EASTON AREA COMMITTEE OKS SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

School Plan To Include Education, Prevention, And Intervention.

The Policy Committee of the Easton Area School Board put its stamp of
approval Monday night on policies dealing with drug and alcohol abuse by
students and employees, and gang activity.

The school directors will vote on the policies at the board's next meeting
Monday.

The policy on controlled substance abuse has been on the committee's agenda
for several months while the members debated a hard-core punishment policy
versus one that also seeks to help the individual overcome drug or alcohol
problems.

School Superintendent Dennis Riker emphasized that every case could be
different and should be handled as such. He cautioned, "Not one size fits
all when you are dealing with students' drug and alcohol abuse problems."

The policy lists a three-faceted program, including education, prevention
and intervention.

Listed as controlled substances are anabolic steroids, nonanabolic
steroids, marijuana, hashish, cocaine, chemical solvents, glue, look-alike
substances, and any capsules or pills not registered with the school nurse.
Added to the list will be the use of tobacco and tobacco products.

Prohibited will be possession, use, distribution or being under the
influence of drugs or alcohol on school property, at a school-sponsored
activity, or while traveling to and from school.

The district will have a Student Assistance Program to provide students
with early intervention. The district's role will be to help identify
problems, provide intervention in school-related issues and refer to
community agencies for ongoing treatment.

Under the policy, student athletes who abuse anabolic steroids will be
subject to suspension, and drug testing is required of any student if a
principal has "reasonable suspicion" of drug use.

The school employee policy is similar to the student policy on substance
abuse, but notes that an employee convicted of delivery or possession with
intent to deliver will lose his or her job.

Workplace substance abusers will be terminated or required to participate
in an assistance or rehabilitation program.

The policy requires employees to report any employee intoxicated while on
duty on school property.

Although the district has had several incidents of employees arrested for
driving under the influence outside school property, Riker said the
district, by law, has no control over what happens outside school.

Riker said he felt comfortable taking the policies to the board, but said
they would be monitored, and feedback would be collected. If changes are
needed, the policies will be brought up again.

Upon the suggestion of Joseph Kish, assistant to the superintendent, the
committee also endorsed a gang policy which provides guidelines to identify
gang activity through clothing, badges, jewelry and symbols, gestures,
handshakes and solicitations for gang membership.