Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 Source: Kamloops This Week (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Kamloops This Week Contact: http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1271 Author: Mark Subryan Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) NEW DRUG RULES? Week-long suspensions for first-time offenders and a season-long athletics ban are possible under proposed amendments to School District 73's drug and alcohol policy. Discussion on possible changes to the existing policy will occur at the next school board meeting, on July 4 in Kamloops. There are many changes we are looking at with this new policy," said Ross Spina, director of secondary schools for the district. There were two reasons we felt the need for a change. The first came from a recommendation of a committee chaired by Tim Dinsdale, one of our vice-principals. That committee was looking into the problems surround drugs and alcohol and included our RCMP liaison officer, Const. Connie Buckle, as well as others in drug and alcohol counselling groups, such as the Phoenix Centre." The second reason, Spina said, is the ambiguous wording of the policy as it relates to student athletes. Our solicitor told us we needed to make some clearer guideliness in regards to athletics and sports events," he said. One of the bigger changes could be in the way schools deal with students caught with drugs or alcohol or found impaired by these substances on school property. The proposal is to create a more supportive environment for the student," Spina said. Instead of just punishing them, the new policy would create a support system for the student and help them deal with addictions and other consequences of drugs and alcohol." Spina said most of the changes will be to further clarify the board's stance on drugs and alcohol. According to the proposed document: The Board of School Trustees believes in providing students with a learning environment conducive to maximizing their intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. The presence of alcohol and other drugs interferes with that learning environment." If the new policy is accepted and implemented by the beginning of the 2005/2006 school year, as is the goal, the first offence for drug or alcohol-related infractions would result in a five-day suspension. The principal or vice-principal, in consultation with the board superintendent or a designate, could recommend counselling through the school or a community services program. Based on reports from the community services program, the suspension could be reduced. Those who re-offend would be subject to a disciplinary hearing with the superintendent of the board or the designate. In regards to drug-related incidents, principals or vice-principals would be in a position to report this crime to the RCMP and turn over any evidence for a police investigation. Those caught selling drugs on school property will be suspended and referred to the office of the superintendent for a hearing. Additionally, that student will not be allowed to enter any property owned by School District 73 during the ban. In the sports realm, the rules are more clearly defined. The Board of School Trustees believes there is no place for alcohol or other drugs in sport," the document reported. As a result, the proposal would see student athletes caught with drugs or alcohol banned for one calendar year. If the athlete is caught breaking the rules at a non-athletic event under the jursidiction of any school district, he or she could be suspended for the remainder of their season as defined in the B.C. School Sports Handbook. The proposal adds that a parent meeting with the school's athletic director must occur before that student is allowed to return to any sports team. The student would not be barred from participating in physical education classes during his or her ban. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth