Santa Cruz County Grand Jury • 2008-2009

PDF of complete 2008-09 Grand Jury Final Report and Responses

Published: June 25, 2009 88 pages Consolidated Report

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⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings 27 findings

CHKS analysis, as reported in the chart below, shows that the number of SVUSD fifth graders who ever used alcohol had increased by 15 percentage points in less than three years. The findings also indicate that fewer fifth graders had the perception that alcohol is bad in 2007 compared to 2004. California Healthy Kids Survey Data for SVUSD Percentages for Fall 2004 and Spring 2007 for Students in Grades 5 SVUSD Fifth Grade Fall 2004 Spring 2007 CA Healthy Kids Survey Ever used alcohol 25% 40% Perception Alcohol is Bad 74% 48% No Response Required

The CHKS analysis for SVUSD seventh, ninth, and eleventh graders is reported in the chart below. The statistics indicate that using alcohol once in life, during the last 30 days, and being drunk at school had slightly increased from 2004 to 2007. In 2007, fifty percent of eleventh grade students reported being sick from using alcohol as compared to 41 percent in 2004. However, the perception that alcohol is bad remains high through the surveyed years. California Healthy Kids Survey Data for SVUSD Percentages for Fall 2004 and Spring 2007 for Students in Grades 7, 9, and 11 Grade 7 Grade 7 Grade 9 Grade 9 Grade 11 Grade 11 CHKS Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring 2004 2007 2004 2007 2004 2007 Once in life 12% 14% 37% 36% 61% 65% Last 30 days 5% 11% 18% 22% 35% 38% Drunk-school 1% 1% 9% 13% 18% 22% Sick – alcohol 3% 5% 19% 22% 41% 50% Binge 30 days 2% 2% 9% 12% 20% 22% Alcohol is Bad 94% 95% 89% 95% 93% 91% Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 5 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses No Response Required

Community agencies administered the 2007 Youth Survey that confirmed the CHKS findings. Scotts Valley teens were included in the surveys. The results indicated that county teens and families demonstrated high cultural acceptance of alcohol and drugs and that many parents believe alcohol is not a problem. Findings included: • Students have easy access to alcohol and other drugs from social and commercial sources. • Santa Cruz County ranked sixth highest out of 58 counties in the state for binge drinking. • Seventy-three percent of youth report receiving alcohol from adults they know. • Sixty-six percent of adults believe parental intervention would have no impact on alcohol consumption by underage youth. • When high-risk youth are suspended or expelled for using alcohol, they do not receive any intervention services. No Response Required

From elementary to high school, SVUSD site administrators reported that they review CHKS results and measure its accuracy compared to actual student issues and performance that they observe and handle on a daily basis. At the elementary and middle schools, the CHKS information is evaluated against actual student behaviors on campus to determine the validity of student answers. If there is a discrepancy between the CHKS survey and experience, the information in question is included in the annual site survey administered by the school. No Response Required

Administrators at the high school review the CHKS findings. However the administration does not make the information available to staff members who work closest to students. These staff members were not involved in prevention and intervention planning. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – DISAGREES On March 5, 2008, a training in recognizing symptoms of teen drug use was provided to the staff of Scotts Valley High School, with participation required of all personnel. The training included trends in teen drug use and a presentation and discussion of the findings from the 2007 California Healthy Kids Survey. In addition, the results of the CHKS are discussed and considered at all school sites, including the high school, in the development of the sites’ School Safety Plan and the Single Plan for Student Achievement. Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses

District and site administrators were asked if they thought the CHKS information was a reliable assessment of student alcohol use. All site administrators agreed that alcohol usage is a problem and that the statistics were important in identifying student perceptions and trends. However district administration did not believe the CHKS results were relevant and should not be used to determine if an issue is important or not. District officials felt the data was unreliable because the children taking the survey did not need the results for grades or for themselves; therefore they were not honest in their answers. Further, district administration believes teen alcohol use is a “community problem” which needs to be resolved by the community rather than the district. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – DISAGREES This summary by the Grand Jury does not accurately reflect the opinion of district administration or the comments district administrators made to Grand Jury members. The administration does recognize that students use alcohol, that it is a community problem, and that schools are an essential partner in the community response to the problem. The administration recognizes the importance of data provided by the CHKS, and makes use of survey findings in assessing needs and developing student services. Research shows that in anonymous, confidential surveys (like the CHKS) there is a high degree of validity in student answers—even with sensitive questions (O’Malley, Johnston, Bachman & Schulenberg, 2002). A few students may under- report any given behavior, but there are also those who will over-report instead, resulting in a balancing out. However, the introduction of WestEd’s Technical Report of the CHKS data stresses the need to utilize multiple sources of information: “It is important to interpret these results with caution. Results can be significantly impacted by response rates, the type of parental consent used (passive or active), gender differences, regional variations and other issues…. The CHKS is only one of many data sources.” Other data include information from law enforcement, counseling and intervention professionals, parents and students. District personnel analyze CHKS data, discuss it with staff, and provide instruction and appropriate interventions to lessen risky student behaviors, including use of alcohol, based in part on CHKS responses.

