Laguna School District’s Steps Against Drug Use

On Oct. 28, the Laguna Beach Unified School District Board of Trustees responded by a 4-1 vote, with Harry Bithell dissenting, to an issue that has infiltrated every strata of society--substance use/abuse. Our decision on the specific circumstances of Cedrick Hardman has created a schism within our community. The board’s actions have generated strong criticism as well as praise.

We believe that the philosophy behind our decision was judiciously conceived. It was based on sound medical advice developed for the entire district, undertaken with the betterment of our children’s total educational welfare in mind and in no way condones or supports substance use or abuse.

Substance abuse is a complex human problem of addiction that requires a holistic response by the educational community. The objective of our decision was to send two messages:

- We are not going to tolerate substance use in our district.

- We will help anyone, be it student or staff member, who wants to be rehabilitated. If they have a problem, we will provide support for their program of rehabilitation.

The Board of Education believes that to achieve a lasting victory against this disease in our community, we must develop a realistic and comprehensive anti-substance program emphasizing preventive education, supportive controlled rehabilitation programs and responsible disciplinary action. To rely on the disciplinary component serves only to perpetuate the problem. Our function is to support staff and student growth, not to simply impose disciplinary action resulting in expulsion, alienation, fear and ultimate failure for that human being.

With these ideals in mind, the district has agreed to establish an employee assistance program and develop a comprehensive substance policy for staff and students.

Our policy will support an approach toward rehabilitation and responsible disciplinary control that has been highly successful and effective in other sectors of society. An integral part of the rehabilitation component is the return of individuals to their normal environment as soon as medically determined. We encourage others to join forces with us in approaching the total issue of substance use/abuse.

SUSAN MAS

Member, Board of Education

Laguna Beach Unified School District

The letter was also signed by board members Charlene Ragatz, Carl Schwarz and Jan Vickers.