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816. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
Date Adopted: April 27, 1981

1. Purpose

There are important considerations necessary for effectively dealing with the presence of drugs and alcohol use in the schools.

The purpose of this policy must relate to the welfare and wellbeing of the individual student, staff member, and the school population in general.

2. Delegation of Responsibility

The Superintendent shall develop procedures for compliance with statutory requirements when pupils and/or staff members are found possessing suspected drugs and/or alcohol.

3. Guidelines

Students
 

  1. When pupils are found in possession of suspected drugs and/or alcohol, referral must be made to law enforcement authorities.

    2.  
  2. When it is determined by the law enforcement authorities that a controlled substance or alcohol was in possession of a student the following steps must be taken by the school:

    3.  
a. For possession of a controlled substance or alcohol on the first offense, students must be referred to the substance abuse program specialist if one is available, or to the counselor where no such specialist is available.

b. For possession on the second offense or for sales on the first offense, students must be suspended. An EH-21 request for transfer may be filed. Students must be referred to either:

(1) an internal prevention program, or

(2) a substance abuse treatment program by an outside agency.

Information on these agencies may be obtained from the Division of Drug and Alcohol Education . Psychological service will be supplied by the Division of Special Education.

c. For possession on the third offense, or for a second offense for sale, a student is to be recommended for expulsion.
d. In all cases every attempt should be made to involve parents.

Employes
 

  1. When employes are found in possession of suspected drugs, referral must be made to law enforcement authorities immediately.

    2.  
  2. When an employe is arrested for possession, sale or manufacture of a controlled substance on or off school premises, the employe should be immediately suspended without pay pending resolution of the criminal charges.

    3.  
  3. An employe convicted of possession, sale or manufacture of a controlled substance on or off school property is to be recommended for immediate dismissal.

    4.  
In applying the above guidelines, all due process rights of students and staff, in accordance with the State Code and contractual provision, must be observed.
 
 

References:

71 P.S. 1690.101 et seq
35 P.S. 780-101 et seq