The Cloquet Public School District board voted Dec. 8 to revise the district’s chemical‑eligibility penalties so they align with Minnesota State High School League guidance, following a working‑session discussion that emphasized counseling and keeping students connected to activities.

Board members raised concerns that the district’s existing policy — in place for decades — could exclude students from extracurriculars for long periods and remove them from protective relationships with coaches and staff. "It's counterintuitive to take these kids away from other ambitious kids, take them away from coaches and adults that are caring and trusted," an unidentified board member said during the working session, arguing the policy felt "antiquated." The board cited a rise this year in students reaching higher‑tier penalties (three or more offenses) as a reason to reconsider the approach.

Administrators explained the district previously had tiered penalties that could carry over multiple seasons (examples cited included 12 consecutive contests or season‑long suspensions). They said counseling options have in the past reduced first‑offense penalties (for example, from longer suspensions to two weeks or two games) and that the proposed change would keep consequence while formalizing counselor involvement and referrals to outside specialists when needed.

Superintendent‑level staff and school counselors told the board counselors will assess students and, where appropriate, connect families to outside agencies because in‑district staff are not addiction specialists. "We're not in‑house; we don't have that training, but our counseling staff will assess them and connect with outside agencies if we need to go that route," an administrator said.

At the regular meeting later the same night, a motion to approve the policy updates was moved and seconded and the board voted in favor with no recorded opposition. The board directed that the revised language align the district with Minnesota State High School League standards while ensuring guidance counselors participate in assessment and resource‑connection for affected students.

Board members said the change aims to balance accountability and student supports so that extracurricular participation can remain an avenue for intervention rather than punishment that drives students away from school. The board motion carried; the policy amendment is adopted as approved and will be implemented according to the district's usual policy revision procedures.