FILE: JCDD

ALCOHOL/DRUG USE

It is the policy of the Board that students shall not possess, use, transfer, conceal, sell, attempt to sell, deliver, nor be under the influence* of narcotics, drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, nor use chemical substances which can affect psychological functioning of the student. Students shall not possess paraphernalia specific to the use of chemical substances.

The above policy applies when the act(s) take place at school, on school grounds, on school buses and/or at any school-sponsored event before, during or after regular school hours.

Students violating this policy shall be automatically suspended by school officials and may be subject to legal action by local, state and federal police/narcotic officers. The principal or authorized designee shall notify immediately the parents or guardian of the student by telephone. If the parents or guardian cannot be reached by phone, the principal shall then notify them of the action by sending a letter, regular mail, within 24 hours. Care shall be given to afford due process to all students.

Students who use prescription drugs authorized for their use by a licensed physician do not violate this policy.

Persons, firms, corporations or associations who knowingly sell, give or otherwise dispense any alcoholic beverage to a school student under the age of eighteen (18) years or who have sold alcoholic beverages on school premises shall be liable for prosecution under Alabama law.

The Board authorizes law enforcement agencies to make periodic visits, upon notification, to any of its schools for the purpose of detecting the presence of illegal drugs.

*"Under the influence" is defined as manifesting signs of chemical use/misuse such as staggering, odor of chemicals on breath of person, or unusual inappropriate behavior.

ADOPTED: August 13, 2002

LEGAL REF: Code of Alabama 16-1-10