FILE: JCDAB
STUDENT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
The Rapides Parish School Board is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment for the students attending public schools. The School Board directs that each student shall be specifically prohibited from being under the influence of, consuming, having in his/her possession, or bringing on a school bus, on school premises, or any school function, any alcoholic beverages, intoxicating liquors, narcotic drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, inhalants, imitation or counterfeit controlled substances, or other controlled substance as defined by state statutes, unless dispensed by a licensed physician as allowed by law.
The Rapides Parish School Board is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment for the students attending public schools. Every student is entitled to an education which is offered in an orderly, healthy atmosphere. The Rapides Parish School Board directs that each student shall be specifically prohibited from using, distributing, attempting to distribute, being under the influence of, bringing on, consuming, or having in his/her possession on a school bus, on any School Board property, at any school sponsored event, or at a school function away from school, any alcoholic beverages, intoxicating liquors, narcotic drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, inhalants, imitation or counterfeit controlled substances, or other controlled substance as defined by state statutes, unless dispensed by a licensed physician as allowed by law. The Superintendent shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate procedures for the detection of alcohol, drugs, or any imitation or other controlled substances. Any student found in violation of the above shall be suspended and recommended for expulsion by the principal.
Any violations of criminal laws, state or federal, committed on school property shall be prosecuted as provided by law. School officials, teachers and/or School Board employees shall report all violators to the principal, who in turn, shall notify the proper law enforcement agency and shall cooperate with the prosecuting attorney's office in the prosecution of charges. Any student who possesses, distributes, sells or dispenses in any manner or form whatsoever a controlled dangerous substance as defined by state law to another student or anyone else while on the school premises shall be expelled pursuant to the provisions and guidelines as set forth in state law.
Students found guilty of using, being in possession of, consuming or being under the influence of alcohol, look-a-like alcohol or look-a-like drugs, over the counter inhalants, or deliriants on school property, on a school bus, or at a school event may be suspended or expelled. The student shall be required to complete a drug-use assessment, followed by participation in a School Board approved prevention and/or intervention program for families and students. These acts of misconduct are not to be confused with incidents of using, being in possession of, consuming or being under the influence of an illegal narcotic drug or a controlled dangerous substance which results in expulsion. Verification of an appointment for an assessment and agreement to enroll in the approved program is required before reentry into school following the period of suspension or expulsion.
The principal shall immediately notify the parents or legal guardian, by telephone, of any student found in violation of this policy. If the parents or legal guardian cannot be reached by phone, the principal shall then notify them of the action by sending a letter within twenty-four (24) hours. Care shall be given to afford due process to all students.
DEFINITIONS
Alcohol - Any beverage of high or low alcoholic content as defined by Louisiana laws relating to the sale of alcoholic beverage; any medication preparation or solution containing alcohol when used or possessed for use as a mood- or mind-altering substance.
Drug - Any Controlled Dangerous Substance listed in Schedule I, II, III , IV, and V as provided by La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §40:964 and as amended; also, any chemical substance used to produce mind or behavior altering effects when inhaled, ingested, or injected; and, any such substance, although not actually so used, when possessed with the intent to use or distribute the substance to produce the said effects; including, but not limited to, "Rush", aerosol sprays, liquid paper and thinner, paints, varnishes, freon, and generally any chemical consumed or inhaled or injected into the body for mind altering properties.
Employee - Any and all school board personnel, including but not limited to teachers, teacher’s aides, principals/assistant principals, lunchroom workers, office and janitorial staff, maintenance workers and bus operators.
Possession - (1) Actual physical possession; (2) constructive possession being either ownership or the presence of circumstances indicating that the drug or alcohol is subject to the student's dominion or control; (3) use or consumption of alcohol or any drug while on school property or at any school-sponsored event; (4) appearance by a student at a school-sponsored event or upon school property after having consumed or ingested alcohol or a drug demonstrated by objective manifestations such as breath odor, speech alterations, unsteadiness of gait or posture, or like symptoms of chemical intoxication, or by admission of the student.
Principal - Principal of a school or designee.
School - Any and all public schools owned and operated by the Rapides Parish School Board, including but not limited to any public elementary, secondary or any school for the mental or physically handicapped.
School property - All property used for school purposes, including but not limited to school playgrounds and school buses.
School sponsored events - Any activity under the sponsorship of a Rapides Parish school.
Student - Any student enrolled in the Rapides Parish School System or actually attending a Rapides Parish school although not enrolled.
Use and/or under the influence shall mean a student has smoked, ingested, imbibed, inhaled, drunk, or otherwise taken or absorbed a prohibited substance recently enough that it is detectable by the student’s actions, breath, speech, and/or physical evidence.
COUNTERFEIT OR LOOK ALIKE DRUGS
Possession by students of substances believed by or falsely represented by students to be drugs or controlled dangerous substances: students in possession of substances believed by or represented by the student to be a drug prohibited by this policy but which substance is actually not a prohibited drug shall be disciplined, suspended or expelled under the general discipline policies.
REPORTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
State law mandates that teachers and other school employees report suspected substance abuse in school. These cases shall be reported to the principal and the Substance Abuse Prevention Team in the school. The principal must report each case of possession, distributing, sales or manufacturing to the proper law enforcement authority. Reports shall also be made to the appropriate person at each school, shall investigate, research, and report on instances or reports of possession of prohibited substances or beverages. Designated personnel shall report its findings along with the recommendation for treatment, counseling or other appropriate action to the principal.
Referral of Student Required
Any student arrested for possession of, or intentional distribution of, or possession with intent to distribute any illegal narcotic, drug, or other controlled substance on school property shall be referred by the school principal or his/her designee, within five (5) days after such arrest, for testing or screening by a qualified medical professional for evidence of abuse of alcohol, illegal narcotics, drugs, or other controlled dangerous substances.
If evidence of abuse is found, the principal or his/her designee shall refer the student to an alcohol and drug abuse treatment professional chosen by the student’s parent or legal guardian. If it is determined by the professional that the student needs treatment, and if the student agrees to cooperate in the recommended treatment as certified in writing by the medical professional, such documentation may be used to initiate reopening the student’s disciplinary case. The School Board shall take into consideration the student’s agreement to receive treatment as a positive factor in the final decision relative to any final disciplinary action.
DRUG FREE ZONES
It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 2,000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus. These areas shall be designated as Drug Free Zones. The Rapides Parish School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.
Revised: November, 2010
Revised: August 3, 2021
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:403.1, 17:405, 17:416, 40:961, 40:962, 40:963, 40:964, 40:967, 40:968, 40:969, 40:970, 40:971, 40:971.1
Board minutes, 9-4-07, 12-7-10, 8-3-21
Rapides Parish School Board