Substance and Alcohol Abuse
The Board recognizes that use of alcohol and drugs is a serious problem and that the presence of drugs in school is detrimental to the educational environment and harmful to the health, safety, and welfare of students and staff. It is the desire of the Charter School to help those in need of alcohol and drug intervention and, at the same time, to protect others that are affected by the presence of alcohol and drugs and to enforce the policies of the School relating to use, possession, and being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances, as that term is defined in statute (I.C. § 37-2732C). It is the philosophy of the School that the School will help those who desire to help themselves.
The mere fact that a student previously disclosed use of alcohol or a controlled substances, in and of itself, shall not establish reasonable suspicion at a later date.
The following shall be used as a guide in determining what procedures may be followed when the School has reasonable suspicion that a student is using or is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, however, the specific procedure may, in large part, depend upon the circumstances in each case:
- Upon reasonable suspicion, the student will be asked if he or she has used and/or is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs;
- If the student admits to the use, the following will occur:
- The student’s parent/legal guardian will be immediately called;
- The student will be asked to reveal the circumstances involving the use of alcohol and/or drugs and asked if any other students were involved;
- Law enforcement will be called if the suspected substance is illegal.
- The student will be immediately suspended from School, and depending upon the circumstances, may be suspended for up to 20 days and/or recommended for expulsion.
- As a condition of readmission, the School may require the student to undergo assessment and counseling for alcohol and/or drug use.
- If the student does not admit to using a controlled substance or alcohol, and the School still has reasonable suspicion, the School will call the parent/legal guardian in addition to local law enforcement. After making such calls, the School will take the appropriate course of action which may include suspension or recommendation for expulsion.
The student will be entitled to full due process prior to being expelled from School. As a condition of readmission, the Board may require that the student undergo assessment and counseling for alcohol and/or drug use.
The School shall provide written annual notification of the voluntary disclosure provisions of this policy as well as counseling availability and any other pertinent information in the student handbook or other reasonable means.
The Board shall review this policy annually.
Cross References:
3330 Student Discipline
3340 Corrective Actions and Punishment.
3360 Discipline of Students with Disabilities
3370 Searches and Seizures
4175 Required Annual Notices
Legal References:
Pub. L. 101-226 The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986, Title IV, Subtitle B: The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 (as amended)
I.C. § 33-210 Attendance at Schools —Students Using or Under the Influence of Alcohol or Controlled Substances
IDAPA 08.02.03.160 Safe Environment and Discipline.
Policy History:
Adopted on: June 14, 2021
Revised on: May 20, 2024
Reviewed on: April 15, 2024