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The School Board and staff of M.S.A.D. No. 75 support a safe and healthy learning environment for students that is free of the detrimental effects of substance use. Accomplishing this goal requires a cooperative effort among school staff, students, parents, law enforcement and organizations concerned with substance use by school-aged youth.

In order to promote the safety, health and well-being of students, the School Board endorses a three-pronged approach to address the issue of substance use: prevention/education; intervention, and discipline. The Superintendent is responsible for developing appropriate administrative procedures, curricula and programs to implement this policy.

A. PROHIBITED CONDUCT

No student shall distribute, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor. Nor shall a student manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of “bath salts;” any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid; any other controlled substance defined in federal and state laws/regulations, any look-alike substance; or any substance that is represented to be a controlled substance. This includes the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are not used as medicinally intended. This further includes the use of any substance, such as food, aerosols, glue, acetone, herbs and spices, and anything used for the purpose of changing one’s current state of mind (i.e. to get “high,” “buzzed,” or drunk, etc).

All methods to use substances, including but not limited to, ingesting, vaping, and smoking are prohibited (refer to FILE: ADC Tobacco-Free Schools Policy for definition of smoking and tobacco products). No student shall be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Drug paraphernalia is to include but not limited to, any equipment, product, material, or clothing that is modified for making, using, or concealing drugs, typically for recreational purposes.

These prohibitions apply to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school.

We recognized that vaping devices may fall under both the Tobacco Policy and the Student Substance Use Policy, so administrators will make decision on which policy to follow based on the circumstances.

2. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

   Principals may suspend and/or recommend expulsion of students who violate this policy, based upon the facts of each case and in accordance with established disciplinary procedures. Students may also be referred to law enforcement authorities for investigation and/or prosecution.

3. PREVENTION/EDUCATION

   M.S.A.D. No. 75 will provide students with appropriate information and activities focused on educating students about substances (including marijuana, alcohol, and other drugs) and preventing their use. The comprehensive health education curriculum will include units that teach students risks and dangers of substance use; how to resist peer pressure; and Address the legal, social, and health consequences of substance use/misuse.

4. INTERVENTION

   M.S.A.D. No. 75 will utilize a team approach to intervene with students engaging in substance use/misuse which may include restorative practices. Students will be assisted in addressing their drug/alcohol use and in continuing their educational program. Students will be provided with information to aid them in obtaining assistance from appropriate school and community resources/organizations. Student records concerning such interventions shall be kept confidential as required by state and federal laws.

5. ENFORCEMENT

   M.S.A.D. No. 75 principals and administrators will follow Procedure JICH-R when enforcing this policy. Any questions concerning enforcement will be answered by the Superintendent.

6. POLICY COMMUNICATION

   M.S.A.D. No. 75 will distribute this policy and appropriate related information to staff, students, and parents on an annual basis through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent and building administrators.

Legal reference:

21 USC §812 (Controlled Substances Act)
21 CFR Part 1300.11-15
P.L. 101-226 (Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

Amendments of 1989) 17-A MRSA §1101

22 MRSA §§ 2390-2394
42 USC §290dd-2
42 CFR §2.1 et seq.
20-A MRSA §§1001 (9); 4008

Cross Reference:
ADC Tobacco-Free Schools Policy
GBEC Drug-Free Workplace Policy
JFIC Substance Abuse Policy Employees Policy

FIRST READING: February 7, 2019
SECOND READING: February 28, 2019
ADOPTION: February 28, 2019

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