| Mechanicsburg Exempted Village School District |
| Bylaws & Policies |
5530 - DRUG PREVENTION
The Board of Education recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the whole school community.
For purposes of this policy, "drugs" shall mean:
| A. | all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Ohio statute; | |
| B. | all chemicals which release toxic vapors; | |
| C. | all alcoholic beverages; | |
| D. | any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy; | |
| E. | anabolic steroids; | |
| F. | any substance that is a "look-alike" to any of the above. |
The Board prohibits 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, on school vehicles, and/or at any school-sponsored event.
It further establishes a drug-free zone within 1000 feet of any facility used by the District for educational purposes.
The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines for the identification, amelioration, and regulation of drug use in the schools. Such guidelines shall:
| A. | emphasize the prevention of drug use; | |
| B. | provide for a comprehensive, age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol education and prevention program which: |
| 1. | addresses the legal, social, psychological, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use; | ||
| 2. | provides information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs and alcohol; | ||
| 3. | assists students to develop skills to make responsible decisions about substance abuse and other important health issues; | ||
| 4. | promotes positive emotional health, self-esteem, and respect for one's body; | ||
| 5. | meets the minimal objectives as stated in the essential performance objectives for health education as established by the State Department of Education; |
| C. | include a statement to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful; | |
| D. | provide standards of conduct that are applicable to all students and which clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity; | |
| E. | 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. | ||
| F. | 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; | |
| G. | 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; | |
| H. | require the notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory; | |
| I. | provide a biennial review of the School District's program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes as needed and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced; | |
| J. | provide for a student assistance program which includes guidelines for prevention, intervention, referral, treatment, and after-care. Such a program must be comprehensive in nature addressing all issues affecting students' academic, social, and emotional well being in the educational setting which may negatively affect behavior and interfere with their ability to learn; | |
| K. | establish means for dealing with students suspected of drug use or suspected of possessing or distributing drugs in school and ensure that the District's policy and administrative guidelines on Search and Seizure Policy 5771 and AG 5771, Suspension and Expulsion Policy 5610 and AG 5610, and Permanent Exclusion Policy 5610.01 and AG 5610.01 are complied with fully. |
The Superintendent shall establish administrative guidelines necessary to implement this policy. Such guidelines shall ensure that the proper notice regarding the use of anabolic steroids is posted in each of the District's locker rooms used by students in grades 7-12.
R.C. 2925.37, 3313.60(E), 3313.661, 3313.662, 3313.752, 3313.95, 3319.012
Public Law 101 - Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986
20 U.S.C. 3171 et seq.
20 U.S.C. 3224A