New School Chemical Health Policy Goes into Effect March 17

A parent filed a petition with 200 signatures on Wednesday asking the to delay implementation of the district’s new on March 17.

School Committee members took no action in response to the petition, but they did approve several minor policy changes that Principal Layne Millington had recommended.

These changes included protection for alcohol consumption in a religious ceremony.

Millington also said the intent of the rules are to be educational, not to punish students.

To that end, students who violate the policy must sit down and talk to a trained professional about choices.

Still, parent Sara Christie, who submitted the petition, said her main concern with the policy is its 24/7 provision.

She believes the school is overstepping its authority and encroaching on responsibilities that belong to parents.

“It is inherently disrespectful,” she said.

Millington said later in the meeting that the 365-day-a-year provision sets a standard and recognizes that it is illegal for students to drink alcohol.

School Committee member Glenn Paster said the approval of the chemical health policy was the single most important thing he did as a committee member during his three years on the committee because it attempts to stave off the loss of a student’s life due to drug or alcohol abuse.

Resident Karen Walsh wanted to know the committee’s response to the ACLU letter and why the committee would not wait until two new committee members are elected on April 26.

Committee Chairwoman Jacqueline Kinney said the committee has taken the ACLU letter under advisement, and that she had no comment at this point.

She said it is typical for a new committee member to be elected to a town or school panel and to respect the policy approved by the previous panel.