As an educational institution, the District seeks to educate students in the dangers associated with the use of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs. The Board believes such materials and substances generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment and/or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees or visitors. Hence, the following shall be regarded as serious violations of the school's disciplinary policy:
- Sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of tobacco, nicotine or devices that can be used to deliver nicotine, including, but not limited to electronic cigarettes and vaping devices on District property or at District sponsored or approved events off District grounds at any time, including official District events at other schools.
- Sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of alcohol on District property or at District sponsored or approved events off District grounds at any time, including official District events at other schools.
- Sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia or the unauthorized sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of otherwise lawful drugs on District property or at District sponsored or approved events off District grounds at any time, including official District events at other schools.
- Sale, distribution, use, possession or being under the influence of a hazardous substance on District property or at District sponsored or approved events off District grounds at any time, including official District events at other schools.
Each violation of this policy shall be reviewed by the appropriate administrator within a reasonable time after the alleged violation. Both the student and the student’s parents shall have the opportunity to discuss the matter with the administrator before the administrator makes a decision.
Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion. Use, purchase or being in possession of any products or devices containing nicotine for students under the age of eighteen, may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities. Possession, use or being under the influence of beer, wine, alcohol and/or of a controlled substance may also be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.
Students who violate the terms of this policy may be required to satisfactorily complete a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the Board. If a student fails to satisfactorily complete a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, the student may be subject to discipline including suspension or expulsion.
The Board believes the substance abuse prevention program will include:
- Age-appropriate, developmentally-based nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through twelve, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of the use of nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances;
- A statement to students that the use of nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances and the unlawful possession and use of nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances is wrong and harmful;
- Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of nicotine, alcohol, and controlled substances by students on District premises or as part of any of its activities;
- A clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the policy and a description of those sanctions;
- A statement that students may be required to successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;
- Information about substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs available to students;
- A requirement that parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions required; and
- Notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.
REVIEWED: 11/18/2019 - APPROVED 12/03/2019
REVISED: 02/05/2021 – APPROVED 03/15/2021
REVIEWED: 01/16/2023
