Sep 27, 2019 2 min read

Charleroi School District is taking a proactive approach to drugs and alcohol.

On Monday, the Charleroi School Board approved a letter of agreement with the “Outside In School of Experiential Education” – a program operated by the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission. The in-school program provides individual, group and/or family counseling sessions for students who are dealing with drug or alcohol problems.

“We don’t necessarily have a need for intervention right now, but it’s important to have a safety net in place, should the need arise,” said Superintendent Ed Zelich during the board’s monthly meeting.

Zelich added that the Outside In program is an extension of other drug and alcohol services that are available to the district.

“If a student is caught vaping, we will arrange for two sessions with a representative from Washington County Drug and Alcohol, who will talk about the dangers of vaporizers and electronic cigarettes. Our goal is to be reformative, rather than punitive. It’s not a ‘gotcha thing.’ We want students to know we are here to help,” he said.

Charleroi School District also has a Student Assistance Program that pairs struggling students with teachers who are trained to address various issues.

Also, during the meeting, the board:

Thanked Business Manager Crystal Clark for her service to the district. Clark will be leaving Charleroi School District to take a similar position with the Belle Vernon Area School District. The district will advertise for the open position, and the board hopes to hire a replacement during its Octobe

• r meeting.
• Hired Stacy Killian as a high school special education teacher.
• Approved repository sales for 11 parcels of property in the borough of Charleroi, Fallowfield Township and North Charleroi Borough.