Melissa Martin, Barre, Vermont elementary substitute teacher turns up to class high on drugs as she is later to be found in possession of cocaine

A Vermont substitute teacher is facing charges after allegedly showing up to class under the influence of drugs and later being found with cocaine inside an elementary and middle school.

Melissa Martin, 47, of Barre, a permanent substitute with the Barre Unified Union School District, was cited for possession of cocaine and reckless endangerment following the incident Wednesday at Barre Town Middle & Elementary School.

The Incident

Police and emergency personnel were called to the school around 10:49 a.m. after students noticed Martin appearing “disoriented” and reported her unusual behavior to staff.

According to police, Martin had been seen “nodding off” in class before abruptly leaving the room and returning “discombobulated.” When confronted by school administrators, Martin admitted she had cocaine in her jacket, which was in the classroom.

The Search

Barre Town Police K9 Lakota was brought in and alerted to narcotics in both Martin’s jacket and backpack. A search revealed a white powdery substance in her jacket pocket, which later tested presumptively positive for cocaine.

By the time officers entered the classroom, Martin had already been removed by school staff.

Fallout

Superintendent JoAn Canning confirmed Martin had been taken out of the school following the incident.
“The person is not at school now. I do have some personnel steps I need to take,” Canning said.

Parents also voiced concern. One mother told WPTZ her eighth-grade son was shaken by the ordeal:
“He looked visibly shaken and upset, and I asked what had happened today. He said that his substitute teacher was clearly on drugs and was acting crazy. Those were his exact words.”

Charges and Next Steps

Martin was cited and released pending further court proceedings. Authorities said she faces charges of cocaine possession and reckless endangerment.

It remains unclear whether Martin will undergo treatment for substance abuse following her removal from the classroom.