FINDLAY SCHOOLS MULL TOUGHER ANTI-DRUG PLAN

FINDLAY - Findlay City schools students caught selling, using, or
possessing illegal substances could face a one-year suspension from
extracurricular activities if a stricter zero-tolerance policy is adopted.

Athletic administrator Jerry Snodgrass proposed the harsher penalties to
the Findlay school board for middle and high school first-time offenders at
the request of teachers, coaches, parents, and community groups who said
the 11-year-old zero-tolerance policy isn't working.

"Groups were screaming for changes, because we were having so many more
offenders who appeared to not fear the consequences," Mr. Snodgrass said.

He anticipates the board will vote on the proposal at its May 28 meeting.

Under the proposed policy, students who are involved in sports or other
extracurricular activities will be suspended for one year if caught
possessing or using alcohol, tobacco, or other illegal substances, Mr.
Snodgrass said.

The suspension would decrease to 50 percent of scheduled contests if an
offender performs 20 hours community service and completes a substance
abuse treatment program, he said. In addition, offenders will forfeit
leadership positions on their teams or in their groups.

Under the current policy, first-time offenders are suspended from 20
percent of the season and required to complete substance-abuse counseling.

The proposed policy includes a separate provision for those selling illegal
substances. They face a one-year mandatory suspension from extracurricular
activities, he said.

It adds a clause for transfer-student violators. Those who come to Findlay
from another school with a prior violation will be treated as second-time
offenders if there is another violation, Mr. Snodgrass said.

Second-time offenders face a one-year suspension from extracurricular
activities in both the current and proposed policies.

"Violations are on the rise," he said "There's more this year than last
year, considerably so. I think a tougher policy will help." The proposed
policy was drafted after reviewing 25 zero-tolerance policies from various
schools, Mr. Snodgrass said.

Findlay's current policy includes provisions for misconduct. Each
infraction is dealt with on an individual basis, the athletic director said.