SVUSD Board Policy 5030 (a-e) Student Wellness was adopted on April 22, 2008. As required by law, a Health and Wellness Committee was formed to create the policy and present it to the board for approval. Agendas and attendance documents were provided but minutes of the meeting were not available. The wellness policy focuses primarily on nutrition and physical activity. Other factors such as alcohol and drug intervention and prevention are not mentioned in the policy. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District - AGREES “Other factors such as alcohol and drug intervention and prevention” are addressed in Board Policy 5131.6 (a-d), provided to the Grand Jury during their investigation and acknowledged by the Grand Jury in Finding # 8, immediately below. Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 7 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses

SVUSD Board Policy 5131.6 (a-d) and Administrative Regulation 5131.6 (a-b) clearly define a comprehensive process for developing district programs related to alcohol and other drugs, but the Jury found no evidence that substantiates the existence of a district-developed comprehensive program to comply with Board Policy 5131.6. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – DISAGREES The Policy is as described. Information and documentation were provided to the Grand Jury in November, 2008, at both the district and site levels to show the existence of a comprehensive program to comply with Board Policy. The heart of the program is a research-based program, Too Good For Drugs (TGFD), taught to all students in kindergarten through ninth grade. This program is supplemented by resiliency-themed lessons in literature in all grades and supported in science and physical education classes at all sites, where students learn the physiological consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Mandatory assemblies for all students and staff at the secondary sites center around the dangers of drug and alcohol use; presenters include students and staff, community members, and officers from the Scotts Valley Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. Additional interventions and supports for individual students and groups are provided by counselors at all levels and by a Youth Services Counselor at the secondary level funded jointly by the district and the Scotts Valley Rotary Club. The Scotts Valley Police Department provides DARE training for fifth grade students. City and county agencies provide regular assemblies to make students aware of the consequences of risky behaviors.

SVUSD introduced revised Board Policy 5144.1 (a-d) Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process in April 2007. The policy has a zero-tolerance clause that was intended to help eliminate the lax attitude toward alcohol and drug usage by students. Under this policy first-time alcohol or drug offenders are suspended for five days. Students who violate the policy twice are recommended for expulsion. Parents are contacted and the police may be involved depending upon the circumstances. When a suspended student returns to school, at least one counseling session is mandatory. A voluntary eight-week after-school program is available. Some school personnel voiced the opinion that the zero-tolerance approach was very punitive and that the school district did not have many alternatives to suspension/expulsion. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – PARTIALLY DISAGREES The zero tolerance approach as defined in BP 5144.1 applies explicitly to “serious offenses in accordance with state and federal law. This approach makes the removal of potentially dangerous students from the classroom a top priority….” The district has a zero-tolerance policy with regard to drug use only in that students found using drugs on campus are suspended. It is the philosophy of the district that drug-free campuses are critical to students’ safety and learning. Participation in the eight-week counseling program is not voluntary; this program is a requirement for students suspended for drug use. The program is also available on a volunteer basis for 8 Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses students who self-refer or who are referred by their parents to participate in drug use counseling. It should also be noted that the California Education Code requires the

F10

Scotts Valley City Council adopted a Social Host Ordinance in November 2008. The ordinance allows law enforcement to hold accountable the host of a gathering where alcohol is served to, consumed by, or in possession of minors. Fines for hosting such gatherings can range from $250 to $1,000 in a twelve month period. Response: Scotts Valley Police Department – AGREES

F11

Scotts Valley Police Department no longer provides a School Resource Officer (SRO) on the high school campus. The role of the SRO is to deter crime activity on campus and be accessible to students to create a positive relationship as well as act as a mentor. District and site officials stated that they would like to have a law enforcement officer return to the high school campus. Response: Scotts Valley Police Department – AGREES Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – PARTIALLY AGREES The school district remains firmly supportive of returning an SRO at the high school campus. This important position was funded by the district through use of categorical and grant funds. The SRO was eliminated due to understaffing at the Police Department, and school district resources for the position were redirected to pay for campus supervisors. The district is in ongoing communication with the Police Department and will work to reestablish the SRO position as soon as police staffing allows.

F12

SVHS school officials indicated that the lack of surveillance cameras at the high school limits the ability to detect student alcohol use on campus. Instead, the school uses the following methods to curtail the use of alcohol and drugs on campus: • Three aides supervise the campus and parking lots. • The principal and assistant principal assist with supervision. • The campus is closed during school to prevent students from leaving campus. • Students have no lockers. • Five breathalyzers are used to monitor students at special events such as dances. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – PARTIALLY AGREES Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 9 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses While the methods currently in place to curtail alcohol use on campus may not be as effective as surveillance cameras, they nevertheless demonstrate the district’s commitment to make the best use of existing resources. The most recent data from the CHKS show that although 25% of Scotts Valley 9 graders and 36% of 11 graders th th have used alcohol in the past month, only 5% of 9 graders and 1% of 11 graders th th report using alcohol on school property during that time. The district intends to continue to aggressively monitor and deter student alcohol and other drug use on campus.

F13

County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Alcohol and Drug Services personnel indicated that when high-risk youth who use alcohol are suspended or expelled they receive minimal prevention services. Therefore the County has implemented alternatives to suspension and expulsion that have reaped more favorable results. For example, the Seven Challenges program introduced in Santa Cruz City Schools is a reduction-of-suspension option that allows students an early return to the classroom by participation in the program. The program keeps students attending school and engaged in academic work. In addition, the district can claim average daily attendance funding for those students rather than lose the funding when students are suspended. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – PARTIALLY DISAGREES As stated in the response to Findings #8 and #9 above, Scotts Valley High does have a program that provides prevention services to reduce at-risk behaviors that might lead to suspensions and expulsions, as well as an intervention program for students suspended for alcohol or other drug use. This program, Assessment. Information. Management (AIM), is provided by Youth Services. AIM is an eight-week program similar to the Seven Challenges program mentioned above that teaches student about abuse, addiction and dependence, and increases their awareness of the physical, emotional and social risks and consequences of using alcohol and drugs. Additional information about the program is attached (Attachment A, pages 25 and 26 of this report). SVUSD does not provide an “in-house suspension” option similar to that provided by the County to the Santa Cruz School District due to lack of resources and the low rate of student suspensions compared to other districts in the county. The high school has instituted other county programs, however, including Teen Peer Court and Real DUI Court in School (including an evening Town Hall Community meeting). Students have participated individually or as an entire student body, as appropriate to the activity.

