Trustees Will Review ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy
At the request of parents who think the policy is too harsh, the board of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District will consider changing its “zero tolerance” alcohol policy Tuesday.
Under district policy, a student caught drinking at school or drunk at a school event is automatically transferred to another campus in the district for 90 days.
In September, an Estancia High School student, who admitted to drinking before a school dance, was transferred to Newport Harbor High School for 90 days.
Jennifer McCartin, 17, sued to be returned immediately to Estancia, but her request was denied in late September by Orange County Superior Court Judge Ronald C. Kline.
Though the lawsuit is over, the McCartin family’s fight against the district’s policy is not. At recent meetings, McCartin’s parents have complained that separating their daughter from the familiar surroundings of Estancia has caused her to suffer.
The board agreed to hold a public hearing to possibly revise the policy Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Harper Community Center, 425 E. 18th St., Costa Mesa.
Information: (714) 760-3500.
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