Pubdate: Thu, 14 Aug 2003
Source: Medford Mail Tribune (OR)
Copyright: 2003 The Mail Tribune
Contact:  http://www.mailtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/642
Author: Sarah Lemon

DRUGS COULD TRASH LICENSES

Bill Sent To Governor Would Allow Suspension Of Students' Driving Privileges

Medford School District may ask the state to strip driving privileges from 
students who are caught with drugs on campus.

Oregon school districts would have that authority under a bill sent to Gov. 
Ted Kulongoski. The Senate recently passed the bill and Kulongoski is 
expected to sign it.

Senate Bill 342 allows school boards to request the Oregon Department of 
Transportation suspend the driving privileges of students who have been 
suspended or expelled twice for having, using or selling drugs on school 
property or at a school event.

Medford School District may add the driver's license provision to its 
existing drug policies, said school board member Peggy Penland. Penland 
said she planned to take the issue to other board members this month.

"I think it's a valuable tool," Penland said. "What more could a kid want 
but his license?"

School officials already can request a driver's license suspension if 
students are expelled or suspended for bringing a weapon to school, 
damaging school property or assaulting a student or teacher. The new 
measure amends current law by adding the drug element.

"We would certainly be behind that because it's a consequence that would 
hold people accountable," said Lt. Tim George of the Medford Police Department.

Sen. John Minnis, R-Wood Village, led debate on the measure. As a police 
officer, he said he's seen too many accidents from students leaving school 
events under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Between 400 and 900 students per year are suspended or expelled from school 
for using, selling or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, 
according to the Department of Education.

Medford police cited or arrested 29 students for possessing drugs on campus 
or at school functions in the past academic year, George said. Most cases 
involve high school students using marijuana, George said. Sixteen students 
were cited for possessing alcohol, he added.

Sen. Joan Dukes, D-Astoria, voted against the revamped bill.

"Pulling their driver's licenses means more uninsured, unlicensed drivers 
on the road. It doesn't do anything to correct the problem," Dukes said.

Medford School District policies do not specifically address driver's 
license suspension in cases of weapons on campus, assault or damaging 
school property, Penland said. No Medford student's license has ever been 
suspended in connection with school discipline, she said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom