Whitehall administrators propose therapeutic alternative to some drug-possession suspensions after review of recent cases

Whitehall High School Principal Dr. Paul Mays told the Whitehall-Coplay School District Board on Aug. 11 that the district disciplined 18 students last school year for possession or use of drugs on school property and proposed a narrowly targeted, case‑by‑case process to offer therapy as an alternative to serving the full suspension for some first‑time offenders.

What the principal reported: Dr. Mays said THC vapes were the most commonly confiscated paraphernalia and that the district routinely issues a three‑day out‑of‑school suspension followed by a hearing to determine whether suspension duration should extend to a policy maximum of 10 days. He said most of last year’s cases were extended from three days to ten; one student was a repeat offender. Dr. Mays said roughly half of the 18 students were receiving special‑education services and noted the district faces statutory and procedural limits for special‑education students, who approach a roughly 15‑day suspension cap for the school year before placements become an issue.

Proposed alternative tied to therapy

Dr. Mays proposed that, in some first‑time cases where staff and families agree the student is likely to engage successfully, the principal could hold a portion of the suspension in abeyance conditional on completion of mandated drug counseling or a structured therapy program provided on‑site through Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). He described the model as mirroring Lehigh County’s diversionary Impact program, where criminal charges are often held in abeyance while a student completes a 6–8 week program and counseling.

Board concerns and clarifications

Board members asked about equity, consistency, and legal implications. Several members said they wanted assurances the option would not provide preferential treatment or be applied inconsistently. Dr. Mays and other administrators said the process would remain discretionary at the principal’s level and would be reserved for a very small number of students annually (administration estimated perhaps two to three students could be candidates in a year). He described the review process at a three‑day hearing as including the assistant principal, the counselor, the principal and the student’s parents; counseling staff and the SAP/student services team would participate when appropriate.

Legal and procedural notes

- Referrals to law enforcement: The administration confirmed it refers incidents to the school resource officer and Lehigh County prosecutors; Dr. Mays said the county has often dismissed or used diversionary programs for first offenses in small possession cases.

- Special‑education limits: Dr. Mays warned that special‑education students who accrue long suspensions approach placement triggers and that such placements are costly, so early intervention is a priority.

No policy change voted; administration will gather data

Board members emphasized the difference between process and written policy. Administrators said the district policy was not being rewritten at this meeting; the proposal is to adopt an administrative practice, used selectively, that mirrors diversion approaches. Dr. Mays asked the board to allow the administration to pilot the approach in 2025–26, collect data and return next summer with results; several board members asked for additional data and clear equity safeguards before any broader adoption.

Provenance: Dr. Mays opened this discussion during his presentations to the board beginning with the disciplinary segment; board members discussed legal referrals and special‑education impacts throughout the subsequent Q&A.