ILLEGAL SCHOOL DRUG USE ISSUE FOR TRUSTEE

School trustee Gail Scanlan is asking for an inventory of drug prevention
programs in the Central Okanagan school district.

Scanlan's request came as a result of discussions on that subject at the
recent forum on drug addiction hosted by Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray. "This
was prompted by the forum," said Scanlan.

"That's why I'm asking the question. I'm not sure what we have for drug
education programs."

At the mayor's addictions forum, panel member Daryle Roberts said statistics
from the school district show an increase in suspensions for drug use have
increased over 400 per cent since 1998.

According to data supplied to Roberts by superintendent Ron Rubadeau,
indefinite suspensions for drug use or possession went from seven in
1996-1997 to 27 in 2001-2002, the latest year for which figures are
available.

The less serious definite suspensions went from 50 in 1996-1997 to 277 in
2001-2002.

It's a figure that Scanlan disputes but she does agree that if the so-called
Four Pillars approach to drug use-prevention, treatment, enforcement and
harm reduction-is to be implemented, the first step is to find out what the
school district is currently doing.

"We're the front line when it comes to prevention and education," she said.

"That's where the kids are and the best time to get them is when they're
young and make them aware of what's out there."

Scanlan said she knows of two programs the school district offers-the DARE
(Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program as well as the Drug-Free Zone
program around schools.

But she wants Rubadeau to report back to the board on what other programs
there might be as well as an estimate of their potential effectiveness.

"I don't know what's working and that's another thing I would like to see in
this report," Scanlan said.

Scanlan said she has put her name forward for inclusion in the task force
that will meet Jan. 7, as a follow-up to the addictions forum.

"I have put forth a notice of motion for the superintendent to report back
with that information," she added.

"Hopefully I can have it before the meeting in January."

Scanlan is holding up the Kamloops school district as a possible source for
new drug education programs.

"They have the PARTY (Prevent Alcohol and Reduce Trauma in Youth) and
another one called Lions-Quest," she said.