Parent arrested at North Surry High School after threatening officer, administrator

The parent of a North Surry High School student was arrested at the school Thursday afternoon after refusing to leave the school grounds and making threats against an administrator and the school resource officer there.

Maria Luisa Rodriguiez, 34, of 108 Blessing Lane, Mount Airy, was arrested and taken into custody after becoming enraged over an issue involving her child, causing a disturbance at the school.

The incident began when the parent arrived at the school and engaged in a confrontation with school administration and the school resource officer over a matter involving her child, according to information released by the Surry County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement officials did not specify what the specific matter was, nor name the administrator or administrators involved.

The school principal said the parent was upset over a disciplinary issue regarding her child.

Dr. Paige Badgett, principal at the school, in a message to parents, said the parent arrived on campus at 12:50 p.m. and began acting “aggressively.”

“School administration and the school resource officer responded immediately and tried to de-escalate the situation. The parent continued to act in a threatening and disorderly manner. The parent failed to comply with requests made by the school resource officer and administration,” she said.

“Despite repeated attempts by the school resource officer to de-escalate the situation, Mrs. Rodriguiez continued to act disruptively, making threats toward school administration and the school resource officer,” the sheriff’s office said of the decision to arrest Rodriguiez.

The incident took place shortly before 1 p.m., as the school was preparing to send students home early as a result of heavy rain and flooding in the area.

After refusing follow the deputy’s directives to vacate the premises and making the threats, Rodriguiez was arrested and charged with one count of disorderly conduct at school, one count of second-degree trespass, one count of resisting a public officer, and one count of communicating threats.

Rodriguiez was transported to the magistrate and placed under a $5,000 secured bond, with a scheduled Oct. 23 court date.

Badgett said “No students or staff were harmed during the incident...we are working closely with law enforcement authorities to address this situation and ensure that our school remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.”