NEPN/NSBA Code: JICH 

DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS 

The School Committee and staff of Lewiston Public Schools support a safe and healthy learning environment for students which is free of the detrimental effects of drugs, alcohol, and other mood-altering substances. Accomplishing this goal requires a cooperative effort among school staff, students, parents, law enforcement, and organizations concerned with the use of drugs, alcohol, and other mood-altering substances by school-aged youth. 

In order to promote the safety, health, and well-being of students, the School Committee endorses a three-pronged approach to address the issue of drugs and alcohol use, and use of other mood-altering substances; prevention/education; intervention, and discipline. The Superintendent is responsible for developing appropriate administrative procedures, curricula, and programs to implement this policy. 

A. Prohibited Conduct 

No student shall distribute, dispense, possess, use, or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine, or other intoxicating liquor. Nor shall a student manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use, or be under the influence of “bath salts”, any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana/cannabis, anabolic steroids, inhalants, synthetics, any other controlled substance defined in federal and state laws/regulations, any look-alike substance, or any substance that is represented to be a controlled substance. 

These prohibitions apply to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place directly interferes with the operations, discipline, or general welfare of the school. 

B. Disciplinary Action 

Building administrators may suspend and/or recommend expulsion of students who violate this policy, based upon the facts of each case and in accordance with established disciplinary procedures. Students may also be referred to law enforcement authorities for investigation and/or prosecution. 

C. Prevention/Education 

The school district will provide students with appropriate information and activities focused on educating students about drugs and alcohol and preventing their use. Programs shall teach students about the legal, social, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use as well as how to resist peer pressure. 

D. Intervention 

The school district will establish an approach to intervene with students with drug/alcohol problems. Students will be assisted in addressing their drug/alcohol problems and in continuing their educational program. Students will be provided with information and referral, if necessary, to aid them in obtaining assistance from appropriate community organizations. Student records concerning such interventions shall be kept confidential as required by state and federal laws. 

E. Policy Communication 

The school district shall distribute this policy and appropriate related information to staff, students, and parents on an annual basis through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent and building administrators. 

Legal Reference: 21 USC § 812 (Controlled Substances Act) 

21 CFR Part 1300.11-15 

P.L.101-226 (Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act 

Amendments of 1989) 

17-A MRSA § 1101 

22 MRSA §§ 2390-2394

42 USC § 290dd-2 

42 CFR § 2.1 et seq. 

20-A MRSA §§ 1001(9); 4008 

Cross Reference: GBEC – Drug-Free Workplace 

JICIA – Weapons, Violence, and School Safety 

JKD – Suspension of Students 

JKE – Expulsion of Students 

JLCD – Administering Medication to Students 

JRA – Student Records 

Adopted: June 7, 2000 

Revised: October 30, 2000 

Reviewed: September 24, 2012 

Revised: August 2, 2021 

Revised: September 11, 2023