EDUCATION IS CRITICAL

A three-year pilot drug and alcohol intervention project expires this
month and committee members have recommended to trustees it be
continued and expanded.

The program was carried out in three secondary schools and their
elementary feeder schools starting in 2003 and has been a success,
said assistant superintendent Karl deBruijn citing a 13 per cent
decrease in drug-related suspensions last year alone.

"The knowledge and awareness about drug and alcohol issues has
improved in the pilot schools," he said, "and now we want to make
sure that it is expanded into the others."

Students, teachers and parents participated in a variety of programs
through the project including school leadership clubs, ICBC guest
speakers, service hours and related curriculum, materials and training.

Currently there are 300 trained secondary and elementary peer
leaders, one district co-ordinator and valuable community
partnerships with local organizations such as the Phoenix Centre and
Boys and Girls Club.

"The student assistance program has brought these agencies together,"
said deBruijn, "so that they're more accessible to parents and
children who have needs for their services."

Almost 30 committee members sit on three sub-committees and are
recommending changes which focus mostly on enhancement of current
programs and district-wide expansion.

"Our ultimate goal is we'd like to see a reduction in the abuse of
alcohol and drugs by our children in our community," said deBruijn.

"As teachers and parents, we're hoping to be able to give kids good
knowledge and understanding of the issues and dangers related to
alcohol and drug use and abuse to give them good decision making
skills so that when we aren't around they make good decisions."

Speaking on behalf of the committee, deBruijn told KTW he hopes the
proposal will be approved by trustees so that the lengthy expansion
process can begin in September.

Trustees tabled a decision until July 10 at the next scheduled public
board meeting when they will first hear recommendations from staff on
the matter.