NEPN/NSBA Code: JICH-R
STUDENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
I. Voluntary Referrals to Social Worker/Guidance Counselor (“Voluntary Help”)
A. A student concerned about his or her own use of Prohibited Substances, or those of another student, may seek the assistance of a school social worker, substance abuse counselor or guidance counselor. Voluntary Help will not result in any disciplinary action. However, a student may not use Voluntary Help to avoid consequences after a known violation of Policy JICH.
B. Any staff member who has a concern or is approached by a student(s) about issues with Prohibited Substances shall refer the student(s) to a school social worker, substance abuse counselor or guidance counselor.
C. Parents/guardians who have a concern about a student’s possible issues with Prohibited Substances are encouraged to notify a school social worker, substance abuse counselor or guidance counselor of their concern. However, such referrals cannot be used to avoid consequences after a known violation of Policy JICH.
D. The school social worker, substance abuse counselor or guidance counselor will meet with the student and his/her parents/guardians (if appropriate). School staff will perform a non-clinical chemical health assessment and develop an action plan to meet the student’s particular needs, if necessary.
E. Confidentiality of student information concerning issues with Prohibited Substances will be maintained in accordance with state and federal laws.
The following progressive intervention and disciplinary procedures are intended as guidelines only. The administration reserves the discretion to impose consequences up to and including recommendation of expulsion for any violation of the Board’s student substance abuse policy. In determining the level of discipline, the administration may consider any relevant facts and circumstances, including but not limited to the student behavior accompanying the violation, the student’s willingness to cooperate with the investigation and referral recommendations, whether the student self-reported or voluntarily sought help, and the student’s prior disciplinary record.
II. K-7 Procedures
A. Disciplinary Action
1. Type 1: Consumption, possession, receiving or being under the influence of a prohibited substance.
a. First Offense—The administrator shall:
1)Confiscate the prohibited substance and verify offense;
2) Meet with student;
3) Notify and meet with parent/guardian;
4) Notify Superintendent and/or law enforcement;
5) Refer student to designated school guidance counselor or Student Support Team (SST) member;
6) Have SST member or designated school guidance counselor meet with parent/guardian to share recommendations;
7) Consider referral to Department of Health and Human Services if parent/guardian refuses to cooperate with above procedure; and
8) Provide for disciplinary action as appropriate (e.g., 0-3 day in-school suspension).
b. Second and Subsequent Offenses—The administrator shall
1) Follow steps 1 – 7 as for first offense;
2) Provide for disciplinary action as appropriate (e.g., in-school or out-of-school
c. Discretion
1) The administrator has the authority and discretion to deviate from the disciplinary measures set out above.
2) The administrator shall take into account the degree to which a student voluntarily sought help.
2. Type 2: Furnishing, selling or buying of prohibited substances.
a. First Offense—The administrator shall:
1) Confiscate the prohibited substance and verify offense;
2) Meet with student;
3) Notify and meet with parent/guardian;
4) Notify Superintendent and/or law enforcement;
5) Refer student to designated school guidance counselor or Student Support Team (SST) member;
6) Have SST member or designated school guidance counselor meet with
parent/guardian to share recommendations;
7) Consider referral to Department of Health and Human Services if parent/guardian
refuses to cooperate with above procedure; and
8) Provide for out-of-school suspension (up to 10 days) and/or refer to Board of
Directors for expulsion hearing.
b. Second and Subsequent Offenses—The administrator shall
1) Follow steps 1 – 7 as for first offense; and
2) Provide for immediate out-of-school suspension (up to 10 days) and refer to Board of Directors for expulsion hearing.
c. Discretion
1) The administrator has the authority and discretion to deviate from the disciplinary measures set out above.
2) The administrator shall take into account the degree to which a student voluntarily sought help.
III. High School Procedures (8-12)
A. Disciplinary Action
1. Type 1: Consumption, possession, receiving or being under the influence of a prohibited substance.
a. First Offense—The administrator shall:
1) Confiscate the prohibited substance and verify offense;
2) Meet with student;
3) Notify and meet with parent/guardian;
4) Notify Superintendent and/or law enforcement;
5) Refer student to designated school guidance counselor or Student Support Team (“SST”) member;
6) Have SST member or designated school guidance counselor meet with parent/guardian to share recommendations;
7) Consider referral to Department of Health and Human Services if
parent/guardian refuses to cooperate with above procedure; and
8) Provide for in-school or out-of-school suspension.
b. Second and Subsequent Offenses—The administrator shall:
1) Follow steps 1 – 7 as for first offense;
2) Provide for out-of-school suspension (up to 10 days) and/or refer to Board of Directors for expulsion hearing.
c. Discretion
1) The administrator has the authority and discretion to deviate from the disciplinary measures set out above.
2) The administrator shall take into account the degree to which a student voluntarily sought help.
2. Type 2: Furnishing, selling or buying of prohibited substances.
a. First Offense—The administrator shall:
1) Confiscate the prohibited substance and verify offense;
2) Meet with student;
3) Notify and meet with parent/guardian;
4) Notify Superintendent and/or law enforcement;
5) Refer student to designated school guidance counselor or Student Support Team (“SST”) member;
6) Have SST member or designated school guidance counselor meet with parent/guardian to share recommendations;
7) Consider referral to Department of Health and Human Services if parent/guardian refuses to cooperate with above procedure; and
8) Provide for immediate out-of-school suspension (up to 10 days) and/or refer to Board of Directors for expulsion hearing.
b. Second and Subsequent Offenses—The administrator shall:
1) Follow steps 1– 7 as for first offense; and
2) Provide for immediate out-of-school suspension (up to 10 days) and refer to Board of Directors for expulsion hearing.
c. Discretion
1) The administrator has the authority and discretion to deviate from the disciplinary measures set out above.
2) The administrator shall take into account the degree to which a student voluntarily sought help.
Cross Reference: JICH – Student Substance Abuse
Adopted: November 2, 1995
Revised: May 24, 2001
Revised: October 17, 2019