Three Wetzel County students have been expelled for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year for the alleged use/possession of illegal drugs on school property. A fourth student received the same penalty for allegedly making verbal threats to teachers.

The expulsions were approved unanimously by the board of education at special meetings on Oct. 23 and 27. Two students allegedly found in possession of illegal drugs attend Hundred High School; a third student attends Magnolia High School. The verbal threats allegedly were made by a student at Paden City High School.

The expulsion period in all the incidents may be reduced upon recommendation of Superintendent of Schools Bill Jones. Meanwhile, the students will receive education services at an alternative site, as required by state law. Information on all incidents have been referred to Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney’s office.

The expulsions were the first of the 2008-09 school year. However, another expulsion hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at the board offices, 333 Central Ave., New Martinsville.