BOARD CONSIDERS HARSHER PENALTIES FOR DRUG OFFENSES

The Joplin Board of Education is considering new guidelines that allow for
potentially harsher punishments for students who are caught possessing or
distributing drugs or alcohol.

The proposed changes would allow a five-to 20-day, in-or out-of-school
suspension for a first-time offense of possessing drugs or alcohol. A
second offense would automatically result in the student being suspended
from school for 20 days. A third offense would result in expulsion.

The guidelines would also allow for a 45-day, out-of-school suspension for
first-time offenders who distribute or sell contraband or a controlled
substance. A second offense would result in automatic expulsion.

According to the current disciplinary rules, a first-time violation of
possessing an illegal substance can result in a 10-day, out-of-school
suspension.

Distribution or selling of contraband or controlled substances now results
in a 10-day, out-of-school suspension and a recommendation to the
superintendent for a long-term suspension or expulsion.

Superintendent Jim Simpson said there have been two incidents of
prescription-drug distribution since school began on Aug. 21. One of those
incidents took place at Joplin High School and another at South Middle School.

"We find that students have more access to prescription drugs in our
community than other (types of drugs)," Simpson said.

The administration, he said, brought this issue to the board to ensure that
the punishment would fit the crime.

The board will vote on the proposed guidelines on Oct. 8.