Police: Teacher Brought Marijuana To School

DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham teacher was fired last week after he was arrested on drug charges, officials said.

Corey John Palermo, 30, of 117 Fields Spring Lane in Raleigh, was charged with possession of a controlled substance within 300 feet of a school, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to warrants.

Police said Palermo last Thursday brought marijuana to Parkwood Elementary School, where he worked as a fourth-grade teacher.

Palermo was subsequently fired from his job. He had worked with Durham Public Schools for nearly three years.

Another Parkwood Elementary teacher was fired last Wednesday, but it was unclear whether that termination was related to Palermo's. The second teacher hasn't been charged with any crime.

Durham school officials declined to discuss either case, saying the firings are confidential personnel matters.

Palermo has been released on a $200,000 bond. He is prohibited from going within 1,000 feet of any Durham school, entering any school in North Carolina and contacting any Parkwood Elementary students or teachers, according to court records.

Palermo is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 14.