Andrews Middle School Teacher citation dismissed after social media controversy

Note from Julia H Higdon, Principal, Andrews Middle School:

April 25, 2018

Dear AMS family, parents, and community stakeholders,

Andrews Middle School is dedicated to maintaining a strong partnership with parents and believes transparency and open communication among all stakeholders is of paramount importance.  There have been recent postings on social media with inaccurate information surrounding a citation sixth grade teacher Amber Ledford received.  I sincerely thank you for approaching me directly to express your concerns about Ms. Ledford.  As your principal, I wish to convey facts pertaining to her citation and the mitigating circumstances surrounding it.

• Ms. Ledford was not arrested.
• Ms. Ledford was issued a citation for simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance.
• The substance was phentermine, a diet pill, for which she has a valid prescription.
• The citation was issued because the medication was not in the original prescription container.
• Ms. Ledford was on the court docket for April 24th, 2018.
• After presenting to proper authorities her valid prescription for phentermine, the citation was voluntarily dismissed.
• The voluntary dismissal was signed by John Hindsman, Assistant District Attorney, and filed with Cherokee Co., C.S.C. April 25, 2018.  A copy will be in the office at Andrews Middle School for anyone to review.
• Ms. Ledford has voluntarily offered to participate in a drug test, anytime.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter clarifying this matter.  Ms. Ledford and I will be happy to meet with anyone individually who would like to discuss concerns further.

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Julia H Higdon
Principal
Andrews Middle School