DISTRICT MULLS DRUG POLICY

SCHOOLS: Tustin Board Considers Making Its 'Zero Tolerance' Rule More
Flexible.

TUSTIN -- The school board Monday debated how to make the district's "zero
tolerance" policy more tolerant, amid criticism that it had been
inconsistent and often too harsh in punishing students who drink or use drugs.

About 30 people attended the Tustin Unified School District's board
meeting, with parents, students and residents alternately urging board
members to stand firm or amend the controversial policy.

"The district should look into creating a point system as a possible
remedy," said Tom Eldridge, a parent.

Eldridge's concept is similar to the point system used by the state
Department of Motor Vehicles for driver violations.

"If you dismiss someone from a job you need a paper trail and a point
system could be that paper trail," he said.

Under the existing policy, in place since 1997, Tustin students found to
have used alcohol or drugs in school or at school-related activities face a
mandatory five-day suspension and involuntary transfer.

But Todd Ching, a student at Tustin High School, urged the school board to
reform the policy.

"I suggest a new policy that contains due process and consistency," Ching
said.

Discussion of the policy follows the board's decision last month to allow
eight Foothill High student-body officers accused of drinking vodka at a
leadership camp in August to remain at school because of "extreme
circumstances."

Board members declined to specify what constitutes "extreme."

Critics argue that the policy has been ineffective in deterring drinking or
drug use and fails to help rehabilitate students who might have a
substance-abuse problem. Last year, 45 students were transferred under the
rule.

The policy will be discussed again at the board's Oct. 25 meeting.

"One reason we're having trouble with this policy is that it is so rigid,'
said Francine Scinto, board vice president. "I wish it worked. If it did,
it would be a deterrent and we wouldn't be here tonight."

She said she appreciated Eldridge's suggestion and said the district should
look into it in depth.