Forsyth teacher resigns over mercury incident

FORSYTH, Mo. (AP) -- A teacher who brought mercury to Forsyth Middle School has resigned rather than face further discipline.

Superintendent Brent Blevins says Michael Ragain resigned on Tuesday.

Ragain, a sixth-grade teacher with 10 years experience in the Taney County district, had been on administrative leave for violating district policy that prohibits the use of mercury in the classroom.

Ragain brought the mercury to school on Aug. 18 and it spilled. Blevins says Ragain did not notify administrators of the incident until the next day.

The district suspended classes while a cleanup was conducted.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com