
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 20, 1992                   TAG: 9203200192
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: David M. Poole
DATELINE: ROCKY MOUNT                                LENGTH: Short

FRANKLIN EXPELS BOY WHO PULLED GUN IN CLASS

The Franklin County School Board has expelled a 14-year-old boy who pulled out a pistol during a geography class at Benjamin Franklin Middle School last month.

Superintendent Len Gereau said the boy's mother could petition the School Board for readmission next fall.

Gereau said he recommended expulsion because a firearm was involved, even though the boy did not intend to hurt others.

"We have to send a message," he said.

On Feb. 28, the boy pulled out a .357-caliber pistol, ordered his teacher out of the room and contemplated shooting himself in front of 21 classmates. A custodian talked him into giving up the gun.

The boy - a popular youth who took advanced courses - has received counseling and sent a letter of apology to his teacher and others involved in the incident, according to a source close to the family.

"He's a good boy," the source said. "He was holding a lot of things in and didn't know how to release them."

The boy also faces criminal charges of brandishing a firearm and possession of a firearm on school grounds.

by CNB