a drug investigation that began last month at Warren Central High School and continued in a closed meeting Thursday night.

Trustees of the Vicksburg Warren School District met privately Thursday and upheld a disciplinary matter involving a Warren Central High School student.

But because the issue involves disciplinary action and juveniles, trustees said they were unwilling to comment.

All trustees voted in favor of upholding a recommendation of the disciplinary committee, with the exception of District 1 Trustee Chad Barrett, who recused himself from the vote.

Warren County Youth Court Judge Johnny Price would not confirm or deny the existence of a case.

“The Youth Court is a confidential court,” he said.

However, Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said, “Our office was notified by Jason Bailess of an investigation that the school district had ongoing in reference to illegal narcotics on campus. The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics was asked by the school district to assist.

“Because the case involves a juvenile and because the investigation is ongoing, I’m not able to release any details of the investigation at this time.”

Pace would not say if arrests were made. Jason Bailess, a former deputy sheriff, is the safe-schools coordinator for the district. He declined comment as did Superintendent James Price.

The mother of one student who was involved in the investigation said her son was expelled from the school district at the board’s last meeting. Gwen Smith said her son purchased a prescription drug tablet for a headache from two other students at the school. After getting sick from the pill, her son confessed to school officials, and the investigation began.

Her son can re-enter school next fall.

“The school district has a great responsibility,” Smith said. “And I understand they have a no-tolerance policy. But each individual case is different and should be looked at individually.

“He’s a good kid, he just messed up. This is one huge lesson, and if he’s learned a lesson then all of this is worth it,” she said.