The St. Landry Parish School Board is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment for the students attending public schools. The Board directs that each student shall be specifically prohibited from being under the influence of, bringing on, consuming, or having in his possession on a school bus, on school premises, or at a school function away from the school, any alcoholic beverages, intoxicating liquors, narcotic drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, inhalants, imitation or counterfeit controlled substances, or other controlled substance as defined by state statutes, unless dispensed by a licensed physician as allowed by law. The Superintendent shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate procedures for the detection of alcohol, drugs, or any imitation or other any controlled substances. Any student found in violation of the above shall be suspended and recommended for expulsion by the principal.

Any violations of criminal laws, state or federal, committed on school property shall be prosecuted as provided by law. School officials, teachers and/or other Board employees shall report all violators to the principal, who in turn, shall notify the proper law enforcement agency and shall cooperate with the prosecuting attorney's office in the prosecution of charges. Any student who possesses a weapon, distributes, sells or dispenses in any manner or form whatsoever a controlled dangerous substance as defined by state law to another student or anyone else while on the school premises shall be expelled pursuant to the provisions and guidelines as set forth in state law.

The principal shall immediately notify the parents or guardian, by telephone, of any student found in violation of this policy. If the parents or guardian cannot be reached by phone, the principal shall then notify them of the action by sending a letter within twenty-four (24) hours. Care shall be given to afford due process to all students.

REPORTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

State law mandates that teachers and other school employees report suspected weapons and substance abuse in school. These cases shall be reported to the principal and Substance Abuse Prevention Team in the school. The principal must report each case of possession, distributing, sales or manufacturing to the proper law enforcement authority. Reports shall also be made to the appropriate person at each school, who shall investigate, research, and report on instances or reports of possession of prohibited weapons, substances or beverages. Designated personnel shall report their findings along with the recommendation for treatment, counseling, or other appropriate action to the principal.

DRUG-FREE AND WEAPON FREE ZONES

It is unlawful for anyone to possess a weapon, use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 1000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus. These areas shall be designated as Drug-Free Zones. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the State Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug-Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.

Adopted: July 18, 1991

Revised: December, 1992

Revised: November, 1999

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:403.1, 17:405, 17:416, 40:617.1, 40:961 et seq.