Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use by Students

The use of tobacco and the nonmedical use of drugs and alcohol are hazardous to the health of students. It interferes with the education of the user. It disrupts the proper conduct of school activities. It is illegal. Therefore, this policy has been established to ensure that the students attending school in this district will be educated in a drug, tobacco, and alcohol-free environment.

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear message to students, parents, and the citizens of the community that use, possession, distribution, sale, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or look-alike drugs as defined in Oklahoma statutes, and tobacco or tobacco products, will not be tolerated on school buses, in school buildings, on school property, or at school-sponsored events. This policy extends to all school-sponsored or related activities (including field trips and athletic and music trips), whether held on school property or at locations off school property, including private clubs, businesses, or commercial establishments.

The school board recognizes its responsibilities to provide a program of drug education so that all students are made aware of the physical and psychological dangers incurred through the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Furthermore, the school system will make available, without sanctions, assistance to any student seeking drug and alcohol treatment or advice and will protect, in accordance with the law, the due process rights of all students within the school setting.

However, once it has been determined that a student has used, possessed, distributed, or sold drugs, tobacco, or alcohol or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the penalty for the first offense shall be:

1. Suspension from school in accordance with the district's student suspension policy (see policy FOD); and
2. Forfeiture of the privilege of participating in any and all extracurricular school activities.

Additionally:

1. The student's parent or guardian will be called to remove him or her immediately from school property.
2. The police will be notified promptly of the offense by means of a complete report, prepared by the building principal, which will include a description of the substances plus any physical evidence obtained.
3. The student's parent or guardian will be asked to meet with the school administrator(s) and members of the staff during the first four days of the suspension for the purpose of determining a specific plan for monitoring the student's subsequent behavior. If a satisfactory plan is developed within this four-school day period, the suspension may be reduced.

Given reasonable grounds for suspicion, school officials may search for and seize alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, including tobacco and tobacco products brought onto school buses or school property and submit such drugs to the proper authorities for analysis.

In the event of a second violation, the student will be referred directly to the school board with a recommendation for suspension. The parent or guardian and student will be advised of the expulsion procedures and their right to notification and hearing before the board.

Note: According to board policy, students are also prohibited from possessing prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs on school property. Any student who is required to carry a prescription or nonprescription drug during school hours shall deposit the drug with the school nurse immediately upon entering school property, unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate administration.

Legal Citations

The qualifications and procedures outlined in this policy are based upon the following Oklahoma Statutes (O.S.):

• 63 O.S. §2-101
• Public Law 101-226

Cross-Reference

• Policy FFACA, Medication, Administering to Student
• Policy FOD, Student Suspension