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Drug expulsions up across the school district
The number of expulsions for drugs or prescription drug violations in District 51 has increased by 72 percent from approximately the same time last year, according to a report issued at the school board meeting today.
“One of the issues that does appear to be a problem for a few — and I do reiterate, a few — of our children is in the area of bringing prescription drugs to school,” Superintendent Tim Mills said. “I think this is a trend not only here, but also nationally.”
The expulsion report shows violations for “drugs or controlled substances” is up to 31 from last year’s count of 18. The category of drug and controlled substance violations accounted for more than half of total expulsions reported so far. The number of expulsions for the year is up to 60, slightly less than the same time last year when the count stood at 63.
Most of the drug violations occur in the high schools, where incidents have more than doubled. By this time last year in the high schools, there were just nine reported expulsions for drugs; that number has jumped to 22 already this year. Middle school violations rose from eight to nine, but decreased in elementary schools, from one violation to zero.
There was no specific breakdown of whether incidents involved controlled drugs versus prescription drugs in the findings. However, several board members voiced concerns that many parents seem unaware of the problem. The superintendent called for more coverage of the issue in the school newsletters and by other means of communication with parents.
Board member Harry Butler said parents need to know not to leave old pills within reach of their students.
“It seems like it would be good to get parents’ attention,” added board member Ron Rowley.
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