Superintendent Don Martin has suspended without pay a drama teacher facing charges of sexual misconduct with a student and possession of a firearm by a felon and is recommending that the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board fire him.
Ralph David Surridge was arrested Oct. 17 on several charges, including five counts of indecent liberties with a child, three counts of taking indecent liberties with a student and one count each of sexual offense with a student and statutory sexual offense with a minor. All of the charges are felonies.
Martin suspended Surridge with pay on Oct. 19. Surridge has taught drama at Mineral Springs Middle School since 2003.
Surridge had been convicted of embezzlement in New Hanover County in 1985 and was sentenced to six months in prison and three years probation. That conviction did not turn up in a criminal background check that school officials conducted when Surridge was hired.
Martin said in a statement that he is recommending that Surridge be dismissed for two reasons.
"First, our investigation supports his dismissal," he said. "That kind of behavior is absolutely unacceptable in our school system."
Martin said the second reason is based on a review of Surridge's criminal history and an examination of his application and license renewal information provided by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. He said it appears that Surridge misrepresented his criminal background.
He said the state education department is looking at revoking Surridge's teaching license.
"I hope this unfortunate incident does not tarnish the image and reputation of the thousands of dedicated teachers who work hard each day to ensure that our children have the best possible educational opportunities."
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