By GENE COLEMAN

VIDALIA — At least seven or eight students at Vidalia Junior High School have been interviewed regarding a prescription drug that one student brought to school last Wednesday.

Whest Shirley, superintendent of Concordia Parish Schools, said seven or eight students were brought to hearings with Brenda Moore, director of child welfare and attendance.

“This is not something that happens all the time, but once a semester some kids will bring pills they shouldn’t and they get suspended,” Shirley said. “No one took any and none were sold, to my knowledge.”

Shirley said the punishment for such crimes is mandated by state statute rather than school policy.

“If you have a drug, it can be up to a year at alternative school,” Shirley said. “If you’re selling it, it can be up to two years,” Shirley said.

Shirley said he did not have details on the students involved or their level of involvement. He said he stays out of the investigation in case appeals of the final decisions are made. Shirley said he expects investigations to be completed this week.