SCHOOL DRUG FREE ZONES ARE CATCHING ON

The idea of drug-free zones is gaining popularity among middle and
elementary school administrators, says School District 69 (Qualicum)'s
assistant superintendent Sean McKierahan.

After a meeting earlier this week with the principals of all Parksville's
schools, McKierahan says each showed interest in starting their own
drug-free zone program.

"... Because the drug-free zone is about education and not just enforcement,
it can look different at every school," says McKierahan.

The zones, which are already implemented at Kwalikum Secondary and will be
launched at Ballenas early next month, stretch a 500 metre boundary around
the school, warning anyone inside that a immediate RCMP call will be made if
they are caught with, selling, or under the influence of illegal substances.

The other important part of the zone, says McKierahan is the various levels
of education that go along with the program, such as broader community
support and resources within the classrooms.

"The other school's principals have become part of the discussion," says
McKierahan, on how a drug-free zone could help them.

While there is keen interest, McKierahan says there is no decision yet on
when they will come on board.

"They are all at different stages in discussing this with their staff,
students, and parents," says McKierahan.

Ballenas will continue with their plans to launch the zone at the beginning
of second semester, the first week of February.

McKierahan says he will make a presentation to the school board of trustees
at their monthly meeting Tuesday about timing for the other Parksville
schools. There has been no word yet on other Qualicum Beach schools
following suit.