OXFORD — Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Principal Ted Moccia told school district directors Monday night that he does not believe in a zero tolerance policy when it comes to dealing with first-time substance abusers in the school.

“Some kids are going to make mistakes. I believe it’s about true and positive relationships with the kids,” he said.

Moccia and Assistant Principals Paul Bickford and John Springer met with the school board to discuss how substance abusers are handled and to review drug search of the high school Feb. 8 that yielded no drugs.

The search by state police was at the request of the school officials after a rash of illegal substance incidents in December. Bickford called them “a wake up call” to officials.

Searches are done periodically under the Oxford Hills School District policy to ensure a safe and drug-free environment. This was the second one in two years.

Two Maine State Police officers and their drug-sniffing dogs walked the hallways and parking lots at the school, officials said. Two “hits” were found but a follow-up search of the locker and car yielded no drugs. Students who owned the car and used the locker were informed of the “hit” along with local police and the students’ parents. With the students’ approval, the dogs searched inside the locker and car but found nothing, officials said.

Under the school’s policy, a first-time offender can be given a five- to 10-day suspension if they are under the influence or in possession of illegal substances. The case is also referred to police. The offender is then put through a substance abuse team process and must take a drug test in 45 days.

A repeat offender or one who trafficks an illegal substance is recommended for expulsion and referred to police.

Moccia said that 90 percent of first-time substance abusers do not repeat their offense. He said often the students are using illegal substances because of issues in their personal lives.

The school policy is to make sure students are provided a substance abuse team that includes the school nurse, guidance counselor, parents and others.

Moccia said through this process school administrators often find that the students are suffering because of personal issues and once they are addressed and the student realizes they can get help from the school, the abuse disappears.

“We want them to grow and learn,” Moccia said of the support they give the students.

According to figures provided by Moccia, there have been 22 students involved in illegal substance activity this year and of those only two are repeat offenders. Last year there were 31 offenders and no repeaters, he said.

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