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Board approves first reading of JICH drug-and-alcohol policy with wording change on behavioral-health assessments
Summary
The board approved the first reading of policy JICH (student drug and alcohol use) and amended the language to say students "will be assessed as appropriate by a behavioral health professional."
The Western Foothills RSU 10 school board approved the first reading of policy JICH (drug and alcohol use by students) and amended the draft to soften a requirement that students found using or possessing substances "will" be assessed by a behavioral health professional.
During discussion board members and administrators raised concerns that the word "will" could constrain response options in varied circumstances. The board moved to amend the language to read, "students found using and/or in possession will be assessed as appropriate by a behavioral health professional." The amendment passed and the board then voted to approve the first reading unanimously.
Board members noted the policy text is only part of a two-step process: a corresponding procedure must be drafted to outline how assessments, discipline and referrals will be handled for first, second and third offenses. Several members said they expect administrators to develop those procedures in consultation with building staff and the district’s legal advisers before the policy proceeds to a final vote.
No specific timetable was set for the procedure’s completion; board members acknowledged further work is required on disciplinary language for subsequent offenses and how/when law enforcement would be involved.
