Policy 443 - Substance Abuse Prevention
Adopted on August 8, 2019
Effective August 8, 2019
The Board recognizes that the misuse of drugs, including alcohol, is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the whole school community.
As the educational institutions of this community, the schools should strive to prevent drug abuse and help drug abusers by educational means, where practicable.
For purposes of this policy, "drugs" shall mean:
- all controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by West Virginia statute;
- all chemicals which release toxic vapors;
- all alcoholic beverages;
- any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy;
- anabolic steroids (as defined by State law);
- any substance that is a "look-alike" to any of the above;
- any "bogus" drugs.
Under the Student Code of Conduct, the Board prohibits being under the influence, the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of any drug or any drug-related paraphernalia as the term is defined by law, or the misuse of a product containing a substance that can provide an intoxicating or mood-altering effect on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at any school-sponsored event.
The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines to address prohibited drug use in the schools under this policy. Such guidelines shall:
- emphasize preventative measures;
- provide clear procedures for identification, intervention, and referral of students with substance abuse problems;
- include a statement to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful;
- include a clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the school standards of conduct and a description of those sanctions; The sanctions may include, together with punitive action, voluntary referral to appropriate persons or agencies for screening and assessment. Such referral may only be made to qualified and properly licensed individuals or programs.
- provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and reentry programs available to students and provide procedures to direct students and their parents to the appropriate programs;
- require that all parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct regarding the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students;
- require the notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory;
- provide an annual review of the Board's program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes as needed and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced;
- with respect to student substance abuse/addiction, the following actions will be taken:
- conference with the parent/guardian and appropriate law enforcement representatives in an effort to direct the student to appropriate addiction services; and
- referral to tobacco cessation services/treatment and substance abuse treatment services shall be a priority intervention strategy for these behaviors.
- include procedures for communicating the terms of these guidelines to students, school staff, parents or families, visitors and the community at-large through reasonable means, such as:
- staff development,
- employee and student handbooks,
- parent/guardian notification,
- general public notification (e.g., signs, announcements),
- attaching a summary of this policy on all requests for school facility use;
Student Assistance Programs
In keeping with its concern for the safety and well-being of both students and staff and for maintaining a school environment that is conducive to learning, the Board has adopted policies related to student conduct in the school setting and has authorized disciplinary measures for the violation of these policies.
The Board seeks to maintain a balance between maintaining a proper educational environment and a compassion for students who suffer from or are victims of intemperate, immoral, or illegal behavior. Educational programs have been established to promote healthful, productive living, and discipline shall be maintained to protect students and staff from actions that disrupt teaching and learning. However, the Board recognizes that students may experience difficulties that educational programs and sound discipline may not prevent, and that other forms of assistance need to be available through the school.
The Superintendent is authorized to establish one or more assistance programs for students which provide for effective intervention in areas such as substance abuse, crisis situations, and other situations which have impact on students' emotional, mental, and/or social well-being and affect their ability to benefit from educational experiences. Administrative guidelines are to be prepared which will ensure that:
- the rights of both parents and students are protected;
- a steering committee is established which is chaired by a central office administrator and includes administrators, staff members from all academic levels, counselors and/or other clinical resource people, and parents, and other members of the community;
- staff members are properly trained and skilled for their roles and participate in ways that comply with their certification or licensing and job description as well as with Board policies and administrative guidelines;
- outside resource people and agencies are properly certified or licensed to provide services and have a history of effective assistance.
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