LET'S USE EXPULSION SPARINGLY

Deliberating over revisions in expulsion policies, Bozeman School Board
members have pointed out a troubling paradox: The policy is much tougher on
marijuana use than on alcohol use, even though alcohol violations have
proven far deadlier in the district's recent experience.

The schools' policy calls for a 90-day expulsion for marijuana use -
essentially requiring the student to repeat a grade - while an alcohol
violation nets just a two-week suspension. This even though two students
have died in alcohol-related incidents in the last two years.

Those deaths are hard, tragic facts that demand school officials deal with
alcohol violations swiftly and decisively. But there are other
considerations.

Societal attitudes toward alcohol have made this particular drug abundant
and far too accessible to youths. Until we put in place mechanisms that cut
off - or at least diminish - this access to alcohol, otherwise decent young
people are going to make bad choices and get in trouble. When they commit
that first offense, they shouldn't necessarily face life-altering
consequences.

It also needs to be considered that kicking a kid out of school may do more
harm than good. In some cases, school may be the predominant source of
guidance and discipline in a teen's life. Sending offenders out on the
streets will only invite more bad choices that will continue to endanger not
only themselves but other young people as well.

In recent years, the district has laudably, but informally, found a way to
keep kids in school through "contracts" that include conditions under which
the offending student can stay in school. These can include strict adherents
to school rules, drug tests and attendance in drug education classes.

These contracts come with a price. It's a hassle to administer regular drug
tests. Students who've been in trouble are just generally difficult to deal
with. But they could pose a greater risk to the community if they are
abandoned by the school system.

Alcohol violations - all drug violations - do need to be dealt with swiftly
and harshly. But, rather than expulsion, the board may do more good by
making the contract conditions more strict, perhaps including some
well-documented community service or minimum grade requirements, and
formalize the process by putting the contract options into written policy.

All this will mean more work and headaches for school officials. But, even
in these tough financial times, an additional counselor commissioned with
enforcing contracts could be money well spent.

Public schools don't have the luxury of picking and choosing who they
accept. They are also often the last backstop between young people and a
wasted life. Expulsion may close the door on their - and our - last hope.
Let's use it sparingly.