Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, September 12, 1995                   TAG: 9509120053
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: S.D. HARRINGTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SCHOOLS MULL NEW DRUG POLICY

But some people have questioned whether the proposed "zero tolerance" policy will allow room for flexibility.

Director of Instruction Joe Kirby, after a directive from the school board, will propose a revised policy that allows for - but does not require - expulsion of first offenders.

"What we're looking to do is send a message that there is no room for the use of alcohol and drugs on our property," said Superintendent Wayne Tripp.

The administration's current policy for alcohol and drugs offers various punishments for two offenses: distribution of drugs or alcohol and the use and possession of drugs or alcohol.

Distribution carries at least a 10-day suspension and consideration of expulsion or long-term suspension; use or possession carries a minimum five-day suspension on the first offense and long-term suspension or possible expulsion on the second, Tripp said. A long-term suspension is more than 10 days, but less than a school year, he said.

"All we're doing ... is eliminating the first offense," said Glenn Thornhill, who suggested the revision in June. "The main thing is that it still goes to the disciplinary review committee," which reviews all cases before expulsion or long-term suspension.

"I put alcohol, drugs and guns in the same category," Thornhill said. "With that being the case, I think the penalty should be the same."

But some, including students from Salem High School, have questioned whether the policy will be too intolerant, with little flexibility for individual cases.

"I don't feel like it's fair," said Salem High sophomore Ashley Prillaman. "It should be a three-strikes-you're-out policy."

Other students said they wouldn't mind a stricter policy toward drug and alcohol use and possession.

"I do think it's fair," said Keith Morris, a sophomore. He said students should be given fewer chances when it comes to the use of drugs or alcohol.

Tripp said he thinks a compromise may settle the issue tonight. That compromise, he said, may be "a procedure that will allow for both goals to be met."

The first goal, Tripp said, is to deliver the message of no tolerance and the second is to "find a way to allow for individual cases if they are of merit."

If the policy is revised, Salem High Principal John Hall said, he will try to keep the drug and alcohol policy for athletes at his school consistent with that of the school system.

Salem's "athletic drug pledge," which also prohibits tobacco use, calls for dismissal for a minimum of two weeks on the first offense and for a semester on the second. They are ineligible to play after the third offense.

"If the School Board goes more toward zero tolerance ... we will tend to go in that direction with the athletic drug pledge," Hall said.