INPUT SOUGHT FOR CHANGES TO DRUG POLICY

School District 47 will be looking for feedback on its new draft policy on
drug and alcohol use at sessions with addiction specialist Dr. Ray Baker on
Wednesday, January 26.

Youth service providers and those who work with youth have been invited to
a session at 1 pm at Malaspina University-College, and parents and the
general public are welcome at 7 pm at Oceanview Middle School.

A comparison of the existing policy and the new draft policy reveals a few
significant changes. One difference is that it is no longer explicitly
stated in the policy that school administrative officers must report an
alleged offence to the police authority if there is physical evidence of a
student selling or distributing drugs.

Another change is that students who have the odour of drugs or alcohol will
be subject to disciplinary action as well as students who are under the
influence of, in possession of, or are distributing, selling or offering drugs.

The new draft policy specifies that drug offences by students from
kindergarten to grade seven will be "consequenced on an individual basis.
The consequence will be therapeutic in nature with minimal loss of
instructional time." The previous policy did not divide students by age or
grade level.

The draft policy also states that "Secondary school students will be given
one chance to rehabilitate their drug use. Drug infractions carry over each
year grades eight - 12." A first offence will mean an indefinite suspension
until the student and his or her parent or guardian meets with a review
committee to determine consequences. "Under normal circumstances the first
time offender will receive a one-month suspension, be required to attend
drug and alcohol counselling, complete assignments related to the offence
and complete all school assignments." It will be made clear to students and
parents or guardians that any further offence will result in automatic
removal from a regular program.

A second offence will require a meeting with the school board. "The second
time offender will undergo extensive drug and alcohol counselling. The
student will be referred to an alternate path for his/her education." A
third offence will carry an automatic recommendation for expulsion.

An advance version of the draft policy can be obtained by calling the board
office at 604.485.6271.