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Subcommittee upholds current controlled-substance policy, keeps nurse-led medication procedures
Summary
The subcommittee reviewed policy 2-27 on controlled substances and paraphernalia, discussed permitted on-person items (inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors), and voted to advance the existing PSBA-updated policy without changes while noting administrative guidance on voluntary hand-ins and the nurse’s role.
The Conewago Valley School District Board Policy Subcommittee reviewed policy 2-27 (Controlled Substances and Paraphernalia) and voted to forward the recommended PSBA-updated text without additional changes.
District administrators explained that the proposed policy language prohibits student possession, use or distribution of controlled substances, with the policy explicitly listing items such as controlled substances, look-alike alcoholic beverages, anabolic steroids, drug paraphernalia, solvents, inhalants and substances that mimic controlled substances. Administrators noted that, under current practice, only an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and inhalers are permitted for students to carry; other prescription and over-the-counter medications are housed in the nurse’s office and dispensed with parent permission.
Board members raised operational questions about scenarios in which a student unintentionally brings medication from another household (for example, during a custodial transfer) and suggested that administrative regulations explicitly permit voluntary hand-in of such items to the nurse without automatic discipline. Administrators responded that the district’s current practice is to accept such items at the nurse’s office, notify parents and treat many first-time or voluntary disclosures as educational interactions rather than disciplinary incidents.
After discussion, the subcommittee voted to move the PSBA-recommended language forward as written. Members also asked staff to document administrative procedures that encourage students to voluntarily turn in medications and clarify follow-up communications with families.
