What you need to know
The partnership is a pre-adjudication initiative, according to the district's May newsletter, focused on education, mentorship and accountability for students who experience their first offense.
About the program
Students found to possess these contraband items and substances can voluntarily participate in the program with their guardians, and will receive an email outlining the program on their first offense. If a student opts in to the program, the offense does not move forward in the court system, according to the district. Rather, students in the program enter a one-year probationary period in which they are provided a structured program with an online educational component, written reflection and weekly mentorship meetings with an officer.
Program timelines vary based on the offense, according to HISD:
- Nicotine: Students with incidents involving nicotine will receive a 60-day in-school suspension.
- THC: Students with offenses involving THC will be placed at the district's alternative education program for 90 days. These offenses also require students and their parents to attend two educational sessions hosted by WCJS. Drug testing will also be conducted at the midpoint of the program and upon completion, according to the district.
What they're saying
“More than half of our criminal investigations in 2024 involved vapes, either THC or nicotine,” said William Edwards, Hutto ISD's chief of police, in the newsletter. “This is our chance to address behavior before students are introduced to the juvenile justice system. The program gives them the information, structure, and support they need to make better choices.”
Did you know?
The program is the first of its kind in Williamson County, according to HISD, and leverages programs that already exist in the district such as the Hutto ISD Police Department and DAEP services.