F14

SVHS students who have been suspended for alcohol or drug use can meet with a certified counselor two days a week for individual sessions and after-school group sessions. The counselor is only required to see students who have been suspended. All other counseling is voluntary on the student’s part. The Scotts Valley Rotary Club sponsors the counseling program. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – DISAGREES 10 Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses Students who have been suspended on drug-related charges MUST attend the Rotary Club sponsored sessions offered by the Youth Services counselor. Other students MAY attend the sessions through parents, staff or self referral.

F15

The elementary schools no longer have a district-hired counselor. The position was eliminated as part of a budget reduction during the 2007-2008 school year. Administrators and staff have assumed many of the duties of the counselor and each elementary school has an intern from John F. Kennedy University to provide counseling for twelve students each week. Site administrators believe having a counselor is important because it is easier for students to speak honestly to a third party, rather than to teachers or the principal. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – PARTIALLY AGREES Counselors provide important services to students and are provided and funded by the district as described above. Site administrators believe having a counselor is important not necessarily “because it is easier for students to speak honestly to a third party” but because counselors have specialized training to meet severe social/emotional needs and have more time to spend with the students in a counseling capacity than do administrators or classroom teachers.

F16

SVHS administrators stated that they have not implemented peer counseling and conflict resolution programs that engage students in problem solving and decision making. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – PARTIALLY AGREES Instruction on strategies for positive social relationships and conflict resolution are part of the curriculum throughout the grade levels; specific lessons are part of the Too Good For Drugs curriculum. Additional peer counseling training has not been provided at the secondary sites in part because of limited resources.

F17

The SVUSD leaves the implementation of alcohol and drug programs primarily to site administration and as a result, programs offered vary widely throughout the district. The suspension/expulsion policy is one of the few district-wide strategies to address alcohol and drug use among students. Per district officials, other priorities such as student achievement, special education, and budgetary challenges take precedence over the development of prevention and intervention programs. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – DISAGREES SVUSD provides a district-wide alcohol and drug abuse prevention program, as described above. Suspension and expulsion are a necessary component to ensure the safety of all students and promote a campus environment conducive to learning. The district recognizes that preventing alcohol and drug use is itself a critical element in advancing student achievement. While the district does face unprecedented budgetary Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 11 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses challenges, it continues to demonstrate its commitment to alcohol and other drug prevention and intervention.

F18

SVUSD elementary and middle schools have a variety of programs in place to address alcohol and drug use. The activities are based at schools and include programs that address self esteem, empowerment, resilience, learning styles, and conflict resolution. The district-adopted curriculum Too Good for Drugs is used at all levels. No Response Required

F19

The high school offers a ninth -grade health class that addresses drug and alcohol issues. The course incorporates the Too Good for Drugs curriculum and other resources provided by the teacher. Too Good for Drugs has three core components: one curriculum for ninth and tenth- grade students, another for eleventh and twelfth-grade students, and staff development for educators. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – AGREES

F20

County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Alcohol and Drug Program, the United Way, and Santa Cruz County Office of Education have a variety of programs available to districts throughout the county to assist with curbing teen alcohol use. The County has actively solicited districts to participate in evidence-based programs, many of which are offered through grant funds. Programs include: Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol, Seven Challenges, Responsible Alcohol Merchant Awards, Friday Night Live, Project CURB, Teen Peer Court and Town Hall Meetings. No Response Required

F21

Santa Cruz City Schools district is currently implementing the Seven Challenges program at Santa Cruz High School and is expanding the program to all other high schools in the district next year. No Response Required

F22

Districts throughout the county have the opportunity to participate in the Together for Youth Collaborative. No Response Required

F23

The Scotts Valley Police Department provides Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) to the elementary, middle and high school students in SVUSD. The program is taught by a police officer and provides a series of classroom lessons that 12 Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses teach student how to resist peer pressure and live productive, drug-free and violence- free lives. In addition, the police department sponsors Red Ribbon Week held the last week of October. The Red Ribbon Week campaign asks students to pledge a drug free life through drug education and prevention activities. Response: Scotts Valley Police Department – PARTIALLY AGREES The Scotts Valley Police Department provides D.A.R.E. instruction to Elementary and Middle School Students, but not high school students. The Scotts Valley Police Department does provide a Lieutenant who teaches a Regional Occupation Program (R.O.P.) criminal justice class at Scotts Valley High School.

F24

At the time of the interviews, high school administrators and staff members were unfamiliar with programs and services within the County that assist with prevention and intervention of alcohol and drug use among students. Since the Grand Jury’s interview with the administration at Scotts Valley High School (SVHS), two DUI sentencing hearings were held on campus. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – PARTIALLY AGREES The staff were not fully aware of all programs available through county agencies; however, staff are familiar with, and make use of, many programs available through outside agencies. Staff have contacted agencies noted in the Grand Jury report to request information about resources available to the district. In addition to the two DUI sentencing hearings, which were scheduled prior to the Grand Jury interview, a Town Hall meeting was held for parents on the subject of teen alcohol abuse in cooperation with law enforcement and other non-profit agencies. Students participate in Peer Court and Friday Night Live activities.

