Warrick School Board Passes Visitor Attendance Policy

Tobacco, Alcohol, Controlled Substances, Disruptive Devices Prohibited

On December 3rd, 2014, the Warrick County School Corporation School Board voted to adopt a Public Attendance policy directing that no tobacco, alcoholic beverages or controlled substances be possessed, consumed, or distributed on any school corporation property or at a school corporation activity for all members of the public.

With the support of Brad Schneider, Superintendent of Warrick County Schools, a task group from the Warrick County Communities That Care Coalition (WCCTCC) began in January 2014 to review school corporation policies related to substance use and anti-social behavior. Several administrators from the school corporation, teachers and students from each high school, along with Warrick County community members met over several months to review these policies.

Their purpose was to review and determine if school policies covered substance use and anti-social behavior issues adequately. It came to the group’s attention that adults were “tailgating” with alcohol at various events on school property and there was not a policy that addressed this issue. Previous policies addressed youth alcohol, tobacco and substance use, but nothing specific to adults. Upon completion of the review, Brad Schneider was presented a written report of the group’s findings and recommendations.

Under the guidance of Jane Wilhelmus, Director of Primary Curriculum, the appropriate steps were taken to write the policy. The policy was extended to include, “behaviors or use of devices than an Administrator determines to be a distraction or disruption to, or interference with, an athletic event, school event, school corporation facilities…” This policy covers anyone who attends or even enters school corporation grounds. Thousands of people each year will be influenced by this policy, as it provides administrators and those in charge the backing of the school corporation with possible consequences.

For the past several years Youth First, Inc., a local non-profit organization devoted to strengthening youth and families, has been coordinating the Warrick County Communities That Care Coalition. The coalition received a five-year Federal Drug Free Community Support Grant in September 2014. This grant will provide additional support for environmental strategies that work toward changing the whole community.

A press conference will take place at the Warrick County School Corporation offices at 300 E. Gum Street, Boonville, IN, Tuesday, January 20th at 9:30 am to announce the approval and implementation of this policy.

About Warrick County School Corporation: The mission of the Warrick County School Corporation is to provide a positive and safe instructional environment which promotes the intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth of the individual and to encourage each student to become a lifelong learner and contributing member of society. www.warrick.k12.in.us or call 812-897-0400. 

About Warrick County Communities That Care Coalition: The mission of WCCTCC is for Warrick County to be a community of healthy, productive families, free of drug and alcohol abuse, that engage in community and educational activities and present themselves as positive role models, knowing they are people of value and worth. For more information about WCCTCC, please visit www.wcctcc.org or call 812-421-8336 x105. 

About Youth First, Inc: Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success. For more information about Youth First, please visit www.youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.