BETHLEHEM — A school psychologist and her husband were arrested on Thursday after the sheriff's office said a teenage baby-sitter discovered a stash of pot in their home, took some and got caught with it at school.

Brian and Maria Mangini, both 41, of 2006 Delaware Turnpike in Clarksville, have two children, ages 5 and 8, Sheriff Craig Apple said. Brian Mangini works at Bethlehem's Blue Sky Music store, the sheriff's office said.

Maria Mangini was placed on paid administrative leave after the arrest, according to the school district.

An investigation began when officials at the Bethlehem Central School District caught a student with marijuana and referred the matter to police, Apple said. The girl told officials that she found the drug while snooping at the home of the school's psychologist, where she was baby-sitting, the sheriff said.

Apple said it's not clear whether the girl met Maria Mangini through her profession as the school's psychologist.

Apple said the sheriff's office obtained a search warrant for the home and found 3 ounces of marijuana.

"It's not a huge amount of marijuana," Apple said, "but still with kids in the house and her employed by the school, we were very concerned."

The Manginis were charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and endangering the welfare of a child. They were released on appearance tickets set for 5 p.m. Feb. 2 at New Scotland Town Court.

The incident is the latest in a string of drug-related exploits at the school district, including five drug arrests in the week before Thanksgiving. A 16-year-old Delmar student was arrested on felony drug charges just after Thanksgiving after police said he sold methadone to other students at Bethlehem Central High School.

After the methadone incident, High School Principal Charles Abba sent a letter to parents pointing to other instances where students had been involved in drugs and vandalism.

"In recent weeks, there has been an increase of inappropriate behavior at our high school," the letter stated. "Specifically, there have been more discipline referrals for disrespectful behavior, incidents of graffiti in the boys' bathrooms and possession and use of marijuana and controlled substances."

On Dec. 2, school officials abruptly postponed a school dance in the wake of the incidents.

Thursday, Superintendent Thomas Douglas sent another letter to parents about the latest incident, asking them to give feedback as the school addresses the issues.

More Information See More Collapse

"I encourage you to join us in taking a proactive approach to these issues and partnering with us as we address them," the letter states.

Also Thursday, the district released a statement addressing Maria Mangini's arrest, and said she was placed on leave "pending a thorough and timely investigation by the Bethlehem Central School District."

In the wake of the drug-related incidents, the district said the Board of Education is looking into the use of security cameras in the high school, officials are being vigilant with regards to inappropriate behavior in the district and forums on the effects of drug use are being organized.

"Above all, the district is concerned for the safety of our students," Douglas said. "It remains our highest priority."

Reach Dayelin Roman at 454-5350 or droman@timesunion.com.