F25

San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District recently held a town hall meeting for parents about teen alcohol abuse on February 26, 2009. County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Alcohol and Drug Program sponsored the event. No Response Required

F26

A Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge, the Mayor of Scotts Valley, the Chief of Police of Scotts Valley, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Alcohol and Drug Program, and approximately fifteen parents, students, and staff attended a Town Hall meeting on April 28, 2009 at SVHS. No Response Required Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 13 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses

F27

Student leaders facilitated the town hall meeting and presented recent student responses on the Scotts Valley Youth Survey administered in April 2009 at SVHS. Highlights from the study indicate the following: • 52.1% of youth ages 14-18 get access to alcohol fairly easily. • 46.9% get alcohol from friends over 21. • 31.6% get alcohol from home without parental knowledge. • 56.2% drink alcohol at parties without parent/adults in the home. • 44.7% believe alcohol helps them feel comfortable in social situations. • 41.5% state alcohol is used to relieve boredom. • 38% state alcohol makes it easier to deal with stress or to relax. No Response Required Conclusions

Recommendations 12

R1

SVUSD officials should provide leadership, direction, and support to schools, parents, students, and community to launch a united effort aimed at reducing the life- threatening behaviors associated with teen drinking. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED As demonstrated in the responses above, the district has taken the lead in coordinating support from law enforcement, non-profit agencies and the business community to respond to this community-wide problem.
R2

SVUSD should develop a better understanding of the reliability and relevance of CHKS information. In addition, an analysis of the county, state, and national trends would add a broader perspective from which to view the magnitude of the teen drinking problem in the district. CHKS results from county organizations should be available for review by teachers, counselors, parents, and students. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED The district disagrees that it lacks “understanding of the reliability and relevance of the CHKS information.” District personnel have worked with the County Office of Education to implement the survey and plan for county-wide analysis and press conferences to increase public awareness of the key findings. Administrators review district-level CHKS data, discuss it with staff, use the data when developing the site safety plans, and provide instruction and appropriate interventions to lessen risky student behaviors, including use of alcohol. This includes a comparison to county and state data, as provided in the reports received from WestEd, Ind. SVUSD was the first school district in Santa Cruz County to share the CHKS results in public with the Board of Trustees. CHKS results continue to be presented to the public at a Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 15 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses regularly scheduled meeting of the Board following the receipt of the aggregated data. Data are presented by principals to their site staffs and are a basis for development of each site’s school safety plan and, as such, are reviewed by each site’s School Site Council made up of parents, staff and students.
R3

The student wellness policy in SVUSD should be expanded to include other health- related issues such as intervention and prevention of alcohol and drug use among Scotts Valley students. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED “The intervention and prevention of alcohol and drug use among Scotts Valley students” is already thoroughly addressed in Board Policy 5131.6 (a-d) Alcohol and Other Drugs and accompanying Administrative Regulations. The Student Wellness Policy BP 5030 specifically cites BP 5131.6 as an essential component. The district follows the policy recommendations of the California School Boards Association by adopting the two policies separately, as do most school districts in the state.
R4

The SVUSD Board of Education should acknowledge the alcohol problem among teens and prioritize the development of a comprehensive plan as stipulated in Board Policy and Regulations 5131 (a-d) Alcohol and Other Drugs. The plan should incorporate proven evidence-based strategies that provide assistance to students with alcohol and drug problems. A coalition of school staff, parents, students, and outside agencies should be organized to develop and monitor the comprehensive plan. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED The district has repeatedly acknowledged that alcohol use among teens is a serious problem, that it is the role of the district to have a district-wide program to address this, and that data on effectiveness of programs and interventions should be regularly reviewed. The district maintains a comprehensive array of coordinated, evidence- based services and involves the entire school community in planning and review. As directed in BP 5131.6, the district uses a scientifically based prevention curriculum, Too Good for Drugs, which has been recognized as a model program by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This program is supplemented by instruction throughout the grades in decision making and resiliency skills. Students are made aware of district and school site expectations for students’ healthful behaviors through such means as student handbooks and rules, discussions in classrooms at the beginning of each school year, and assemblies throughout the year. Discussion by parents, staff, students and community members occur in various ways at each school site, including by groups of staff and community members in development of annual improvement goals for site safety plans and Single Plans for Student Achievement. Intervention is provided at each site through district counseling programs, supplemented by more intensive counseling when necessary by a Youth Service counselor. Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses Comparison of the 2007 CHKS data with 2009 CHKS data (percent of Scotts Valley High students compared to national percentages) suggest that the district programs are effective in some areas, although not in all, in reducing risky student alcohol behaviors. 9th Grade 2007 9th Grade 2009 11th Grade 2007 11th Grade 2009 SVHS Nation SVHS Nation SVHS Nation SVHS Nation Ever drink 36% 67% 45% 67% 65% 76% 56% 79% alcohol? Drink alcohol in 22% 36% 25% 37% 38% 46% 36% 53% past 30 days? Ever been drunk? 22% - 29% - 50% - 37% - Ever drunk/high 13% - 17% - 22% 24% - at school? 95% - 90% - 91% 97% - Believe frequent use of alcohol is harmful? Interestingly, the outcomes of the survey are generally positive in most alcohol- related areas surveyed for students who are currently in Grade 11 at Scotts Valley High; they are less positive for incoming 9 graders, indicating that perhaps more th attention needs to be paid at the middle school level rather than at the high school level, as suggested by the Grand Jury.
R5

