School to reconsider substance abuse policy

Sparta - The board of education is taking a new look at an expensive school policy that requires the district to pay for the medical attention to students who attend extra-curricular activities under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Under the current policy, in place since the 1990s, the board of education is responsible for the welfare of any student attending a school-sponsored function. Sparta Schools Superintendent Thomas Morton said the policy cost the district anywhere from $200-$3,000 to test and treat an individual student who attends a school-sponsored event under the influence. “This is getting expensive,” said Morton, who intends to discuss options with school lawyers while the district’s business administration renegotiates a fee for services with local hospitals and attending emergency room physicians. “A lot of school districts have the policy, but if you mandate that kids have to be treated, you have to pay for it. That’s the difference. Once we know a kid is under the influence, we become responsible under our policy.” Morton said eight students were taken to Newton Memorial Hospital after observers believe the students under the influence of alcohol or drugs while attempting to enter the homecoming dance at the high school in October. In that case, Morton said, the medical services cost the district about $5,000. “We have to pay for it,” said Morton. “It means sometimes down the road, something else won’t get paid for.” Another student had to be transported to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick after showing up drunk at the state football playoff game at Rutgers University in November. “The first thing is to make sure they are OK,” said Morton. “That would be the concern of any organization when you’re dealing with young people. A second concern is a policy action to make sure that kids are not coming inebriated.” Morton said school discipline, which can include suspension, is harsh and swift. “If they screw up at all, they (students) are going to be punished,” he said. “I think they know that.” Sparta High School principal Rich Lio said there were no instances of misconduct at the winter formal this past Saturday at the Skylands banquet facility in Randolph. “The kids rose to the occasion,” said Lio, who applauded the parents, and school support staff for their assistance despite the inclement weather. “I couldn’t have been happier, and everyone looked great.” Lio said the school hired two local police units to provide security at a cost of $600 and had 14 chaperones in addition to administrative staff. “I have responsibility and support at any school function,” he said. “It’s an extension of the school, which is responsible for any conduct or misconduct.” The principal said any student under the suspicion of being intoxicated at a school event is brought to the attention of the school nurse and a counseling member before notification of the parents and a trip to the local hospital for testing and medical care. “I’m very satisfied with our substance abuse policy,” he said. “The downside is the expense. It’s super expensive. It’s a difficult situation on everyone’s part, but it has to be done and we have to act accordingly.”