JACKSON -- Delinquent behavior from Jackson's junior and senior high school students will result in stiffer penalties when school resumes this fall.

The Jackson School District Board of Education Tuesday approved changes in the student discipline code that affect students who fight; threaten teachers or other school employees; or are caught with drugs or alcohol.

High School Principal Vernon Huck said the changes in the discipline code brings together the policies at both schools.

A major change in the high school code is the penalty for making threats to teachers, school bus drivers, and other staff members. Huck said the change was prompted in part by incidents last year that involved students and school bus drivers.

This year, any student that threatens any school district employee could face suspension or expulsion for the first offense. Previously, the code imposed a four- to eight-hour detention for the first offense.

The penalty for possession of alcohol or drugs, or for students found under the influence of alcohol, also was stiffened. Violators can be suspended for up to eight days.

Also, students with an unexcused absence will be assessed a 2 percent grade cut per day.

On Tuesday the board also approved student accident and school district employees' health insurance packages for the coming school year.

The board renewed the employee health insurance package with Mutual of Omaha for a third year. Business Manager Howard Alexander said there is no increase in the premium because of the good ratio of premiums and claims last year.

The board also voted to continue with the current student accident insurance plan for the 1994-95 year. Coverage during the school year is $10 per student, and year-round coverage is $38 annually. The premium for varsity football coverage is an additional $39.

School Superintendent Wayne Maupin said the premiums were well below three other insurance plans that were considered.

Maupin also said the 1993-94 student drop-out rate for the high school was 5.6 percent, or 50 students out of a total of 887 students.

The junior high school drop-out rate was 5.9 percent, or 6 students out of a total 329 students.

The combined drop-out rate for grades 9-12 was 5 percent. "That's been a pretty consistent rate for the district for the past 10-15 years," said Maupin.

The report noted that boys comprised 66 percent of the dropouts, with the most boys dropping out during their sophomore year. Most girls dropped out during their junior year.

Forty-two percent of all drop-outs had excessive absences and a lack of interest as the major reason for dropping out. Maupin said many of the students who dropped out will return when school starts in August.