A seventh grader at New Martinsville School was expelled by the Wetzel County Board of Education Sept. 27 for the alleged possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, Sept. 17 on NMS property.

A unanimous board sustained the recommendation of County Superintendent of Schools Bill Jones for a one-calendar-year expulsion. In the meanwhile, the student will receive standard alternative education, required by law. Because the issue involves a controlled substance, the student is not eligible for a year-old Intervention Program for Substance Abuse.

The alleged incident is a violation of multiple local and state school board policies, as well as the West Virginia Safe Schools Act. It will be referred to the Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The student is the first to be so disciplined in the 2010-11 school year. Last school year, 11 students were expelled.