P1465 Student Behavior - Alcohol, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, and/or Other Controlled Substances

Any student who intends to or is selling, manufacturing, or trafficking alcoholic beverages, drugs, drug paraphernalia, inhalants, and/or other controlled or uncontrolled substances, such as, but not limited to, over the counter medications or unauthorized prescription drugs, or any student who possesses such substances in an amount that exceeds the reasonable personal need of the average user of the substance possessed, at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity shall be recommended for appropriate disciplinary action up to and including an expulsion from the Wichita Public Schools for 186 school days.  

Any student who possesses, uses, or appears to be affected by or whose conduct appears to be altered by alcoholic beverages, drugs (except as medically prescribed), and/or other controlled substances, such as, but not limited to, unauthorized prescription drugs, or possesses drug paraphernalia at school, on school property, or at a school supervised activity will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.   

Administrative Implemental Procedures

1. Trafficking means any student who intends to or who is intentionally selling, giving, or delivering to others controlled/illegal substances, such as, alcoholic beverages, inhalants, over the counter medications, unauthorized prescription drugs, and/or drug paraphernalia.   The principal or designee shall determine when a student possesses a quantity of drugs, drug paraphernalia, inhalants, and/or other controlled or uncontrolled substances, such as but not limited to, over-the-counter medications or unauthorized prescription drugs at school, on school property, or at a supervised school activity in amounts that exceed the reasonable personal need of the average user of the substance possessed. 
2. When a student exhibits behaviors that may indicate the use of drugs and/or alcohol or other controlled substances, the school will document such behaviors, discuss the documented evidence with the student and lawful custodian(s), and take appropriate administrative actions.   
3. The appropriate law enforcement agency will be advised of any and all violations of laws in accordance with BOE Policy 2351 – School Safety and Security Incident Reporting.  
4. Staff members shall request the assistance of a building administrator or designee when they observe a student who appears to be in a state of disorientation or who does not have normal control of self. 
5. Every student and parent will be informed and required to sign a weapons/drugs policy statement yearly regarding the disciplinary action that can be taken if a student is found to be in violation of this policy. 
6. Substance abuse is recognized as a problem shared by the individual, school, community, and society at large. It is appropriate that schools provide a developmentally appropriate substance abuse prevention program for students and staff. Should any student seek the guidance or assistance of any staff member for the purpose of improving the student’s behavior or responses to the involvement with controlled substances, such student’s request for confidentiality should be respected unless staff personnel is required to reveal such information through legal processes. When such requirement is necessitated, the lawful custodian of the student will be so advised. Additionally, staff should involve the school intervention team in providing services.   
7. It is not appropriate for school personnel to perform diagnoses and treatment for persons misusing, abusing, and possibly addicted to alcohol and other drugs.   
8. Suspension or expulsion of Special Education students shall be subject to and governed by the State statutes and regulations and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) implementing regulations thereto. 
9. Proper use of a drug prescribed by a licensed physician is permitted if used as prescribed. (See BOE Policy 5316 - Administering Medication During School Hours.) 

Administrative Responsibility: Safety Services 

Latest Revision Date: December 2019 

Previous Revision Date: December 2010 P1465 

Updated administratively for alignment purposes: November 2020

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