SVUSD should work with Scotts Valley Police Department to reinstate the School Resource Officer to the high school campus when budgetary restrictions allow. Response: Scotts Valley Police Department – HAS NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED BUT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE AGREES - This has not been implemented, but will be in the future. The Scotts Valley Police Department and Scotts Valley Unified School District are both committed to reinstating a School Resource Officer (SRO) at the high school as soon as staffing and budgets allow. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE FUTURE The School Resource Officer is vacant not because of “budgetary restrictions,” but because the Scotts Valley Police Department (SVPD) is temporarily understaffed. It is the intent of the district and the SVPD to reinstate the position when conditions allow. The district continues to enjoy an excellent partnership with the SVPD. The officers provide a regular positive presence on district campuses, are always available to site personnel and students when needed, provide Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programs at school sites, support drug abuse resistance assemblies, and support Red Ribbon Week on district campuses. Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 17 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses
R6

SVUSD should have a suspension reduction policy linked to intervention programs to reduce the number of students suspended for alcohol use and to engage students in a common-sense approach to addressing alcohol and drug issues. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED In its 2001-02 Report, the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury found that “Despite the state-mandated ‘zero-tolerance’ policy, school officials have not been able to provide a drug-free environment for students” (2001-2002 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report, “Substance Abuse in Santa Cruz County High Schools: Consequences and Responsibility,” Conclusion 2). The Grand Jury recommended that “Santa Cruz County high school administrations should explore more effective and realistic ways to enforce the state-mandated ‘zero-tolerance’ policy regarding drugs on campus” (“Substance Abuse,” Recommendation 2). While the district lacks the internal and external resources to provide a suspension alternatives program, its existing counseling intervention program is specifically designed to decrease continued and accelerated alcohol and other drug use by students that would result in additional suspensions and expulsions. Current district policy accomplishes the goal of ensuring campus safety without resulting in a disproportionately high rate of student suspensions and expulsions. According to 2004-2008 data from the California Department of Education Safe and Healthy Kids Program Office, Scotts Valley students represented approximately 7.2% of the total county enrollment, but make up only 3.1% of the total number of suspensions for violence and drug-related offenses and 0.6% of expulsions for violence and drug-related offenses. SVUSD as Enrollment Violence/Drug Total percentage of Expulsion Suspension Expulsion Suspension the County 2007-08 6.9% 6.7% 0.8% 5.6% 0.4% 2006-07 7.1% 0.9% 1.0% 0.6% 0.8% 2005-06 7.3% 4.4% 0.5% 3.0% 0.6% 2004-05 7.4% 0.5% 0.1% 0.3% 0.4% 7.2% 3.1% 0.6% 2.3% 0.5% Four Year Average The district has taken a proactive stance to prevent drug use and abuse, and to intervene quickly and positively. As the data above indicate, suspensions and expulsions are low relative to other districts in the county in part because of the district’s prevention and intervention programs.
R7

SVUSD should find innovative ways to expand counseling services at the elementary level. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – HAS BEEN PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED 18 Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses When funding was cut back last year, the district developed a partnership with JFK University to provide district-funded counseling interns for the elementary schools. The district continues to investigate options, and is severely restricted by the lack of resources.
R8

SVUSD and SVHS should utilize county and outside agency resources that assist students with alcohol and other drug prevention and intervention. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – HAS BEEN PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED The district has taken advantage of resources such as Youth Services counseling, the DUI Court in School program, and Friday Night Live student activities. In addition, the district has worked with the City of Scotts Valley, which adopted a Social Host Ordinance in November, 2008, and the Scotts Valley Police Department to support prevention and intervention services. In addition to district-supported counseling services, the Scotts Valley Rotary Club provides funding to maintain intervention counseling for students at risk of drug use and abuse. The district has taken steps to learn more about county resources and to implement them when possible and appropriate to meet identified needs. The district is currently participating in a North County initiative called Reduction of Alcohol Abuse Program (RAAP), the purpose of which is to obtain grant funding for additional counseling services to reduce youth alcohol abuse through effective prevention and early intervention programs.
R9

All staff members who teach or counsel students regarding alcohol prevention should be part of the planning team that addresses prevention and intervention solutions. The many resources provided through county agencies should be available for use by staff. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS The district agrees with the recommendation. Reduced staffing and funding have limited additions we can make to curriculum and services at this time. The district and high school administration are in the process of investigating county agency resources to see what would be reasonable for our schools to use.
R10

SVHS should incorporate the Too Good for Drugs program into the core curriculum for tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED While this might be an appropriate recommendation if time were available, the need to focus on State Standards in all the core courses and to meet the mandates of the International Baccalaureate curriculum leave little or no time to teach additional Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 19 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses lessons or programs. Instead, teachers incorporate the tenets of drug abuse prevention curriculum when appropriate in physical education classes, science, history and English.
R11

SVHS should consider offering more health classes especially for eleventh and twelfth grade students to bridge learning with life experiences. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED Because of severe budget restrictions, many current courses at the high school level are averaging between 35 and 40 students. To provide additional elective courses in this financial climate would raise class sizes in required courses and is neither realistic nor advisable.
R12

SVHS should involve students in self-help strategies such as peer counseling and conflict resolution, as well as countywide programs such as Friday Night Live and the Together for Youth collaborative. Response: Scotts Valley Unified School District – REQUIRES FURTHER ANALYSIS Staff is currently investigating the availability of community resources and will implement those that are available and appropriate. Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses

Conclusions 38

CL1

Although SVUSD is not responsible for student drinking and the social problems connected with alcohol, students in the district would benefit greatly if chief officials of SVUSD would champion the areas of prevention and intervention of alcohol and drug usage among teens. By acknowledging the problem and joining forces with other agencies, the district could give students tools to curb life-threatening teen drinking.
CL2

