2121 - Substance Abuse Program

The district recognizes that the abuse of alcohol, and the use and abuse of controlled illegal, addictive, or harmful substances including marijuana (cannabis) and anabolic steroids is a societal problem and may represent an impairment to the normal development, well-being, and academic performance of students. To ensure the safety, health, and well-being of all students, the district is committed to the development of a program which emphasizes drug and alcohol abuse prevention, intervention, aftercare support, and necessary corrective actions. The program will address the legal, social, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use, and provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs or alcohol. The program will be age-appropriate and developmentally based for all grades.

The district recognizes the effects on the school, home, and community resulting from the abuse of alcohol and the use and abuse of controlled illegal, addictive, or harmful substances including anabolic steroids. While the primary obligation to seek assistance rests with the student and their parent(s)/guardian(s), school staff will work with the home and community to develop and implement a comprehensive prevention and intervention program. The district will seek the support, cooperation, and coordination of public and private agencies through the formation of an advisory committee, including representatives from the instructional staff, students, parents, state and local law enforcement staff, and the county coordinator of alcohol and drug treatment or a representative of a treatment provider.

To keep students, families, and community members informed about drug abuse issues, the district will make information from the Department of Health that addresses substance use trends, overdose symptoms, and response, and the secure storage of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications available in accordance with Policy 4001 (Public Information Program).

The superintendent or designee is directed to develop and implement procedures to assess the scope of the problem of the use of addictive substances such as alcohol, drugs, and nicotine, and to reduce and/or eliminate the problems associated with the use of alcohol, drugs, and nicotine.

Parents and interested community members are encouraged to visit the school and/or classroom to observe classroom prevention activities and review prevention instructional materials. At the conclusion of each year, the district will evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

 

Cross References:

District Policy 5203 - Staff Assistance Program

District Policy 3241 - Student Discipline

District Policy 4000 - Public Information Program

 

Legal References:                                        

RCW 28A.170.075	Findings - Intent
RCW 28A.210.310	Prohibition on use of tobacco products on school property
RCW 69.50.101	Definitions (as amended by 2012 c 8)
RCW 69.51a.060	Limitations of chapter
Washington Initiative Measure No. 502
20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.	Safe and Drug-free Schools and Communities Act
Title 21 Section 811	Controlled Substances Act
HB 1230 (2023)	School-Public Health Information

 

Management Resources:

2023 – July Issue

2013 – February Issue

 

Adoption Date:  May 16, 2005

Revised: April 23, 2025

 

Administrator Responsibilities: