By JIM BUTLER

The alternative program has worked with 321 Rapides students, according to a report at this month’s School Board Education Committee.

The Alternative Positive Program for Students is a way to keep expelled, long-term suspended (more than 10 days) and students with academic or behavioral issues in school.

The number in this month’s report is less than two percent of the parish student population. Almost 140 completed their stay or were released early.

Of the total, males numbered 220, females 101; 207 are African American, 112 Caucasian.

Drug use or possession was by far the most frequent reason for a student being placed at the Mason Street school – 104 (nearly one of every 3).

Tobacco or alcohol use/possession accounted for 20 more.

Fighting, 76, and “other serious offenses”, 37, landed another one-third at the campus.

According to the report, Pineville High had 57 students in the program, followed by Tioga High with 42, Alexandria Senior High 40, Peabody Magnet High 36, Buckeye High 23, Rapides High 11, Oak Hill High 10, Bolton High/Academy 6, and Northwood High 5.

Ninth-graders led the student count at 82. Grades 6-8 accounted for a total of 90 more.

Other grades and count – 10th 71; 11th 41; 12th 28.