SCHOOL CRYSTAL METH EDUCATION PLAN A GO

An education plan to address concerns about crystal meth use will be
developed in the next 12 months, after Surrey school trustees voted
unanimously to support the concept Thursday.

As reported in The Leader on Friday, Trustee Kim Evoy brought a motion to
fellow board members asking district staff to come up with a plan to
address public concern over use of the street drug and the potentially
damaging effects it could have on students.

Also known as ice, glass, zip and crank, crystal methamphetamine is highly
addictive and very inexpensive. Evoy said trustees needed to take
responsibility for Surrey students and carry on with education and
prevention initiatives.

While the school district has several programs for various grade levels
dealing with other substances, like alcohol, marijuana and tobacco, there
is nothing dealing with crystal meth specifically.

"We do have some very effective programs generally," said Trustee Mary
Polak, "...we need to get in front of this one."

Trustee Heather Stilwell referred to problems already encountered in the
U.S. saying babies born addicted are battling effects worse than Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

"This is a scourge," added Trustee Pam Glass, "and absolutely divisive of
families and communities. I know whereof I speak - we have a drug addict in
our family."

Staff will report back to the school board with a detailed plan next spring.