Students Dismiss Chemical Health Policy

Swampscott High School senior William Travascio told the School Committee on Wednesday that students who were surveyed on the school's new gave it low marks.

The policy was approved by the School Committee early this year and went into effect in mid-March.

The policy, in force 365 days a year, tries to stem drug and alcohol use among young people.

Earlier this week the School Committee so that athletes who violate it during the summer will not be suspended from games once the school year starts.

Travascio, the student representative to the School Committee, said the survey reflects what students think about the policy. The survey was taken by 532 of the school's 750 students, he said.

Many students think that they should have had more of a say in the policy's creation, he said.

Here are some  survey results:

• 61 percent of students think more student input should have gone into the policy's creation.
• 77 percent think the policy should be suspended until more testimony is taken from the community at large.
• 49 percent think the high school has a drug problem.
• 59 percent have read the policy.
• 62 percent oppose the policy as written.
• 63 percent say the policy is unfair to students including athletes.
• 64 percent do not agree that school privileges should be lost for participation in illegal behavior outside of school.

Principal Layne Millington said earlier that the policy came in response to a spate of drug and alcohol incidents at the start of the school year.

The policy requires students to talk to a school guidance counselor or other school-designated person if they violate the policy. Failure to comply leads to suspension from school sports or other extracurricular activities.

The principal said he tried to involve students in the creation of the policy but only three students showed interest.

Over the past five months the policy has drawn criticism from those who say it overreaches the authority of the school. Critics also say the community was not consulted fully enough when the policy was being created.

Supporters, including the entire School Committee, say the policy has flaws but is needed to improve and save lives.