Pubdate: Sun, 07 Jan 2001
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune (MO)
Copyright: 2001 Columbia Daily Tribune
Contact:  101 North 4th Street, P.O. Box 798 Columbia, MO 65205
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Author: Cory De Vera

SCHOOL DISTRICT PLANNING TOUGHER DRUG PENALTIES

Show up to school drunk, and sure, a kid would get punished.

But what if a teacher sees a student sip beer across the street before 
coming onto campus?

If the Columbia Board of Education adopts a proposed new policy on student 
alcohol and drug abuse tomorrow night, students would violate policy if 
they try to come to school or school events "soon after consuming" 
alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.

Lea Evans, the parent chair of an anti-drug-and-alcohol organization at 
Jefferson Junior High School thinks the proposed policy would be a good idea.

"I thought we already had that policy," she said. "Yes, I agree there 
should be a policy of no drinking before you come to school or a sporting 
event or a concert or school-sponsored anything."

The group Evans co-chairs, Teen Non-Alcohol and Drug Organization, or 
T-NADO, offers education and social events for students aimed at keeping 
them from using drugs or alcohol.

Though half the kids at school join, she said she knows drinking among kids 
is still a problem.

"I don't know if I've heard of kids ever coming to school drunk, but I know 
there are some in junior high who drink before football games," Evans said. 
"I would assume whatever school they are at, officials would be able to 
deal with that."

Board member Elton Fay said he wasn't aware of any specific incidents that 
lead to the proposed policy change.

"The problem we have is we don't give breath tests like they do when you 
are driving," he said. "But if we know they've been partaking right before 
they come onto school grounds, we'd just as soon have them go back to their 
parents."

The current penalty for a first offense of possession or attending school 
under the influence is 1 to 180 days of out-of-school suspension and 
notification of law enforcement officials.

During the 1999-2000 school year, the district reported 56 incidents of 
drug offenses to law enforcement officials, according to district records.

The board will also hear reports tomorrow night on safety and security, 
instructional media services and English as a Second Language.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the board office, 1818 Worley St. Board 
members will convene for a pre-meeting informational dinner at 5:15 p.m. at 
New Haven Elementary School, 3301 New Haven Road.
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