Cobb County elementary school principal arrested on DUI charge

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A Cobb County elementary school principal was arrested on a DUI charge last week, a police report shows.

Jill Spiva, principal of Addison Elementary School in unincorporated Marietta, was booked into jail Jan. 8. Her other charges include driving with an open container and failure to maintain a lane.

Last Thursday, a Cobb County police officer responded to a crash at the intersection of Ebenzer Road and Sandy Plains Road — just a quarter-mile from the school — about 4:45 p.m. The officer noted that Spiva appeared intoxicated and said they found a half-empty Smirnoff vodka bottle behind the driver’s seat in a white bag.

According to the report, Spiva refused sobriety tests and was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, where she also refused treatment.

Police said Spiva’s blood was taken when a judge signed a search warrant. The test results were not included in the report.

In a statement, the Cobb County School District said it is aware of an incident involving Spiva.

“Although we cannot say more due to privacy laws and the ongoing investigation, we take these matters very seriously. Our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority,” the district said.

The district did not say Spiva is a principal, but the name and mugshot match the information posted to Addison Elementary School’s website.

Spiva was released from jail on Jan. 9 on a $1,980 bond, records show.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.