The Franklin County Board of Education held a special called meeting on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the suspension of an employee who was recently arrested for driving under the influence.

Richard Maggerise, a social studies teacher at Red Bay High School who also serves as an assistant football coach, was arrested for DUI on Saturday, Aug. 17, by the Red Bay Police Department.

Authorities said Maggerise was stopped after an officer allegedly observed him weaving over the centerline multiple times as he headed westbound on Alabama 24.

Once school authorities were made aware of the arrest, plans were made to take disciplinary action against Maggerise.

At the meeting on Tuesday, Franklin County Superintendent Gary Williams recommended a 10-day suspension without pay, which was approved.

“We felt disciplinary action was warranted in this case because our teachers and coaches are role models for our students, and we cannot condone that type of behavior,” Williams said.

“We need for students to understand that there are consequences for your actions, and if you make a mistake or error in judgment, you will be held accountable for those actions.”

In addition to his teaching and assistant football coaching responsibilities, Maggerise is also expected to be approved as the new head baseball coach for RBHS at the upcoming school board meeting on Sept. 10.