STUDENT DRUG USE
Drug-free schools throughout the school district are a top priority for the Vernon Parish School Board. Therefore, clear, uniform, equitable and appropriate regulations and procedures must be established. In order to achieve this goal, each school shall have a trained team of at least three (3) members to assist the principal and students in the prevention of substance abuse.
Students shall not be permitted to be under the influence, or be in possession of, or distribute, or use alcohol or drugs on school property, or during school or any school related activity. All suspected cases of substance abuse shall be confidential and handled in accordance with the following procedures.
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I.
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CASES OF SUSPECTED SUBSTANCE ABUSE
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A.
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When a student displays symptoms of substance abuse, the principal shall contact the parent or guardian. After investigations, the student may be removed temporarily from school until such time as substance abuse can be determined.
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B.
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If abuse is not confirmed, and the student was removed from school, he/she shall be allowed to re-enter school with ample time to make up any work missed, and without penalty.
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II.
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CASES OF CONFIRMED SUBSTANCE ABUSE
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A.
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If abuse is confirmed, the student shall be suspended and not be able to return to school until a hearing has taken place with the Superintendent or his/her designee, parent, student and principal at the Vernon Parish School Board office.
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B.
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Until a hearing is held, the student shall remain on suspension.
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C.
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If permitted to return to school following the hearing, the student and the parent shall be required to sign a contract in which they acknowledge that:
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1.
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A drug or alcohol problem exists.
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2.
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The student shall not use drugs or alcohol while at school again, and agrees to participate in appropriate counseling or rehabilitation; and,
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3.
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They understand that repeat offenders will be expelled for the remainder of the school year.
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III.
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CASES OF ACTUAL DISTRIBUTION OR SALE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS ON SCHOOL PREMISES OR AT SCHOOL RELATED FUNCTIONS:
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A.
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Reported offense shall be thoroughly investigated and documented by principal or his/her designee.
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B.
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Parent and police shall be notified when a violation has been confirmed.
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C.
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Student shall be suspended from school until a hearing at the School Board office can be held.
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D.
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There shall be a formal due process hearing at the Vernon Parish School Board office within the ten (10) school days of the beginning of the suspension. The student and his/her parents will meet with the principal and Superintendent or his/her designee. Until the hearing is held the student shall remain on suspension.
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E.
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Minimum guidelines in effect at the hearing shall include the following:
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1.
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The student must be notified in writing of the specific charges against him/her which if proven, will result in his/her expulsion for the remainder of the year.
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2.
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The student should be given the names of the witnesses against him/her and an oral or written report of the facts of the case.
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3.
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The student shall be given the opportunity to present his/her own defense against the charges and to produce witnesses on his/her behalf.
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Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ยงยง17:81, 17:416
Board minutes, 4-14-88
Vernon Parish School Board