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Parent reports alleged student drugging in Hoke County school bathroom; district to review video and follow up
Summary
During public comment a parent said their 14-year-old was held in a school bathroom by three other students and given an unknown substance that caused altered awareness. The parent said school administrators did not promptly follow up on video and called for stronger on-campus drug prevention measures.
A parent speaking during public comment at the Hoke County Schools board meeting on Sept. 9 said their 14-year-old child was allegedly held by three students in a school bathroom and given an unknown substance that caused temporary alteration in awareness.
“I received a text at 8:46 a.m.: ‘Help. Mom, pick me up right now. I’m high,’ ” the commenter said, asking to remain anonymous for safety reasons. The parent said the child showed paranoia, anxiety and an elevated heart rate while receiving emergency care. The parent — a licensed health-care professional who works with underserved populations in mental-health and substance-abuse care — described the potential long-term harms of adolescent drug exposure and urged the district to strengthen prevention measures beyond clear backpacks and random sweeps.
Why it matters: The parent described an apparent assault and drug exposure of a minor on school grounds and expressed that school staff did not promptly review video footage or return calls. If substantiated, the allegations raise safety, disciplinary and criminal concerns and could prompt administrative and law-enforcement action.
District response reported at the meeting: The parent said they received a callback at about 10:08 a.m. that the administration would view video footage and follow up but that no subsequent callback had been received by the time of the board meeting. The parent also said a school employee told them the footage had not been viewed the day before; the parent said the lack of prompt follow-up left them seeking empathy and answers.
Public comment request and board context: The speaker urged stronger on-campus prevention measures, noting that adolescents’ brains are still developing and that even one use of an unknown substance can cause lasting cognitive or emotional harm. The parent asked for improved communication and accountability from school leadership.
Next steps: At the meeting the board did not announce a public investigative finding. The comment asked for empathy and for the district to review footage and procedures; staff or administrators are expected to follow up with the commenter and, if appropriate, involve law enforcement and child-protective or health services consistent with district practice.
Ending: The parent said they were grateful to be able to voice the concern at the board meeting and emphasized they did not intend to be planning their child’s funeral due to an overdose.
