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SUNNY Temp: 57 °F Wind: S at 3 mph Saturday, September 27, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine Joy Magazine Tempo A & E RogueValleyAutoFinder RogueValleyHomeFinder Real Estate Showcase Wellness Connection Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Employment Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend August 14, 2003 Drugs could trash licenses Bill sent to governor would allow suspension of students’ driving privileges By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune 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. Advertisement "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. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] The Associated Press contributed to this report. Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times