USD 259’s Board of Education’s drug and alcohol policy, Policy 1465, allows first time offenders an opportunity to get help, whether that help is for an actual addiction or  to get help saying “no” to those who might be encouraging drug use.

In doing so, the policy allows a student who is suspended for his or her first time being under-the-influence or in possession of drugs or alcohol to return to school as soon as a reinstatement form has been received. If during the suspension time, the student signs a disclaimer or withdraws, the policy should still be followed. Disclaimers only protect the student regarding attendance, and if the student decides to re-enroll, the student’s base school is required to accept the student.

If the reinstatement form is not returned in five days, a hearing should be scheduled with the hearing held on the tenth day if the form is still not returned. The suspension is then extended for up to 25 days via the hearing officer although the student still can end the suspension as soon as the reinstatement is returned to the school.

If you have further questions regarding Policy 1465 contact your SDFS representative.