Glenbard District 87 school board candidates debate athletic code

Glenbard High School District 87 school board candidate Mary Ozog says she's not looking to dramatically change the code that determines discipline for students involved in athletics who consume alcohol and other controlled substances or attend parties where they're present.

But some of the five other candidates vying for three spots on the board in the April 7 election - Margaret DeLaRosa, Brian Loftus, Martha Mueller, L.J. Spasovski and Tom Trefilek - are not as convinced the policy is where it needs to be.

Last summer, the district's athletic code came under fire from community members after about 29 student-athletes were suspended for portions of their seasons for attending one or more parties where alcohol was present.

The current athletic code says student-athletes are not allowed to use or possess any illegal or controlled substances, including alcohol. They also cannot attend, host or plan parties where others are using or in possession of such substances.

Those who violate the policy for the first time but successfully complete an approved rehab program are suspended from 20 percent of scheduled contests for their sport. If athletes commit a second violation, they are suspended for one season.

Administrators recently presented recommended changes to the athletic and activity codes, which included creating one extracurricular code that would cover both athletics and other extracurricular activities, forming a parent-teacher advisory committee and creating a clear investigative process into violations.

The proposed extracurricular code would include language from existing district policy.

If the recommended changes went into effect, it would not change the disciplinary structure.

Under the proposal, students involved in sports or clubs who attend but do not drink at parties where alcohol is present could still be suspended from their activities. Those who self-report their violations within 72 hours may be eligible for a reduced punishment.

Incumbent Ozog said it's a great idea to bring other clubs under the same umbrella as athletics.

Other than that, Ozog said, she supports the current policy.

"In essence, I am behind the way we are going to continue with our policy," she said. "I think the key is that these students understand the policy and I think as it works right now, it's a strong deterrent to behaviors we are trying to prevent."

Incumbent Tom Trefilek agreed, saying he supports the recommendations and keeping the current disciplinary structure.

But Brian Loftus said he wants the code to incorporate a less severe punishment for those who attend gatherings where alcohol or other substances are present but do not use them.

"You're not committing a crime if you're at a party but you're not consuming," Loftus said.

Loftus said he would like parents brought in earlier during investigations into possible violations of the code.

Martha Mueller also said students facing serious disciplinary actions should be given the opportunity to have a parent or guardian present "before any conversation continues."

She said she hopes the board continues to communicate with parents before making any "drastic changes" to the code of conduct.

"We all agree that underage drinking is not acceptable," Mueller said in an email. "But why punish those kids who made the right choice to leave but were disciplined anyway?"

Margaret DeLaRosa said she would like to figure out if the current consequences are effective. She also said she does not think an extra committee should be created, and that such work should be part of the existing district committee structure.

But DeLaRosa stressed the district and parents need to be on the same page.

"I think the strongest way for us to send a message is that if we're united in our message," she said.

L.J. Spasovski could not be reached for comment.