Board Policies5000 Students
Because the use of alcohol and other drugs adversely affects a student's ability to achieve academic success, is physically and emotionally harmful, and has serious social and legal consequences, the Board intends to keep district schools free of alcohol and prohibited drugs.
Alcohol, marijuana, and other controlled substances are prohibited for use or possession by students. The Board desires that every effort be made to reduce the chances that our students will begin or continue the use of alcohol and other drugs. The Superintendent or designee will clearly communicate to students, staff and parents/guardians all Board policies, regulations, procedures and school rules related to this prevention program. Special efforts will be made to ensure that these materials are understood by parents/guardians and students of limited literacy or limited English proficiency.
Specifically, the Board prohibits the actual or attempted sale, distribution, use, or possession by a student of alcohol, prohibited drugs or inhalants, drug paraphernalia, substances that are designed to look or act like prohibited drugs or alcohol, or substances purported to be prohibited drugs or alcohol. Prohibited drugs are defined as:
Recognizing that keeping schools free of alcohol and other drugs is a concern common to the district and community, the Board supports cooperation among schools, parents/guardians, law enforcement and other appropriate community organizations involved in preventing alcohol and drug abuse.
In accordance with AS 14.30.145, the Superintendent will ensure that:
Per AS 14.30.145, a school district, school, or individual is not liable for civil damages for an injury to another individual resulting from a failure to possess or maintain an opioid overdose drug as required by the statute.
The district will provide preventative instruction which helps students avoid the use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs and teaches students how to influence their peers to avoid and/or discontinue the use of alcohol or drugs. Instruction will be designed to answer students' questions related to alcohol and drugs.
The instructional programs will help students obtain and use current and accurate information, develop and maintain a positive self-concept, take positive actions to cope with stress, and use appropriate social and personal skills to resist involvement with alcohol and drugs.
The curriculum will be K-12, comprehensive and sequential in nature and suited to meet the needs of students at their respective grade levels. All instruction and related materials will stress the concept that alcohol and prohibited drugs can be dangerous and should never be used when such use is illegal.
The Board encourages staff to display attitudes and behaviors which make them positive role models for students with regard to alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. Staff should help students see themselves as responsible partners in efforts to maintain a safe, constructive school climate.
The Board recognizes that children exposed to alcohol or other drugs prior to birth may have disabilities requiring special attention and modifications in the regular education program. The Superintendent or designee will provide appropriate staff training in the needs of such students as required by law.
The Board recognizes that there are students on our campuses who use alcohol and other drugs and can benefit from intervention. The Board supports intervention programs that include the involvement of students, parents/guardians and community agencies/organizations.
School personnel should be trained to identify symptoms which may indicate use of alcohol and other drugs. The Superintendent or designee will identify responsibilities of staff in working with, intervening, and reporting students suspected of alcohol and other drug use.
Students and parents/guardians will be informed about the signs of alcohol and other drug use and about appropriate agencies offering counseling.
The Board strongly encourages any student who is using alcohol or drugs to discuss the matter with his/her parent/guardian or with any staff member. Students who self-disclose past use of alcohol or other drugs in order to seek help to quit using will not be punished or disciplined for such past use. State and local extra-curricular activities eligibility rules may apply further conditions related to the admission of drug or alcohol use.
The Superintendent or designee will take appropriate action to eliminate possession, use or sale of alcohol and prohibited drugs and related paraphernalia on school grounds, at school events, or in any situation in which the school is responsible for the conduct and well-being of students. Students possessing, selling and/or using alcohol, marijuana or other drugs or related paraphernalia will be subject to disciplinary procedures which may result in suspension or expulsion.
School authorities may search students and school properties for the possession of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs as long as such searches are conducted in accordance with law.
Legal Reference:
ALASKA STATUTES
04.16.080 Sales or consumption at school events
14.20.680 Required alcohol and drug related disabilities training
14.30.145 Opioid overdose drugs
14.30.360 Curriculum (Health and Safety Education)
14.33.110-.140 Required school disciplinary and safety program 17.38.010-900 The regulation of marijuana
47.37.045 Community action against substance abuse grant fund
UNITED STATES CODE
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §§ 7116, 7163, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, P.L. 114-95