A second-grade teacher, Candyce Leigh Carter, was arrested after a school resource officer found her high on drugs in her classroom at Spotswood Elementary School in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Carter, a Spotsylvania resident, was found to be under the influence of drugs, and suspected narcotics were discovered in her classroom. She was arrested for felony possession of schedule I/II narcotics, felony child endangerment, and felony child neglect or abuse. Additionally, her husband, Kristopher Donald Carter, was found in the school parking lot under the suspected influence of narcotics with a 2-year-old child in the vehicle. He was arrested for felony child endangerment and felony child neglect or abuse. Both Carters have been incarcerated, with Candyce held without bond and Kristopher under a $5,000 bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail.
Fortunately, no students reported injuries or exposure to the drugs, but they were checked by medical personnel as a precaution and the classroom was professionally cleaned. The sheriff’s office, Spotsylvania Social Services, and the school’s administration all assisted in the arrest of the Carters. Spotsylvania County School Board member Lisa Phelps expressed gratitude towards law enforcement for their efforts, stating that she is thankful that the kids of Spotsylvania County were not directly impacted by the drugs. She also mentioned concerns about the presence of drugs in schools, emphasizing the dangers of fentanyl exposure and the potential lack of a second chance at life for those exposed to it.
The Spotsylvania County Public Schools took the incident very seriously, stating that they follow applicable district policies and procedures in responding to and investigating complaints of alleged personnel misconduct. School Board Chair Lorita Daniels thanked the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Department for their quick action and reiterated the district’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all students and staff while in school. The presence of drugs in schools, both among adults and children, was highlighted as a concerning issue, with the inclusion of stronger drugs like fentanyl posing significant risks to those exposed. Efforts will be ongoing to address these challenges and ensure a safe learning environment for everyone involved.
The incident at Spotswood Elementary School is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by drug abuse and the impact it can have on students, teachers, and the broader school community. The involvement of law enforcement, social services, and school administration in responding to the situation demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of students and maintaining a safe educational environment. The arrests of Candyce and Kristopher Carter highlight the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing substance abuse issues in schools, as well as the importance of swift and coordinated action to address such incidents.
As the case unfolds, it will be important to assess any potential underlying factors that contributed to the Carters’ behavior and to determine if there were any warning signs that could have been addressed earlier. The school board’s commitment to addressing complaints of alleged misconduct and ensuring a safe environment for students and staff reflects a proactive approach to maintaining accountability and protecting those within the school community. Moving forward, it will be essential to continue efforts to prevent drug-related incidents and to provide support and resources for those affected by substance abuse. By working together, schools, law enforcement, and community partners can create a safer and healthier environment for all students.
