ICHABOD CRANE 5312.1
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
The Board of Education is committed to the prevention of alcohol and other substance use/abuse.
As a reflection of the Board’s commitment to zero tolerance concerning drugs and alcohol, no student may use, possess, sell, or distribute alcohol or at school-sponsored events, except drugs as prescribed buy a physician. The term “alcohol and/or other substances” shall be construed throughout this policy to refer to the use of all substances including, but not limited to, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, lookalikes and any of those substances commonly referred to as “designer drugs.” The inappropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs shall also be prohibited.
Additionally, the following persons shall be prohibited from entering school grounds or schoolsponsored events: any person exhibiting behavior, conduct, or personal or suspect has used alcohol and/or other substances.
In order to educate students on the dangers associated with substance abuse, the health education curriculum shall include instruction concerning drug abuse for grade K-12; e.g., Columbia County Sheriff’s Department D.A.R.E. Program.
Any staff member observing narcotics possession or usage by students shall report the incident immediately to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall then seek immediate action. Any narcotics found shall be confiscated immediately, followed by notification of the parent(s) or guardian of the student(s) involved and the appropriate disciplinary action taken, up to and including permanent suspension and referral for prosecution. In its effort to maintain a drug-free environment, the district shall cooperate to the fullest extent possible with local, state and/or federal law enforcement agencies.
The district will use the following principles as guides for the development of its substance use/abuse prevention efforts and for any disciplinary measures related to alcohol and other substances:
- Alcohol and other substance use/abuse is preventable and treatable.
- Alcohol and other substance use/abuse inhibits the district from carrying out its central mission of educating students.
- The behavior of the Board, the administration, and all school staff should model the behavior asked of students.
- While the district can and must assume a leadership role in alcohol and other substance use/abuse prevention, this goal will be accomplished only through collaborative, coordinated with parents, students, staff and the community as a whole.
Ref: Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, 20 USC §§3171 et seq.
Drug-Free Schools and Campuses, 34 CFR Part 86
Public Law 101-226
Education Law §§804; 912-a; 3214
General Municipal Law §239-u
Mental Hygiene Law §19.07 ( c)
Penal Law §§220.00 et seq.
Public Health Law, Article 33
8 NYCRR §§100.2 ( c); 135.3
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 105 S.CT. 733 (1985)
Odenheim v. Carlstadt-East Rutherford Region School District, 211 N.J. Super.
54, 510 AD2d 709 (1985)
People v. Scott D., 34 NY2d 483 (1974)
Matter of Wilson, 28 EDR 254 (1988)
Matter of Pollnow, 22 EDR 547 (1983)
Matter of Vetter, 20 EDR 547 (1981)
Matter of Rodriquez, 8 EDR 214 (1969)
Mandated Policy
Effective date: August 30, 1994