PUSD BOARD EXAMINES INCREASE IN REPORTS OF DRUG USE AT SCHOOLS

Is there an increase in drug offenses at Prescott schools, or are the
offenses just being reported more in the local media?

The Prescott School District Governing Board asked this question
during its Feb. 17 retreat. The Prescott Police Department announced
this past September that 59 students - an average of more than one
per week - were arrested on drug charges on PUSD campuses during the
2009-10 school year. The most common drug that children were arrested
for allegedly using or possessing was marijuana, followed by illegal
prescription drugs, mainly oxycodone.

Board member Dee Navarro said she was prompted to ask "because we
seem to be making the paper more. Are the incidents really up, or are
we identifying them more?"

Board member Tina Seeley said she believes the numbers were at lower
levels 10 years ago, but drug offenses are not a new thing.

For the past two years, parent Kara Peterson has worked to bring the
"Not MY Kid" program to Prescott.

Not MY Kid is a nonprofit organization working to inspire positive
life choices by educating the community.

Peterson said the program includes presentations for students,
parents and educators. She explained that the student portion
includes recovered drug users talking about how their abuse affected
themselves, their families and their friends.

Peterson admitted that it is hard to get parents involved and aware
of potential problems.

She noted that the organizers are "trying to make the funding for Not
MY Kid separate from the district budget."

Seeley supports the program, but said she sees it as a presentation.
"I think we need more than just a one-time thing. I am not sure once
a year is enough."

Prescott High School Principal Totsy McCraley reported that students
are "bombarded all the time" with information. She noted that what
makes Not MY Kid different is the number of parents involved.

"The positive thing is that the focus is enlisting parent help,"
McCraley stated. "That is a different perception. This is parent-driven."