Book: J

Section: Students

Title: Student Drug and Alcohol Use

Code: JICH

Status: Active

Adopted: November 28, 1984

Last Revised: September 20, 2022

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STUDENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE

 

The Portland Board of Education regards substance use by students as a serious threat to student success in school, and to a safe, healthy and orderly school environment.

The goals of this policy are to establish a substance-free school environment, to aid students in abstaining from the use of alcohol and other prohibited substances, and to provide appropriate supports and interventions when students seek help with substance use issues and when violations of this policy occur.

 

A.           Prevention

 

The Portland Public Schools will provide preventive education across all grade levels with age-appropriate messaging and materials. The Portland Public Schools will also work with appropriate community organizations and providers to reduce the risks of substance use for students and in the school community.

 

B.           Interventions

 

Students who seek help or are referred for help with substance use issues by a family member, staff member or fellow student will be directed to appropriate internal and external resources. Staff members who are approached by students for help with a substance use issue shall refer the student to a school social worker or guidance counselor.

 

When a student violates this policy, the circumstances will be assessed in accordance with the accompanying Student Drug and Alcohol Use Procedures (JICH-R). Students may receive a range of interventions, including non-clinical assessments, referral for services, restorative interventions and disciplinary actions, up to and including expulsion in the most serious cases. Law enforcement may also be notified in certain circumstances, in accordance with Board Policy KLGB.

 

Students who participate in athletics and co-curricular activities are subject to additional rules and interventions in accordance with Board Policy JICI.

 

Confidentiality of student information will be maintained in accordance with applicable Board policies, and state and federal laws/regulations.

 

C.           Prohibited Conduct and Substances

 

Students are prohibited from consuming, possessing, receiving, buying, manufacturing, furnishing, selling, or being under the influence of prohibited substances before, during and after school hours, at school and any school activity, in any school building or on any school premises, in any school-owned vehicle or other school-approved vehicles

 

used to transport students. These prohibitions also apply at any school-approved activities or functions off school property (such as a field trip or athletic event) where students are under the jurisdiction of the Portland Public Schools, or at any time or place if the conduct directly interferes with the operation, discipline or welfare of the schools. Students are also prohibited, while at school or during school activities, from offering or accepting to furnish, sell, receive or buy prohibited substances at a location off school premises.

 

The term “prohibited substances” shall include, but may not be limited to, the following:

 

1.    Alcohol;

2.    Scheduled drugs as defined by Maine law;

3.    Controlled substances as defined by federal law;

4.    Prescription drugs not prescribed for the student and/or not in compliance with the Board’s Policy JLCD;

5.    Any substance possessed or used for ingestion to produce an intoxicating effect (including but not limited to aerosols, paints, solvents and glue);

6.    Steroids or any substance on the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ list of banned performance enhancing substances;

7.    Paraphernalia – implements for distribution or consumption of a prohibited substance; or

8.    Any look-alike drug or substance that is described as or is purported to be a prohibited substance.

 

D.           Superintendent/Designee Responsibilities

 

The Superintendent/designee is responsible for implementing this policy and the accompanying administrative procedure, and for disseminating the policy/procedure to parents and parents/guardians through means selected by the administration.

 

Legal References: 21 USC § 812 (Controlled Substance Act); 21 CFR Part 1300.01-05 20 USC § 7101 et seq. (Safe & Drug-Free Schools and

Communities Act) 17-A MRSA § 1101 et seq.

42 USC § 290-dd-2; 42 CFR Part 2.1 et seq.

20-A MRSA §§ 1001(8-A), (9-A), (9-E); 4008; 6604-6606; 6621

22 MRSA § 1578-B

 

Cross References: JICH-R - Student Substance Use Procedures

JIC – Student Code of Conduct

JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety

JICI – Athletic and Co-Curricular Activities Code of Conduct for Middle and High School Students

JK – Student Discipline

JKD – Suspension of Students JKE – Expulsion of Students

 

JLCD – Administering Medications to Students JRA – Student Education Records and Information

KLGB – Law Enforcement Involvement in Student Matters

 

 

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