Pubdate: Thu, 22 Sep 2005
Source: Nogales International (AZ)
Copyright: 2005 Nogales International
Contact:  http://www.nogalesinternational.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1615
Author: Gabriel R. Romero
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUGS ON CAMPUS

Security measures at Nogales High School were an issue last week at a 
meeting of the Nogales Unified School District No. 1 board.

In a previous session, board member Raul Romero requested a report on 
what the school was doing to prevent illegal drugs on campus.

At the meeting on Monday, Sept. 12, Superintendent Guillermo Zamudio 
said the head of security for NUSD, George Alarcon would be reporting 
to him on a daily and weekly basis.

"What are we doing to stop the sale of drugs at the school?" Romero 
asked. "I've spoken to some students and they feel pressured and 
scared about what's going on."

Alarcon said that there was a policy he had to follow. "All we need 
is reasonable suspicion and probable cause to perform a search" on 
students' belongings for drugs and illegal paraphernalia, he said.

There were 56 cases of possession of narcotics last year that were 
presented to the Santa Cruz County attorney.

Alarcon did not say what the outcome of each case was.

So far this year, there have been eight cases of possession of drugs, 
he said. "We know who's there; we know who's doing it. But because 
we've rushed into situations on previous occasions we've gotten into 
trouble," Alarcon said.

A team of 11 security employees, including Alarcon and four 
additional on-call personnel, try to obtain background information 
before acting on a situation involving drug use or possession, he said.

In response to a question by Board Clerk Heidi Ortiz whether security 
personnel was adequately trained, Alarcon noted that six of his 
personnel were former police officers.

Hector Arana, NUSD board president, asked Alarcon to return with 
information on what the board could do to combat drugs on campus.

Zamudio said that Alarcon would have the information "a couple of 
meetings down the line."

Board member Frank Morales asked, "Is there any type of program for 
parents? Because the parents also have a responsibility with their kids."

Karen Copley, of student services, said there was no specific 
programs for parents, but the schools did have the Drug Abuse 
Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) and Gang Resistance Education and 
Training (G.R.E.A.T.) programs.

"In the student handbook there's also a toll-free number where 
students can call and report illegal activity. It's an anonymous hot line."

In other business, the board also discussed possible action on a 
teacher's breach of contract.

"Normally, when a teacher has breached a contract, the board has had 
the inclination to go to the state and request their certification be 
removed," Zamudio said.

Arana said the board could not "impose on the individual's means of 
making a livelihood."

The board decided to implement a policy charging teachers financially 
if a contract is breached. The teacher would also have to seek the 
board's permission to end the contract.

A retirement request from Wade Carpenter Middle Academy Principal 
Rebecca Holler was approved.

Also, it was requested and approved that a retirement policy be 
waived in Holler's case. The policy states that an employee must 
notify the board 12 months prior to his or her retirement to receive 
compensation.

Holler "will be on medical leave for 12 weeks with no pay under the 
discretion of the superintendent. The pay is from her unused sick and 
vacation leaves. If she wishes to still be paid after the 12 weeks 
are over, she will have to come before the board," said Vicky DeGiso 
of human resources.

The next NUSD board meeting is scheduled Monday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 
p.m. in the Anita L. Lichter boardroom at 310 W. Plum St.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman