502.3 - Student Substance Use

The board believes it is imperative to promote the health and wellbeing of all students in the district. The district will provide a substance use prevention program and set restrictions on substance use by students in accordance with applicable law.

The board prohibits the distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco/nicotine products, other controlled substances, or “look alike” substances that appear to be tobacco/nicotine products, alcohol, or other controlled substances (ex: schedule I; schedule II-V drugs without a valid prescription) by students while on school district property or on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school owned and/or operated school or chartered vehicles; while attending or engaged in school activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct will directly affect the good order, efficient management, and welfare of the school district. Controlled substances in this policy refers to the misuse of both licit and illicit drugs.

The board believes such illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials generally cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment or present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, or visitors.

Violation of this policy by students will result in disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion. Use, purchase, or being in possession of tobacco/ nicotine products for those under the age of 21 may be reported to the local law enforcement authorities. Possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol and/or of a controlled substance may also be reported to the local law enforcement authorities.

Students who violate the terms of this policy may be required to satisfactorily complete a substance use assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the school board. If such student fails to satisfactorily complete such a program, the student may be subject to discipline including suspension or expulsion.

The board believes the substance use prevention program will include:

  1. Age-appropriate, evidence-based substance use prevention curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through 12, which address the legal, social, and health consequences of tobacco/nicotine products, drug, and alcohol use and which provide information about effective techniques for resisting social pressure to use tobacco/nicotine products, drugs, or alcohol;
  2. A statement to students that the use of controlled substances and the unlawful possession and use of tobacco/nicotine products and alcohol is harmful to student wellbeing;
  3. Standards of conduct for students that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, being under the influence of or distribution of controlled substances, tobacco/nicotine products, and/or alcohol by students on school premises or as part of any of its activities;
  4. A clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the policy and a description of those sanctions;
  5. A statement that students may be required to complete a substance use evaluation to determine whether substance use disorder treatment is recommended and, if recommended, successfully complete an appropriate rehabilitation program;
  6. Information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and
    re-entry programs available to students;
  7. A requirement that parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions required; and
  8. Notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with principals, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 3/12; 10/14; 10/17; 9/20
Revised: 5/11; 7/13; 1/15; 3/23; 8/24
Related Policy (Code #): 502.1; 502.2; 502.2-R; 502.3-R; 502.4; 1004.3
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 123.46; 124; 279.8-9; 453A;
81 IAC 12.3(6); .5(3)(e); .5(4)(e); .5(5)(e); 34 CFR Pt 86
IASB Reference: 502.07
Mandatory Policy