5512.01 - USE OF ALCOHOL, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, AND OTHER DRUGS BY STUDENTS

The School Board is committed to providing an optimal school environment for student learning and positive youth development.  Alcohol and controlled substances use and abuse seriously interfere with that school environment and jeopardize the health and well-being of students.

With this in mind, the following conduct shall be prohibited by students at all times at school, on school premises, on school buses and while engaged in activities under school district jurisdiction and/or supervision:

1. use or possession of alcohol, drug paraphernalia or controlled substances (Prescription medications will be exceptions to this policy when used by the student for whom they were prescribed and, in the amount, prescribed, and in accordance with the District’s medication administration policy.);
2. being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances;
3. sale, delivery or intent to sell or deliver alcohol, drug paraphernalia or controlled substances;
4. sale, distribution or intent to sell or distribute look-alike alcohol or look-alike drugs (substances that are represented as a drug or alcohol regardless of the true nature of the substance);
5. sale or distribution of prescription medication or nonprescription drug products;
6. the misuse of prescription medication or nonprescription drug products;
7. inappropriate use of hazardous inhalants (for example, huffing) and the possession of paraphernalia associated with the inappropriate use of hazardous inhalants.

A student may be required to submit to a breath test to determine the presence of alcohol if a designated school official or law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion that the student is under the influence of alcohol in violation of this policy.  Such test shall be administered by a law enforcement officer or trained school official and shall meet state law requirements.  A student may be disciplined for refusing to submit to a required breath test.  While administering such a test, more than one school employee shall be present with at least one employee being the same gender as the student.

Students who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including student suspension and/or expulsion, and referral to law enforcement authorities.  In all cases, the student shall be referred to the District’s Pupil Services Team (PST).  This referral is designed to educate, assist and support students who have alcohol and other controlled substances-related concerns.

A copy of this policy and related disciplinary procedures shall be made available to students and their parents/guardians annually through the student handbook and/or through other means deemed appropriate by the building principal.

School District of Jefferson