The Student Wellness policy addresses the letter of the law by focusing on nutrition and physical activity. However, the policy does not address other health issues such as alcohol abuse that threaten the wellness of students.
CL3

SVUSD has a board policy on alcohol and other drugs that clearly defines the parameters for a comprehensive plan for prevention and intervention. However, the district has not coordinated the development of the plan as outlined in the policy.
CL4

The district’s use of suspension and expulsion as a primary intervention for student alcohol use is ineffective and does not provide enough support for students to change behaviors and make healthy decisions. The zero-tolerance policy does not solve the problem of alcohol abuse among the students in Scotts Valley and does not have long-term impact on prevention. More positive approaches to prevention are being utilized in the county, including the Seven Challenges program in Santa Cruz City Schools which is gaining popularity and is a win-win for districts and students.
CL5

SVHS has implemented very few prevention and intervention programs to educate students on the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
CL6

The School Resource Officer provided by the police department was a valuable asset to the high school campus.
CL7

Elementary and middle school administrators in SVUSD have appropriately addressed the needs of students and introduced programs to deal with the many facets of student wellness. 14 Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses
CL8

Despite efforts to use other resources at the elementary level to fill in for a district- hired counselor, there continues to be a void. Interventions with troubled students would be enhanced by having a staff counselor.
CL9

High school staff members who work directly with students during health classes and after alcohol and drug violations are familiar with the pressures that students face with reference to alcohol and drug usage. Although they are on the front line of working with students, they are not familiar with the CHKS responses for Scotts Valley students and they are not part of a school-coordinated team to plan and implement programs to prevent alcohol and drug abuse.
CL10

SVHS tenth through twelfth grade students would benefit from the Too Good for Drugs curriculum.
CL11

Student resourcefulness and leadership could be tapped by instituting problem- solving programs such as peer counseling and conflict resolution.
CL12

SVUSD and SVHS personnel have been reluctant to participate in county-offered programs and activities.
CL13

The County could realize significant savings through more effective utilization of the CAL-Card program and by reducing reliance on the costly purchase order system.
CL14

County departments avoid using the CAL-Card system due to spending restrictions and burdensome procedures for processing bills, invoices, and disputes.
CL15

The County’s adherence to old policies and procedures is limiting its ability to recognize potential savings through expanded use of CAL-Card.
CL16

The County does not offer any incentive programs to encourage departments to utilize the CAL-Card program, and the departments do not share in the rebates earned.
CL17

A free optimization audit by Visa and U.S. Bank could provide the County with multiple strategies for increasing the usage of CAL-Card, which could result in significant savings to the County.
CL18

The County has made inadequate progress towards migrating departmental applications off the mainframe in the more-than-five years since the 2002-2003 Grand Jury report.
CL19

The age of the mainframe, the lack of manufacturer support, and the limited number and status of qualified personnel, pose real risks of catastrophic interruption of service and/or loss of critical data.
CL20

The appointment of a new ISD Director in 2007 has proven to be a positive step toward elimination of both internal software development and mainframe reliance.
CL21

The shift in ISD culture, combined with apparent progress after a period of stagnation has resulted in higher levels of customer satisfaction among the departments utilizing ISD services.
CL22

The procedure used to authorize offering the SERP to PVUSD management employees followed district board policy and procedures.
CL23

The Fiscal Cost Analysis document was prepared after the PVUSD Board approved offering the SERP, so the analysis was not used by the Board to make an informed decision.
CL24

The true fiscal impact of the SERP is difficult to determine and the numbers given by the district appear to be guesses rather than statistically based. No one could confidently determine the actual savings to the district.
CL25

Each employee that received a SERP got 95% of their salary over a set amount of time. An offer of less than 95% could have been just as successful and it would have had a positive impact on future savings.
CL26

All PVUSD employees offered the SERP met the district’s qualifying criteria and were treated equally even though their job status in the district was not equal.
CL27

No employee should be authorized to approve benefits for a person who supervises them. It is unwise and subjects the district to criticism from the public. The one contracted employee who reported directly to the PVUSD Board met the criteria for 52 A Tale of a SERP 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses the SERP but did not receive Board approval for the benefit and an amendment to the contract.
CL28

Offering a retirement incentive to an administrator who is already retired and is serving in an interim capacity is not a common practice and verges on misuse represents a questionable allocation of public funds by the PVUSD Board of public funds.
CL29

Both the PVUSD Board and district administrators were unable to provide an accounting for the actual savings generated by the SERP.
CL30

The oversight authority of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education regarding offering a SERP was not clear to district administration.
CL31

Central Stores is inefficiently using warehouse space.
CL32

Central Stores uses outdated record keeping.
CL33

Items that can be cost-effectively supplied by private business on an as-needed basis are instead being ordered in bulk and stored for months before being used.
CL34

The same $100,000 granted under the Help America Vote Act to improve the rented storage space could have been used to update the County-owned warehouse for storage of elections supplies and equipment.
CL35

The Santa Cruz County LAFCO has not ensured compliance with the law requiring adoption of bylaws and parliamentary procedures within a special district.
CL36

The Santa Cruz County LAFCO has no mechanism to verify that parliamentary procedures and bylaws are followed in the operation of special district boards.
CL37

There is no central repository of legally-required special district documents to guarantee public access, review and utilization.
CL38

The Grand Jury believes that minimal oversight and the lack of public access to special district governing documents could create problems within any district.

