1. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings:

• A. “Chemical health coordinator” means a person who serves as the coordinator of a local school administrative unit’s chemical primary and secondary prevention and education program.

2. Local programs. School units may institute special programs to address health and related problems.

To further these objectives, school units may employ specialized personnel such as chemical health coordinators and others knowledgeable about substance use and may cooperate with public and private agencies in substance use disorder education, prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation referral and related programs.

1. Personnel. The commissioner shall appoint, subject to the Civil Service Law, supervisors and consultants knowledgeable about substance use.

2. Technical assistance. The department, through its supervisors and consultants, shall offer technical assistance to public and approved private schools and cooperating community-based organizations to aid in the establishment and implementation of school-based substance use disorder programs and health education curricula.

3. Cooperation; coordination. The department shall carry out its planning activities related to alcohol and drug education and prevention.

4. Information collection and sharing. The Department of Education is authorized to gather information about substance use disorder prevention and intervention programs initiated by state or federal agencies whose efforts are directed toward private and public schools of the State, for the purpose of sharing that information with school administrative units.

In compliance with written school policy adopted by a school board, the school board may require that a student who has been determined to be in violation of school rules governing substance use or alcohol or drug possession participate in a substance use assessment, education or support group service offered by the school. The school board shall provide for notice to the parents or legal guardian of a student required to participate in such services. If the school board elects to do so, it may request a parent or legal guardian to participate in the services.

To the fullest extent possible, the Commissioner of Education shall coordinate all elementary and secondary school substance use disorder education programs administered by the Department of Education and funded under the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 with programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. The Commissioner of Education shall participate in planning, budgeting and evaluation of substance use disorder programs and ensure that substance use disorder education programs administered by the Department of Education that involve any community participation are coordinated with available treatment services.

Nothing in this section interferes with the authority of the Department of Education to receive and allocate federal funds under the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986.