Report: Bluffton High teens say they were offered alcohol by teacher

Editor’s note: This story has been edited to reflect a change in the status of the charge filed against Tracy Butts.

A substitute teacher was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor after students reported she offered them alcohol at the Bluffton High prom.

Tracy Butts, 50, of Bluffton, an ESOL — English speakers other languages — substitute teacher, turned herself in to Bluffton Police after students alleged that they were offered alcohol during their April 2 prom on Hilton Head Island, according to a Bluffton Police news release.

Two students said Butts offered them a drink, and they refused, the release said. Other students said they heard the offer.

Butts admitted having alcohol at the dance but denied offering it to students, the release said. Butts subsequently turned herself in to police.

Beaufort County Detention Center records show she was booked into the facility early Tuesday and released later that day.

“We tell all of our students that if they see something that makes them uncomfortable to say something,” Beaufort County School District spokesman Jim Foster said.

Foster said there were three law enforcement officers at the prom and 23 school officials.

The charge against Butts was later dropped, according to Bluffton Police spokeswoman Joy Nelson.

This story was originally published April 5, 2016 at 5:30 PM.