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Ashland softens code changes Board OKs rules crafted with student feedback By DAMIAN MANN ASHLAND - High school student leaders showed their leadership skills Monday night when they persuaded the school board to approve a code of conduct contract that doesn't hold them specifically responsible for off-campus behavior. The revised contract, approved unanimously by the board, still holds student leaders accountable for behavior on campus and at school-sanctioned events. Language proposed by the 33 leadership students erased all mention of off-campus conduct from the previously proposed contract, but makes them responsible for being respectful, maintaining good attendance, and generally exhibiting exemplary conduct. It also provides punishments for abuse of drugs or alcohol on campus, but allows students with problems to seek help on their own without fear of repercussions. About 60 community members and students generally voiced their approval of the toned-down policy. "A lot of students had qualms about the off-campus language," said student body co-president Brady Brim-DeForest. He said the problem of drugs and alcohol goes beyond the scope of the school. "Teaching kids not to use and abuse drugs and alcohol is a family thing," he said. "Ultimately it's a student's own personal choice." Co-student body president Brad Rahmlow said he thought language in the original policy about off-campus behavior would be considered unconstitutional. He also thought the policy could be used for revenge if one student turned in another. Board member John Maurer pressed the students over why they wouldn't accept the original version of the policy, which held them responsible for off-campus behavior. "It disappoints me that the leadership won't step forward," he said. Leadership teacher Leeanne Wallace said the fact the students stepped forward to advocate their own version of the policy shows their ability to accept responsibility. "It takes a lot of guts for these kids," she said. Maurer, who eventually voted for the contract, also wondered why the students wouldn't accept a policy that is similar to one athletes already signed. Senior Kari Proud said that taking drugs would affect the performance of an athlete and that is why she saw the wisdom in signing that contract. But forcing leadership students to sign a contract has nothing to do with their performance, she said. "If it does affect us mentally, that's something Miss Wallace will see later," she said. Wallace, who wrote the revised policy with student input, said it is not always easy for students to adhere to a drug and alcohol policy. Referring to some students who have recently been caught, Wallace said, "We have suffered as a school community for their choices." Wallace said it is not her intention to turn students in who come to her for help. "We're not going to set up a court and judge each other," she said, "It is not our intent to police the activities of these students." Much of the contract deals with the use of drugs or alcohol by the student, but it also deals with the deportment of students, particularly in showing respect. Progressively worse penalties are offered each time a student breaks the policy. Leadership students softened language to allow a student who voluntarily turns himself or herself in to enroll in a drug and alcohol education program. The student would not necessarily have his or her title stripped. However, if a student engaged in conduct that brings discredit to the school, the student could be denied participation in leadership for the entire year. Superintendent Juli Di Chiro said the school system does have a one-year expulsion policy for students who use drugs or alcohol. But students can sign a contract that allows them to return to school. After the contract has run its course and the student has adhered to it, the expulsion would be expunged from the student's records. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com |
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