Approved: 8/16/73

Revised: 7/23/81

GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING CASES OF DRUG INVOLVEMENT

Philosophy

A school is accountable for the education of its students. Using, possession of or selling psychoactive substances are activities which undermine the educational process, and are therefore strictly prohibited.

Since the problem arising from the use and distribution of contraband drugs are complex, measures for its prevention, treatment and control require a coordinated community strategy involving the concerted effort of parents, school officials and law enforcement and rehabilitation agencies. In pursuit of these objectives, the Jefferson County Board of Education adopts the following program:

Policy

1. The school system has the responsibility to protect its students from activities and influences dangerous to their health and safety.

2. Although the degree of an individual's participation in prohibited activity may range from initial experimentation to chronic and addictive abuse, it is the school system's responsibility to pre- vent drug use and to intervene into drug involvement at the earliest possible moment.

3. In taking appropriate measures to discourage drug use, the school system recognizes the right of each individual student to due process under the law.

4. In these endeavors, the primary concern of the school system is to aid the individual to realize his full potential as a student and as a citizen of the community.

5. The school system plays an integral part in the total community effort in working through the problem of people involved with drugs.

6. Continuing education with accurate, realistic information, sound value clarification and realistic alternatives should be provided to fortify prevention and intervention of drug use.

7. Because the symptoms of drug use are similar to symptoms of normal illness, established medical emergency procedures should be followed.

8. Every effort should be made to allow a student to continue his education during his or her treatment or rehabilitation.
 
 

9. Law enforcement agencies will be utilized by school officials for assisting them in the control of drug traffic in and around the school premises.

10. Since the principal has professional training and experience, it is his responsibility to decide what action must be taken depending on the circumstances in each case. The principal's main resource person should be the Director of Student Services or other designated qualified persons in the school system.

11. It is the duty of the superintendent to execute the drug abuse policy of the school system. The superintendent of education will have final authority on all matters.

General Procedures

1. At any time, a search may be made of school property, a student, or his automobile parked within the school jurisdiction, by the principal without the student's permission where reasonable cause justifies such action. The principal, in conducting a search related to these matters should be accompanied by another adult. Any suspected materials may be confiscated and held by the principal for further processing. A full record shall be kept concerning the investigation and steps taken and such information as the time of the search, the location and the individuals involved.

2. The principal shall be notified immediately by all concerned when a person is suspected of drug involvement.

3. The principal or other designated person in the school shall consult with the Director of Student Services on all matters relating to drug problems and involvement.

4. In each case, the principal shall file a report with the Director of Student Services concerning all matters investigated; and this report should be made contemporaneously with the investigation.

5. Established disciplinary policies regarding suspension and expulsion of students shall be applied to individuals involved in drug problems. However, in addition to the normal course of action, whether it be the assistance in a health problem, a legal or disciplinary action, or other problems relating to school attendance, the alternative school is a possibility to be considered.

Procedures in Specific Cases

Cases of Self-Reported Drug Use

1. Where a student voluntarily seeks assistance in controlling his drug involvement, the student shall be assured that the school will offer confidential guidance and assistance in an effort to remedy the problem.

2. The student's problem will be treated with the same confidence and consideration afforded any other health problem.

3. The student shall be informed that if he/she is 14 years old, or older, confidential medical treatment is his/her privilege according to state law.

Procedures in Specific Cases

Cases of Suspected Drug Involvement

1. If the principal suspects a student of drug involvement, the principal shall arrange to have a confidential interview with the student and the parents, if possible, to determine what action should be taken in the best interest of the student.

2. The principal shall inform both parents and student that the purpose of the interview is to investigate confidential information to determine its veracity. Parties should be informed that the inter- view does not constitute an accusation against the student.

3. The parents and the student shall be assured that the intervention and prevention will be executed with the interest of the student body and the individual foremost to their consideration.

4. The principal shall inform the Director of Student Services of each investigation; the report shall be in writing but may be first communicated orally. The report should include the age of the student, the nature and facts concerning the suspicion. At the interview, the principal may decide with or without the family to refer the case to the Director of Student Services.

5. The parents shall be assured that the rehabilitation is the primary concern; the parents should be encouraged to cooperate and should be given the assurance that the school official's motivation is to help the child to understand that drugs will not facilitate their educational process, and will not be tolerated in the school setting.

Procedures in Specific Cases

Cases of Known Drug Use

1. The principal shall be notified immediately in all cases.

2. Since individuals using drugs show symptoms similar to those accompanying normal medical illness, established medical emergency procedures shall be followed.

3. If the appearance and behavior of the students suspected indicates possible drug overdose, an ambulance should be called immediately.

The student shall be attended at all times.

4. The parents or guardians of the student shall be notified immediately of the circumstances and the action taken.

5. A conference with the student and the parents or guardians shall be held at a later date by a designated person in the school to discuss the student's need for treatment and to design what steps would be taken to facilitate the educational process.

Procedures for Cases of Drug Possession

1. The principal shall be notified immediately in all cases.

2. The principal shall notify (l) the parents of the student involved,

(2) the Director of Student Services, and (3) the appropriate law enforcement officials or agency.

3. Cases of repeated incidences of possession may result in expulsion from the school system and criminal prosecution.

4. The student has an affirmative duty to submit to search and seizure upon request by the principal or other appropriate official. (See JCBE/POLICY FILE: 446, pages 3-4) Failure by a student to submit to a reasonable request to search by an appropriate school official may result in disciplinary action.

Procedures for Cases of Drug Distribution

1. The principal shall be notified immediately in all cases.

2. The principal shall notify (1) the parents of the student involved,

(2) the Director of Student Services, and (3) the appropriate law enforcement officials or agency.

3. Cases of distribution or sales may result in expulsion from the school system and criminal prosecution.

4. The student has an affirmative duty to submit to search and seizure upon request by the principal or other appropriate official. (See

JCBE/POLICY FILE 446, pages 3-4) Failure by a student to submit to a reasonable request to search by an appropriate school official may result in disciplinary action.