AUGUSTA — The school board on Wednesday approved the first reading of a new policy on drug and alcohol use by students.

The policy says that principals may suspend and/or recommend expulsion for students who violate the policy by using, possessing, distributing or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs on school property, or at any school-sponsored event.

Kathleen Mahoney, echoing other parents’ concerns made at a meeting earlier this year that the school system’s consequences for student tobacco use were too severe, argued that students with substance abuse problems should be disciplined but stay in school.

“I totally disagree with suspending a child from school,” she said. “There is not an organization I can find that deals with children that thinks suspending a child is the best way to help them with substance abuse. If you suspend them three days they will sleep in late, hang out and not be accountable to anybody because most parents work.”

School officials listened to her concerns, but did not respond.

New policies require two readings. The policy could come up for final approval at the next board meeting.

The policy says that schools will take a three-pronged approach to student drug, tobacco and alcohol use, of prevention and education, intervention and discipline.

The policy also bans “clothing or accessories advertising and/or promoting drugs, tobacco products and alcohol.”

Keith Edwards can be contacted at 621-5647 or at:

kedwards@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @kedwardskj

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