Pubdate: Thu, 16 May 2002
Source: Blade, The (OH)
Copyright: 2002 The Blade
Contact:  http://www.toledoblade.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/48
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

FINDLAY SCHOOLS MULL TOUGHER ANTI-DRUG PLAN

FINDLAY - Findlay City schools students caught selling, using, or 
possessing illegal substances could face a one-year suspension from 
extracurricular activities if a stricter zero-tolerance policy is adopted.

Athletic administrator Jerry Snodgrass proposed the harsher penalties to 
the Findlay school board for middle and high school first-time offenders at 
the request of teachers, coaches, parents, and community groups who said 
the 11-year-old zero-tolerance policy isn't working.

"Groups were screaming for changes, because we were having so many more 
offenders who appeared to not fear the consequences," Mr. Snodgrass said.

He anticipates the board will vote on the proposal at its May 28 meeting.

Under the proposed policy, students who are involved in sports or other 
extracurricular activities will be suspended for one year if caught 
possessing or using alcohol, tobacco, or other illegal substances, Mr. 
Snodgrass said.

The suspension would decrease to 50 percent of scheduled contests if an 
offender performs 20 hours community service and completes a substance 
abuse treatment program, he said. In addition, offenders will forfeit 
leadership positions on their teams or in their groups.

Under the current policy, first-time offenders are suspended from 20 
percent of the season and required to complete substance-abuse counseling.

The proposed policy includes a separate provision for those selling illegal 
substances. They face a one-year mandatory suspension from extracurricular 
activities, he said.

It adds a clause for transfer-student violators. Those who come to Findlay 
from another school with a prior violation will be treated as second-time 
offenders if there is another violation, Mr. Snodgrass said.

Second-time offenders face a one-year suspension from extracurricular 
activities in both the current and proposed policies.

"Violations are on the rise," he said "There's more this year than last 
year, considerably so. I think a tougher policy will help." The proposed 
policy was drafted after reviewing 25 zero-tolerance policies from various 
schools, Mr. Snodgrass said.

Findlay's current policy includes provisions for misconduct. Each 
infraction is dealt with on an individual basis, the athletic director said.
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