SCHOOL DISTRICT'S DRUG POLICY GETS MIXED REVIEWS

LOUISA - The Lawrence County School District is trying to crack down on drug
use among its students, but one family says school officials are going too
far and unfairly punishing those who should be given another chance.

Willie Parks, of Louisa, said his grandson Dusty Branham, 18, has been
put in alternative school and is not allowed to attend Lawrence County
High School functions - including his senior prom - because a
drug-sniffing dog with the Kentucky State Police reportedly found
prescription-pill residue in his car during a search at the school a
few weeks ago. The district regularly brings in dogs for unannounced
searches in the hopes that it will quash drug use.

Parks said the teen, an honor student and two-year starting center for
the school's football team, admitted to using drugs to school
officials. He has since received counseling, according to his
grandfather, but is still facing misdemeanor charges stemming from the
incident.

"For a couple of months he was on the wrong track. But, he knew what
he was doing was wrong and he admitted it," Parks said.

Another teen also admitted to having drugs and was placed in
alternative school with Branham.

"My grandson and this other girl were punished for telling the truth,"
Parks said. "Even though he is a hero in our eyes, in the board of
education's eyes, he is a horrible person."

During their search, the KSP also found drugs and drug paraphernalia
in a few other cars, but the students - all juveniles and accused of
having the items - denied they were theirs, according to police.
Consequently, they were allowed to continue attending LCHS. Parks said
this is an injustice.

"They found a lot more drugs and even weapons in other cars and girls'
purses, but those kids lied and got away with it," Parks said.

Another parent, who did not want to be identified, said she supports
the school's efforts, but thinks each case should be evaluated
individually.

"Kids make mistakes. But, if they are willing to own up to it, that
should count for something," said the mother of a high school student.
"We don't want to punish kids who are trying to get off drugs or are
just in the wrong crowd."

Lawrence County Superintendent Jeff May said each case is evaluated on
an individual basis. If there is not enough evidence to prove a
student has drugs on campus, he or she cannot be punished, he said.

During a disciplinary hearing, May said the board of education
determines what punishment a student should receive based on evidence
presented by the accused student's school principal. The more evidence
that the student is using or possessing drugs at school, the stricter
the punishment, May explained.

The board can vote to take no action against a student, to expel
students, put them in alternative school or offer them homebound
services. It depends on the seriousness of the offense and if it can
be adequately proven.

"We have a real (drug) problem. It's a serious problem that needs to
be addressed," May said. "We are doing the best we can to address this."

During its last meeting, the board of education adopted a policy
stating that if drugs or drug paraphernalia are found in a vehicle on
school property, the driver of the vehicle would be punished.

"If they are found in your car, you are responsible," he said. "I
think this sends the message that even if you don't do drugs, you
better not have anybody in your car that does."

The new policy also states that if drugs are found in an employee's
car, he or she will be suspended from work and turned over to the
police to face charges.