Franklin, Va. - Franklin City Public Schools' superintendent, Dr. Willie Bell says they are making changes in its hiring practices after a Suffolk woman was hired as a teacher one week after she was indicted for selling heroin.
Elizabeth Ferguson, 37, was indicted on two felony charges of Distribution of Heroin on September 22nd, according to court documents.
Then just one week later, on September 29th, Ferguson was hired as a first grade teacher with Franklin City Schools.
"I`m mad," said grandmother Ernestine Manley. "Nobody ever told me as a grandparent that this actually happened."
Franklin City Schools spokesperson Kelvin Edwards told NewsChannel 3 in December parents didn't know because school officials themselves had no idea.
"Did we know about her charges? The answer is no, we did not," he said.
Just one day after our story aired, the superintendent sent out a letter telling parents about what happened.
The letter reads, in part:
"The teacher did not notify the school division administration of the pending charges. The school division ran a criminal backround check on this applicant consistent with our practice and as provided for in the Code of Virginia. Unfortunately, the school division did not receive the results of the criminal background check for approximately six weeks."
During those six weeks, while the school board was waiting, Ferguson was inside the classroom teaching.
"It's ridiculous," said Danielle Williams. Her daughter was in Ferguson's first grade class. "I'm very disappointed, I can't trust anybody, never trust the school system."
Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. Willie Bell told NewsChannel 3 he is working to regain the trust of parents like Williams. Dr. Bell says changes are already happening.
In a statement, Dr. Bell says they are using a new vendor that will get result of background checks in two days, saying it will "ensure that all potential employees are thoroughly checked prior to hire date".
Wednesday, Ferguson was in court for an arraignment on her two felony charges, but the case was continued until February.
NewsChannel 3 tried to talk to Ferguson after court, but she ran away.