Commendations 8

CM1

The Grand Jury commends the Scotts Valley Unified School District elementary and middle school administrators for addressing student issues by developing effective strategies and programs to assist students.
CM2

Scotts Valley Police Department is commended for championing the issues of teen alcohol and drug use and for providing consistent community leadership in prevention and intervention awareness programs.
CM3

The Grand Jury commends County of Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency Alcohol and Drug Program for working with other agencies and school districts to develop and implement a variety of programs that decrease the use of alcohol by teens. Responses Required Note: The Scotts Valley Unified School District, the Scotts Valley Board of Education and the Scotts Valley High School consolidated their responses, and their responses are indicated in all cases as responses by the Scotts Valley Unified School District. Respond Within Respondent Findings Recommendations / Respond By Scotts Valley Unified 6 - 9, 11, 13, 90 Days 1 – 8 School District 15, 17 October 1, 2009 Scotts Valley Board 90 Days 7 - 9, 11, 13, 17 1 – 8 of Education October 1, 2009 Scotts Valley 5, 12, 13, 16, 19, 90 Days 8 – 12 High School 24 October 1, 2009 Scotts Valley Police 90 Days 10, 11, 23 5 Department October 1, 2009 Sources Web Sites California Department of Education: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/yd/re/cgjsdatacikkectuib,asp http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/yd/re/cgjsdatacikkectuib,asp http://api.cde.ca.gov/AcntRpt2008/2008GrthAPIdst.aspx?cYear=&allcds=4475432%cCh oice=2008GDst1 http://star.cde.ca.gov/star2008/ReportPanel.asp?ps=true&1stTestYear=20081stTestType =C&ICounty http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf/pftprogram.asp http://www.santacruzhealth.org/cmhs/2alcohol.htm Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 21 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses http://www.mendezfoundation.org/educationcenter/tgfd/index.htm http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/puh/oph/docs/StrategyApprovalGuide.pdf http://samhsa.gov http://www.adp.cahwnet.gov/Prevention/pdf/GPAC_PLAN.PDF http://www.alcoholism.about.com/cs/teens/1/aa000407a.htm http://www.dare.com/kids/pages/dare_world/dw_overview_t.htm http://www.nebraskaprevention.gov/EBP.htm http://www.niaaa.nih.gov http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_tolerance_(schools) http://www.icoe.k12.ca.us/ISC/Underage+Drinking.htm http://www.unitedwaysc.org/CURB.shtml http://www.scotsvalleypd.com/dare_roll.html http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr101501.html Interviews Scotts Valley Unified School District Officials District Administrators Board Members Food Service Management School Administrators and Staff City of Scotts Valley Police Officials County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency Alcohol and Drug Program Administrators Santa Cruz County Office of Education Administration United Way of Santa Cruz County Officials Newspaper Articles Aptos Times Article: “Safe Schools/Healthy Students,” December 1, 2008 Press-Banner Articles: “SV school board candidates address communication, teacher retention,” October 17, 2008 “Your help needed to stop teen drinking,” January 30, 2009 “School trustee ready to listen,” January 30, 2009 “Dunton takes administrative post,” February 13, 2009 “SLV teen drinking, drug use discussed,” March 6, 2009 The Post Articles: “A Letter to Scotts Valley Parents,” January 21-February 2, 2009 Santa Cruz Sentinel Articles: “Trustees OK bonuses despite special-ed funding concerns,” October 29, 2008 22 Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses “Home is where the effort to stop teen drinking is,” November 6, 2008 “Safe Ride program gives teens a lift,” November 13, 2008 “District seeks to revamp school food service,” December 17, 2008 “Teachers angered by administrative hire amid possible layoffs,” February 21, 2009 “Town Hall Meetings,” February 26, 2009 “Students see DUI consequences firsthand,” March 25, 2009 Scotts Valley Times Articles: “School Board Leadership Issues Take Center Stage,” October 1, 2008 “SVUSD Superintendent Silver Sets Her Sights on 2009,” January 1, 2009 Publications/Documents Document Binder provided by SVUSD, October 23, 2008 Board policies and administrative regulations related to student wellness, nutrition, and physical education Categorical program plans and documents such as Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities (SDFSC) and Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) that establish district performance indicators to reduce at-risk behaviors Two years of California Physical Fitness Tests Two years of California Healthy Kids Survey Results Composition and minutes from the local student wellness committee for the past two years Summary of district programs and practices that address student needs and promote student wellness Curriculum addressing student wellness Verification of federal, state, and district funding sources used to implement student wellness programs and/or activities SVUSD, Scotts Valley High School WASC Self-Study Report 2007. Santa Cruz County Healthy Santa Cruz County, 2008 Health Services Agency Drug and Alcohol Program Division Resource Referral Directory Social Host Ordinance November 27. 2007 Santa Cruz County Alcohol and Drug Program Prevention Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives. September 2008 Office of Education, Student Support Services. 2008-2009 Annual Report to the Community California Department of Education: Getting Results, Developing Safe and Healthy Kids, Update 3: Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs, and Violence Prevention: Research Update, Healthy Kids Program Office, 2002 Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 23 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses California Healthy Kids Survey for Scotts Valley Unified Key Findings and Technical Report for grades 5, 7, 9, and 11, Spring 2004 and 2007. Healthy Children Ready to Learn, January 24, 2005 School Nutrition . . . By Design!, Nutrition Services Division, March 14, 2006 Taking Action for Healthy School Environments, 2006 California School Board Association and California Project Lean, Successful Students, 2005 Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Problems, Strategic Plan to Reduce Adolescent and Young Adult Binge Drinking in California. Sacramento, California, May 2004 Imperial County Schools Interagency Steering Committee, Social Host Ordinance Project CURB Policy Brief, Adult Provision & Accountability for Underage Drinking: The Case for Santa Cruz County Social Host Ordinance. November 2007 National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Facts About Alcohol and Adolescent Health. 