DRUGS COULD TRASH LICENSES

Bill Sent To Governor Would Allow Suspension Of Students' Driving Privileges

Medford School District may ask the state to strip driving privileges from
students who are caught with drugs on campus.

Oregon school districts would have that authority under a bill sent to Gov.
Ted Kulongoski. The Senate recently passed the bill and Kulongoski is
expected to sign it.

Senate Bill 342 allows school boards to request the Oregon Department of
Transportation suspend the driving privileges of students who have been
suspended or expelled twice for having, using or selling drugs on school
property or at a school event.

Medford School District may add the driver's license provision to its
existing drug policies, said school board member Peggy Penland. Penland
said she planned to take the issue to other board members this month.

"I think it's a valuable tool," Penland said. "What more could a kid want
but his license?"

School officials already can request a driver's license suspension if
students are expelled or suspended for bringing a weapon to school,
damaging school property or assaulting a student or teacher. The new
measure amends current law by adding the drug element.

"We would certainly be behind that because it's a consequence that would
hold people accountable," said Lt. Tim George of the Medford Police Department.

Sen. John Minnis, R-Wood Village, led debate on the measure. As a police
officer, he said he's seen too many accidents from students leaving school
events under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Between 400 and 900 students per year are suspended or expelled from school
for using, selling or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol,
according to the Department of Education.

Medford police cited or arrested 29 students for possessing drugs on campus
or at school functions in the past academic year, George said. Most cases
involve high school students using marijuana, George said. Sixteen students
were cited for possessing alcohol, he added.

Sen. Joan Dukes, D-Astoria, voted against the revamped bill.

"Pulling their driver's licenses means more uninsured, unlicensed drivers
on the road. It doesn't do anything to correct the problem," Dukes said.

Medford School District policies do not specifically address driver's
license suspension in cases of weapons on campus, assault or damaging
school property, Penland said. No Medford student's license has ever been
suspended in connection with school discipline, she said.