During a special meeting of the Wetzel County Board of Education Dec. 10, the board voted unanimously to follow Superintendent Dennis Albright’s recommendation to expel four students from Magnolia High School for the remainder of the 2013-14 school year.

The decision came after four closed hearings that lasted approximately three hours.

While Albright would not comment on the nature of the infractions, they are all for violating the Safe Schools Act, State Board of Education Policy 4373, and Wetzel County Board of Education Policy JFC.

In part, the state policy says the West Virginia Board of Education believes public schools must create, encourage, and maintain a safe, drug-free, and fear-free school environment in the classroom, on the playground, and at school-sponsored activities. Assuring such an educational environment requires a comprehensive plan supported by everyone in the school organization, as well as guardians and community.