EXPULSION RATE DROPS IN MERRILL

MERRILL -- Merrill Area Public School officials have expelled just
five students so far this year, one-fifth the number they threw out
of school during the 2007-08 school year.

Furthermore, 11 students expelled last year have addressed their drug
problems and been admitted back to the district.

School Board President Jeff Verdoorn attributed the changes to the
district's efforts to educate students about the dangers of
prescription drug abuse and school policies on drugs.

"It was an all-out blitz on the topic, and I just think it was very
effective," Verdoorn said.

After the district's drug problem came to board members' attention --
19 of last year's 25 expulsions involved prescription drugs, compared
with four of the five this year -- leaders considered revising their
zero-tolerance policy. They instead decided that it was not the
policy that needed change, but the district's efforts to educate students.

Teachers gave special attention to the zero-tolerance policy in the
student handbooks, and the district worked with local pharmacists to
provide brochures outlining the dangers of drug misuse with every
prescription they filled.

Once a majority of School Board members approve an expulsion, the
student cannot return to the school unless the student fulfills
conditions outlined in a detailed agreement. Students who are
expelled for drugs will have conditions for early reinstatement that
generally include counseling, drug testing and staying out of
trouble, Verdoorn said.

Eleven of the 19 students with drug-related expulsions last year have
returned to Merrill High School this year. The students are in good
standing and on track to graduate, Principal Shannon Murray said.

"Our school district's drug policy makes a very strong statement that
drug use will not be permitted," Murray said. "At the same time, I am
encouraged to see that the vast majority of the expelled students are
fulfilling their obligations under the district's reinstatement process."

Of the eight remaining expelled students, three have graduated, four
have not met conditions for reinstatement and one has transferred,
Superintendent Sally Sarnstrom said.

Board members will decide later this year how they will continue to
make drug education materials available to students, Verdoorn said.