The Knox County Board of Education took action to amend policies relating to the Use of Alcohol, Drugs and Other Prohibited Substances (09.423) and Athletic Eligibility (09.313) during their October 2021 meeting. The following notification letter is being distributed to impacted students and their families notifying them of the changes.
The Board of Education has amended both policies as they relate to the listed consequences/sanctions. In all cases, the student will be suspended from participating in competitive extra-curricular activities and driving on campus for a period of time. Previously, the word “or” was used which caused confusion and equality issues.
As a result of changing “or” to “and”, the consequences are as follows:
First Offense:
In addition to other steps that the district will take, the student will be suspended from participating in competitive extra-curricular activities and driving on campus for a period of twelve (12) weeks.
Second Offense:
In addition to other steps that the district will take, the student will be suspended from participating in competitive extra-curricular activities and driving on campus for a period of eighteen (18) weeks.
Third Offense:
In addition to other steps that the district will take, the student will be suspended from participating in competitive extra-curricular activities and driving on campus for a period of one (1) calendar year.
No other changes were made to policy. The above changes are now in effect. Your existing signature sheet that agrees to our drug testing program and policies 09.423 and 09.313 will continue to be valid. If you have questions, or wish to make changes to your agreement (which may prevent your child from participating in extra-curricular activities and driving on campus), please contact your child’s school immediately. With additional questions, you may call our Central Office for support at 606-546-3157.