Lansing, MI – Two administrators from Fitzgerald Public Schools in Warren, Michigan, have been arrested and are facing multiple felony charges following an incident on December 20. Superintendent Hollie Stange, 38, and Food Services Director Amanda Carroll, 38, are accused of consuming marijuana near a school property and driving under the influence, among other offenses.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Stange and Carroll were smoking marijuana in Carroll’s vehicle at a shopping center near 9 Mile and Ryan roads, within 1,000 feet of school grounds. After leaving the scene in separate vehicles, both women were pulled over by Warren police.
Stange was stopped first, and officers determined she was allegedly under the influence of marijuana. A search of her vehicle revealed a 50-gram bag of marijuana in her purse and a .22 caliber rifle wrapped in a blanket in the back seat. Police believe the rifle was inside the vehicle while Stange was on school property. As a result, Stange faces charges of possession of marijuana on school grounds, possession of a weapon in a weapon-free zone, and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI).
Carroll, who was stopped shortly after, was also found to be allegedly impaired. Police detected a burnt marijuana odor emanating from her vehicle and discovered more than 25 grams of marijuana inside. A 6-year-old child was in the car at the time of the stop. Carroll now faces charges of possession of marijuana on school grounds, OWI second offense, and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated with an occupant under the age of 16.
Both women were arraigned on December 21, and each was granted an interim bond of $5,000. They are scheduled to return to court on January 2 for a preliminary hearing.
In response to the charges, the Fitzgerald Public Schools Board of Education announced that both Stange and Carroll have been placed on leave pending an internal review and an ongoing criminal investigation. The district is also in the process of identifying interim replacements for their roles.
Julia Yokel, President of the Fitzgerald Public Schools Board of Education, addressed the incident in a statement, saying that the district holds staff members to the highest standards of professional conduct. She emphasized that the district is cooperating fully with law enforcement and will provide more details as appropriate.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido expressed concern over the alleged actions, stating, “These allegations are deeply troubling. These women are not only responsible for their own conduct but are entrusted with the well-being of our children. Engaging in alleged illegal drug use near school property and driving under the influence is a betrayal of that trust and puts our community at significant risk. We will pursue justice to ensure accountability and uphold the safety and integrity of our schools.”
The case has drawn significant attention as it involves senior school officials, raising concerns about safety and the conduct of those responsible for overseeing the welfare of students. Fitzgerald Public Schools serves a district that includes three elementary schools and Fitzgerald High School. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
