The policy which determines how Central Columbia School District officials deal with students involved with alcohol, drugs, and controlled substances was established 20 years ago and has served the district well over the years with only minor revisions.
This policy, which was approved by the administration, school board, and the district solicitor, applies to 'the use, possession, consumption distribution or sale' of the aforementioned substances.
After defining terms 'controlled substances', 'drugs', 'prescription drugs', and 'alcoholic beverages', the policy stipulates that all substances brought into the school for the treatment of an existing condition must be registered with the school nurse at the time they are first brought onto school premises, and may be used only in accord with the instructions of the school nurse.
The policy then proceeds to group types of substance abuse violations into five categories, from the lease serious 'off-campus violation' to the most serious 'on-campus distribution'. On-campus violations allow for a student to be suspended for a period of up to two weeks or pending a hearing, along with the possibility of probation. For an 'on-campus distribution', the student may be suspended for a period of time to be determined by the school board after a proper hearing.
The policy defines 'probation' by stating that a student subject to probation "...shall continue to attend school, but shall be required to observe certain conditions relating to in-school conduct and behavior which may include but need not be limited to:
- prohibition of association with certain students
- prohibition of any further violation of this policy
- prohibition of participation in athletic or social functions
- reporting at stated periods to appropriate persons for counseling
- attending after school hours disciplinary detention or study hall
- assisting in after school hours maintenance and rehabilitation programs
- such other conditions reasonably related to insuring a correction of the misbehavior or misconduct for which the probation was imposed."
Violation of any condition of probation by a student shall, after a hearing, result in suspension, expulsion, more restrictive probation, or continuation of studies outside school premises.
In each instance when a student is placed on probation is suspended, the school authorities will endeavor to involve the student in appropriate rehabilitation experiences through the student assistance program. The school will attempt to arrange for psychological or social services appropriate to the student's needs. The school will continue to work closely with authorities and institutions, and in particular those within the community concerned with juveniles, and will seek their advice and assistance in dealing with students violating this policy. The school will make every effort to encourage cooperative action on the part of the offender, his/her parents, school personnel, and the agencies mentioned above, in planning a program of rehabilitation.
On-Campus Possession or Use - A student who, while subject to the school's jurisdiction, possesses or uses any controlled substances, alcoholic beverage or any prescription drug other than drugs registered in accordance with this policy, shall be temporarily suspended from school and all school-related activities for a period of up to two weeks, and shall be placed on probation for the remainder of the school year and may be placed in Alternative Education for 30 days. During the period of probation, a student may be excluded from some or all school related activities, including social activities.
On Campus Under the Influence - a student who, while subject to the school's jurisdiction, is under the influence of a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or any prescription drug other than drugs registered in accordance with this policy, shall be temporarily suspended from school and all school related activities for a period of up to two weeks, and shall be placed on probation for the remainder of the school year and may be placed in Alternative Education for 30 days.