IGAEB - Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention, Health Education**

Students have a right to attend school in an environment conducive to learning. Since student drug, alcohol and tobacco use is illegal and harmful and interferes with both effective learning and the healthy development of students, the school has a fundamental legal and ethical obligation to prevent unlawful drug, alcohol and tobacco use and to maintain a drug-free educational environment.

After consulting with parents, teachers, school administrators, local community agencies and persons from the drug, alcohol or health service community who are knowledgeable of the latest research information, the Board will adopt a written plan for a drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention and intervention program.

Drug Prevention Program

The district’s drug, alcohol and tobacco curriculum will be age -appropriate, reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect current research and Oregon’s Health Education Academic Content Standards.

Drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention instruction will be integrated in the district’s health education courses for grades K-12. Students not enrolled in health education shall receive such instruction through other designated courses. At least annually, all high school students, grades 9-12, shall receive instruction about drug and alcohol prevention. Instruction shall minimally meet the requirements set forth in Oregon Administrative Rules.

The district will include information regarding the district’s intervention and referral procedures, including those for drug-related medical emergencies, in student/parent and staff handbooks.

“Intervention” is defined as the identification and referral of students whose behavior is interfering with their potential success socially, emotionally, physiologically, and/or legally as a result of prohibited use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, synthetic substances (i.e., bath salts) and vapor consumption devices.

Any staff member who has reason to suspect a student is in possession of, or under the influence of unlawful drugs, alcohol, other intoxicants or tobacco on district property, on a school bus or while participating in any district-sponsored activity, whether on district property or at sites off district property, will escort the student to the office or designated area and will report the information to the principal or his/her designated representative.

The principal or designee will:

1. Call law enforcement if deemed appropriate;
2. Call the parents/guardians for a meeting;
3. Discuss the incident with student, parents/guardians if available and law enforcement if contacted;
4. Implement the penalty for violations using due process procedures;
5. Tell parents/guardians about resources which offer treatment or assistance for young people suffering from drug-, alcohol- or tobacco-related problems.

Students possessing, using and/or selling unlawful drugs, including drug paraphernalia, alcohol and tobacco on district property, in district vehicles, at district-sponsored activities on or off district grounds shall be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion. When considering disciplinary action for a child with disabilities, the district must follow the requirements of Board policy JGDA/JGEA – Discipline of Students with Disabilities including those involving functional behavioral assessment, change of placement, manifestation determination and an interim alternative educational setting. Students may also be referred to law enforcement officials.

Each year the administration will meet with law enforcement officials to discuss:

1. Who the school should call for suspected violations of the law or other needs;
2. How school representatives should handle evidence of a suspected offense (i.e., school staff should not taste a substance to ascertain whether or not it is a drug).  What about fingerprints?  Paraphernalia?
3. What questioning procedures may take place on district property?
4. Other needs of the district and law enforcement to avoid conflicts or confusion before a substance-related incident occurs.

In general, drug-related medical emergencies will be handled like a serious accident or illness. Immediate notification of the community emergency care unit is required. Trained staff members will assist the student in any way possible. Parents/Guardians shall be contacted immediately. A staff member shall be designated to accompany the student to the hospital or emergency medical facility. Procedures to be taken, including those for students participating in district-sponsored activities off district grounds, shall be included in the district’s comprehensive first aid/emergency plan.

The district will actively seek funds from outside sources either independently or through coordinated efforts with other districts, community agencies or the education service district for drug-free schools grants.

A planned staff development program that includes current drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention education, an explanation of the district’s plan and staff responsibilities within that plan will be developed by the superintendent. The input of staff, parents and the community is encouraged to ensure a staff development program that best meets the needs of district students.

The district will develop a public information plan for students, staff and parents.

The district’s Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention, Health Education plan, related Board policies, rules and procedures will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.

END OF POLICY

Legal Reference(s)