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. - --- MAP posted-by: Alex