5131.6 - Alcohol and Other Drugs

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) believes the use of alcohol or other drugs adversely affects a student’s ability to achieve academic success, is physically and emotionally harmful, and has serious social and legal consequences. SBCSS, therefore, desires to keep schools free of alcohol and other drugs and to make every effort to reduce the chances that students will begin or continue the use of alcohol and other drugs. Alcohol, like any other controlled substance, is illegal for use by minors.

SBCSS shall develop a comprehensive prevention program that includes instruction, intervention, recovering student support, and enforcement/discipline. SBCSS shall clearly communicate to students, staff and parents/guardians all policies, procedures and school rules related to this prevention program. Special efforts shall be made to ensure that these materials are understood by parents/guardians and students of limited literacy or limited English proficiency.

Recognizing that keeping schools free of alcohol and other drugs is a concern common to SBCSS and the community. SBCSS supports cooperation among schools, parents/guardians, law enforcement and other appropriate community organizations involved in preventing alcohol and other drug abuse.

To obtain the widest possible input and support for programs, SBCSS shall establish a county-wide school-community advisory committee to make recommendations related to the prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse.

Instruction

The office of SBCSS provides preventative instruction which helps students to avoid the use of alcohol or other drugs and teaches students how to influence their peers to avoid and/or discontinue the use of alcohol or other drugs. Instruction shall be designed to answer students’ questions related to alcohol and other 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 other 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. In Alternative Education programs, the curriculum is not grade specific.

SBCSS expects staff to display attitudes which make them positive role models for students with regard to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Staff should help students see themselves as responsible partners in efforts to maintain a safe, constructive school climate.

All instruction and related materials shall stress the concept of “no unlawful use” of alcohol or other drugs and shall not include the concept of “responsible use” when such use is illegal.

Prevention

SBCSS recognizes that using trained contraband detection dogs is widely accepted as a tool to deter the presence of illegal substances on school campuses. The use of contraband detection dogs along with drug education classes will reduce the number of drug-related incidents on school grounds. Refer to Policy 5145.12 concerning the use of contraband detection dogs.

Intervention

SBCSS recognizes that there are students on our campuses who use alcohol and other drugs and can benefit from intervention. SBCSS supports intervention programs that include the involvement of students, parents/guardians and community agencies/organizations.

Recovering Student Support

SBCSS recognizes the presence of recovering students in the schools and the necessity to support these students in avoiding re-involvement with alcohol and other drugs. SBCSS Administration or designee shall provide ongoing school activities which enhance recovery.

Non-Punitive Self-Referral

SBCSS 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 disclose their use of alcohol or other drugs when seeking help from an intervention or recovery program shall not be disciplined for such use.

Enforcement/Discipline

SBCSS shall take appropriate action to eliminate possession, use or sale of alcohol and other drugs and related paraphernalia on school grounds, at school events, or in any situation in which SBCSS is responsible for the conduct and well-being of students. Students possessing, selling and/or using alcohol or other drugs or related paraphernalia shall 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 and other drugs as long as such searches are conducted in accordance with law and the policies and procedures of the SBCSS. (See Superintendent’s Policy 5145.12.)

Because cell phones are used to facilitate illegal drug transactions and can serve as a distraction from or disruption of the educational process, the possession or use of such devices by students is prohibited on school premises, at all school-sponsored activities, and at any time while students are under the supervision and control of SBCSS employees. An exception shall be made only when the principal has determined that the cell phone is essential for the student’s health (or family emergency). Any cell phone so allowed shall be used only for health purposes or family emergency.

SBCSS shall confiscate cell phones from students, when the students are in possession on a school site.

Cell phones that are confiscated shall be identified and placed in a secure location accessible only to school officials. Confiscated cell phones will be returned to student or parent at the discretion of the principal or designee.

Approved: May 24, 1994
Revised: November 4, 2014