Teacher aides resign after drug exchange

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Two teacher aides caught passing drugs at an Auckland primary school have resigned.

The staff, at Rowandale primary school in Manurewa, were reported to the principal by a teacher who saw them exchanging "foils" in the staff room after hours.

An internal investigation found the drugs were marijuana, and the school suspended the two aides without pay following a board hearing.

They were allowed to return to work if drugs tests came back negative.

Yesterday, board chair James Bryce and principal Karl Vasau stood by the school's decision not to report the incident to police.

The ministry, police and the local principals' association told the Herald the school should have reported any illegal activity to police straight away.

Today, Mr Vasau said he had had spoken to police officers and the ministry of education about strengthening the school processes.

A statement said the staff had decided to resign today following the media attention.
"They are truly sorry for the pain and trouble they have put Rowandale school and its community through," the school said.

It said the staff thanked the school and board for the chance to redeem themselves.

The incident comes after other troubles at the school, which led to a turnover of 55 teachers in four years and numerous complaints during the reign of a previous principal.