Student Drug Abuse Policy

It is the belief of the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education that drug abuse is a major problem in our society today and that education must play a major role in teaching the adverse and dangerous affects on the human mind and body caused by drug abuse. Therefore, the Tuscaloosa City Board will not permit the use, abuse, possession, or sale of drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol or other intoxicants at any activity under School Board jurisdiction. The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education defines drug abuse in terms of compliance with “The Drug Abuse Education Act of 1971.” (Acts 1971, #1934, p. 3122 in the Alabama Code)

The term “drug abuse” shall mean that misuse or illegal use of drugs including barbiturates, central nervous system stimulants, hallucinogenic, and all other drugs to which the narcotic and drug abuse laws of the Unites States, local municipalities, and the State of Alabama apply. It shall also include alcoholic and intoxicating liquors and beverages, tobacco products, and inhalants. The Student Drug Abuse Policy will be followed.

It is the policy of the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education to comply and cooperate fully with the enforcement of drug abuse laws and to insure the development and implementation of a comprehensive drug abuse education program for all children and youth in grades K-12.

Students who are found in violation of this policy will be:

1. placed on immediate suspension from school.
2. subject to a disciplinary hearing with final disciplinary action determined by the Board of Education based on the circumstances of the offense.
3. faced with possible expulsion from the school system of not less than one semester.

Law enforcement authorities will be notified of any violation of this policy.

This policy shall cause to bring into effect a comprehensive in-service education program for teachers, administrators, support personnel, parents, and the school community. The in-service activities will include community awareness programs, training strategies, leadership strategies, and community involvement. Special emphasis will be placed on continuous assessment procedures, student related activities, and methods and materials necessary for the effective teaching of Drug Abuse Education. It shall be the responsibility of the student to abide by the contents of this policy and / or all school officials to enforce it.

Medication Procedures

There are times when students may need to take medication while at school. The school nurses recommend that, whenever possible, medication be administered before and/or after school hours under the direct supervision of the student’s parent or legal guardian. However, if school attendance is dependent on being allowed to take a prescribed medication, the procedures below must be followed.

1. A Medication Authorization Form (available in the school office) must be completed and registered with the principal or designee or the school nurse for each medication (prescription and non-prescription). The Medication Authorization Form and the medication will be stored in a secure area and given in accordance with written instructions.
2. Prescription medication, on school property, must be in the original container, with a pharmacy label and the following information
   • Student’s name -Physician’s name
   • Date of prescription -Name of Medication -Dosage
3. Non-prescription medication, on school property, must be in the original container and will only be given with the Medication Authorization Form completed by physician and parent.
4. Students will be permitted to possess and self-administer prescribed asthma inhaler medication with Student Self-Administration of Asthma Medication form (available in the school office) completed by physician and parent and form registered in the school office. This medication must have a pharmacy label with information listed above.
5. All medication must be delivered to and picked up from the school principal or designee by the parent. Medications not picked up within 14 days after the stop date or medication left at school at the end of the school year will be discarded by the School Health Services personnel.

Back to the Student Code of Conduct Contents