2004 University of Minnesota, Alcohol Epidemiology Program, Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking: A Guide to Action for Communities Office of the Surgeon General, 2007 U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, School Health Index. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2002 Youth Leadership Institute, Welcome to Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA). 2006 24 Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses Attachment A AIM Assessment. Information. Management SV HIGH SCHOOL DRUG & ALCOHOL GROUP PROGRAM CIRICULM In an effort to serve and support our students and families, a drug & alcohol intervention program was established at SV High School in 2007. This program was suggested and available, and is now required for students caught using or in possession of drugs or alcohol on campus or at school functions. Additionally, the group is open to students for self-referral or on juvenile probation with Santa Cruz or Scotts Valley drug and alcohol diversion programs. Moreover, any SV High School parents who want their child to learn about addiction and relationship to drugs and alcohol are welcome as well. The program format consists of eight one-hour group education/ process series in addition to an individualized substance abuse assessment and individual educational goal planning for each adolescent. Groups meet once a week. Learning objectives are the following: (l) understanding the fundamental concepts of abuse, addiction, and dependence (2) awareness of the physical, emotional and social risks and consequences of using alcohol and drugs. The curriculum is designed to increase teens' ability to accurately self-assess their patterns of substance usage and the life problems they cause. Additionally, counselor meets with parents prior to group beginning as well as each student individually for two meetings as follows: 1st session - (1) substance abuse assessment (2) individual educational goal planning to define student's goals towards making positive life changes/harm reduction 2nd session - Upon completion of group to (l) identify progress towards individual goals (2) identify further need for services and/or support. Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 25 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses Week 1: Introductions ~ Introduce classmate: Confidentiality. Goals. Rules. Structure. "How did you get here?" Hand - outs: Group activity - "Continuum of Use" -- designed to identity/define addiction and phases of drug/alcohol use. Choose goal for 8-week group. WHAT IS ADDICTION? /IDENTIFYING HIGH RISK FACTORS. Pre test survey. Week 2: Check-in's: Handouts. "What's good to you about D & A"? List individually on hand-out; members list positives etc. Education / hand out's Presentation - (1) Alcohol's effects on the body and mind (2) Statistics and facts Counselor led group discussion designed to identify negative experiences when using alcohol regarding alcohol in body/ effects-how it works. Video # 1, #2. Discussion. Week 3: Check -in's. Handouts. "What's bad about D & A?" Educational / hand -out's regarding M/J in body/ effects-how it works. Differences between nicotine and marijuana. Students share personal experiences & points of view regarding addiction. Discussion. Video #3. Group discussion - identifying consequences (legal, social, health, academic) of marijuana and nicotine use Week 4: Check-in's. "What is "Cycle of Addiction?" Handout's - intoxication, abuse, dependence/ tolerance - withdrawal. Video #4. Coping mechanisms. Alternative ways of coping. Presentation - Identifying increased risk of STD infection and drug/alcohol use. STD facts. Q & A Educational forum allowing students to ask specific topic related questions. Discussion. Week 5: Check-in's. Handout's - thinking about where life is heading scale- honest with self / others. Video #5. Impact on family/ friends/ school etc. Presentation - risk factors (genetic, age, social, environmental) Week 6: Check-in's. Guest speaker or Video #6, #7, Brain imaging- chemistry - how D/A work in brain/ reward center activity in adolescents. Discussion/ questions. Week 7: Check-in's. Drug "Jeopardy" psychoeducation game to assess knowledge and make connections from previous group education/ experience. Discussion. All D/A handout. Discussion/ questions. Week 8: Check-in's. 20 Questions handout, Discussion. What did the group do/ not do for you? Address initial goals. Video #8 - denial, discussion. Check-in with focus on progress and/or awareness gained as result of group. Re-examine continuum of use. Group discussion - maintaining positive goals after completing group series. Summary for each member. Closing. Post test survey. 26 Alcohol, A Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens 2008–2009 Santa Cruz County Grand Jury Final Report with Responses For Everything Else There’s CAL-Card 16,800 Rolls Two-Ply Toilet Tissue = $51,597.50 4,660 Economy Storage Files w/Lids = $6,608 The knowledge your tax dollars are being wisely spent… PRICELESS. Summary Santa Cruz County departments rely on a centralized purchasing system to acquire almost $30 million in goods and services to sustain County functions. The processing of purchases costs the County in excess of $500,000 annually in administrative costs. These costs are apportioned to individual departments based on the number of purchase orders processed for each department. Other purchasing options are available to County departments including CAL-Card. CAL-Card is a Visa card offered by U.S. Bank through a contract with the State of California. CAL-Card is used for less than four percent of the total purchases even though it is more efficient, less expensive and provides cash rebates. The numerous restrictions imposed on CAL-Card use, and the cumbersome internal process for billing, dispute resolution, and reconciliation has combined to discourage use of the cards. Restructuring the program could encourage and optimize use of this less expensive purchasing option, and would allow the County to realize substantial savings. Scope The Grand Jury sought to analyze the various methods currently used to purchase goods and services with a focus on taking advantage of more efficient purchasing mechanisms to save money.
CM4

the Board of Education used the proper procedures to authorize and implement the SERP
CM5

employees receiving the SERP qualified for the retirement incentive
CM6

the projected cost savings of the SERP were realized in the next year’s budget
CM7

public funds were used appropriately
CM8

the process was transparent to the public