Created: 11/2/2009 10:41:19 PM 
Winston-Salem, NC -- A Forsyth County teacher facing sex offense with a student charges is now suspended without pay.
The superintendent is also recommending Ralph Surridge's dismissal. Superintendent Don Martin calls Surridge's alleged behavior "absolutely unacceptable" and believes surridge "knowingly misrepresented his criminal background." Surridge was arrested on October 17th and suspended with pay two days later. He was convicted of felony embezzlement in 1985, but that did not appear on his background check in 2003. Surridge taught drama at Mineral Springs Middle School. Here is the full release from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools: Superintendent Don Martin suspended Ralph David Surridge today without pay. He is recommending to the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education that Surridge be dismissed.
Surridge was arrested Oct. 17 on numerous charges, including several alleging an inappropriate relationship with children. Martin suspended Surridge with pay on Oct. 19. Surridge has taught drama at Mineral Springs Middle since 2003. "I am recommending Surridge's dismissal for two reasons," Martin said. "First, our investigation supports his dismissal. That kind of behavior is absolutely unacceptable in our school system. "Second, based on a review of Surridge's criminal history and our examination of his application and license renewal information provided to the Department of Public Instruction, I believe he knowingly misrepresented "I hope this unfortunate incident does not tarnish the image and reputation of the thousands of dedicated teachers who work hard each day to ensure that our children have the best possible educational opportunities."
his criminal background. Our staff has communicated with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction, and I understand they have begun the process of revoking his teaching license.
