HARTFORD TO EVALUATE ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

The Hartford Union High School Board has agreed to review the district's
"zero tolerance" policy on student drug and alcohol use after a rash of
violations this fall led to 10 students being expelled, District
Administrator Richard Zimmerman said Tuesday.

The review, approved by the board Monday, will include a separate
investigation of the district's extracurricular code and the penalties for
its violations. The drug policy was criticized as too harsh during a
meeting last month to discuss the problems that led to the 10 expulsions.
About 550 people attended the session. Parents of some students who had
been expelled said the penalty was too harsh, especially for a first
offense. Expulsion left students with few options for continuing their
education, the parents said.

Other parents supported the policy, which does not contain specific
penalties for violations.

The criticism prompted the board to conduct a review to make sure the
policy and the penalties assigned by the board reflect community
expectations, district Administrator Richard Zimmerman said Tuesday.

The review will include discussion of what educational options are
available to students who are expelled.

During a meeting next month, the board is expected to appoint two
committees to conduct the reviews. The committees, which will be advisory,
will consist of board members, administrators, teachers, students, parents
and community members.

The groups will be asked to complete their work by the end of the school
year so changes that are accepted by the board can be made before school
starts next fall, Zimmerman said.