Deep Local Roots with Fresh Perspectives

Drugs

THERE IS NO PLACE IN EDUCATION FOR DRUGS

It's that simple. Every drug related infraction of laws and school rules needs to be dealt with firmly, fairly, and from a position of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our educational system.

WE NEED TO BE FIRM, BUT FAIR

Do I believe in a "Zero Tolerance Policy?" Unfortunately, I have never seen a Zero Tolerance Policy defined. From the perspective of allowing drugs onto our campuses, into our events, and into the lives of our students, I have a personal zero tolerance policy. To many, a Zero Tolerance Policy means that if you are caught with drugs, or under the influence of drugs, at school or a school related activity, you should be expelled permanently. While in the matter of drugs I'd prefer to err on the side of firmness, an absolute policy is simply illegal. The law says that every case needs to be handled on its merits. A student who has been a model citizen who gets caught in a group of people who have drugs is not to be treated the same as a habitual offender who is selling drugs.

EACH CASE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED THOROUGHLY

What I do believe is that drug cases (and all other disciplinary issues brought before the board) require diligent research. While some may be content to simply read a file of reports on a case and make a decision based on their interpretation of what they have read, I think it must go further. Within the confines of the law and appropriate board member conduct, I would want to speak directly to all of the parties involved in these decisions. If I felt the need to speak directly to the student and his or her parents, I would also want the board to have direct communication with the administrators recommending expulsion or any other corrective measures.

EXPULSIONS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE GREATER GOOD

Lastly, there have been some expulsions recommended by school administrators that have not been supported by the board due to the sentiment that the board's job is to make sure students get an education; that we should be working to keep kids in school, not kick them out. While this is a wonderful-sounding, often correct sentiment, it misses the bigger picture in many cases. When this argument is used to allow a drug offender to avoid harsh punishments like suspension and expulsion to cater to their need for an education, it often creates a dangerous environment for a great number of students. This cannot be allowed.

WE NEED TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO HELP OUR STUDENTS

Now having said all of this strong rhetoric above, I do believe that we should be in the position of rehabilitating kids, not punishing them. No matter what punitive actions are taken, we should always look at ways to utilize drug prevention programs and counseling for all confirmed drug offenders. These options appear to be very limited at the current time. I will work to improve the access to, and utilization of, these counseling programs.