In response to an article published last week, Washington Community High School administration has released new information concerning the growing problem of prescription drug abuse.
Last year, eight students received out-of-school suspensions due to the possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia.
So far this year, there have been 21 out-of-school suspensions due to drug possession, use and distribution.
Although expulsion statistics still could not be released, District 308 Superintendent Dr. Jim Dunnan said all expulsions start with a 10-day out-of-school suspension during which a hearing with the school board takes place to decide if an expulsion is in order.
Dunnan said it is important for the public to know that the school administration is taking a very proactive approach to the problem.
In addition to the “Generation Rx: The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse” program created by Tazewell County Sheriff Robert Huston, the high school also spends approximately $100,000 each year to employ a school resource police officer and a mental health counselor.
Walt Nunnally, of Illini Family Counseling in Washington, currently serves as the mental health counselor at WCHS. He is a professional mental health therapist, as well as a certified alcohol and drug counselor.
During last semester, Nunnally made 188 contacts with parents and had 40 family sessions.
Students suspended for prescription drug misuse are required to receive a minimum of five professional counseling sessions as part of the suspension.
“Sometimes there’s a connotation that expulsions are negative. And they are. But the reality of it is that, often times, that suspension and expulsion are really bringing the issue to the forefront and it can be a balancing point for the family,” Dunnan said adding that some expulsions allow for the student to appeal to the board for reinstatement if they complete counseling sessions.
In addition to the mental health counselor, Detective Lyle Baele serves as the school resource officer and is at the school every day.
Police Chief Jim Kuchenbecker said the presence of a school resource officer is not mandated.
“That was a decision the school board made in 1999 … We work intimately with the school resource officer and the administration,” said Kuchenbecker.
As an additional preventative effort, Dunnan said the high school annually brings in a speaker to talk about issues of drug misuse and abuse. Last fall, Sarah Panzau, a former college volleyball player who lost an arm in a car accident while driving under the influence, spoke to the students.
Dunnan said he urges parents to be diligent in safeguarding prescriptions in the house.
“Ease of accessibility is the main problem. It doesn’t cost them anything, they don’t have to have someone go buy it for them like with alcohol or marijuana. It’s simple, it’s just there for them,” Dunnan said.
With the prescription drug abuse increasing, Dunnan said the administration continues to find ways to be proactive and meet the challenge head-on.
