SCHOOL SAFE ZONES RAISE CAUTION

The idea of designated school safe zones to combat substance abuse and
bullying could be a good idea, but it needs more time to develop, say
education officials.

Established by the Nanaimo Youth Council, safe zones could encapsulate
entire schools where drugs, alcohol, violence and vandalism are a problem.

The areas would be designated by large safe zone signs, paid for by Nanaimo
Youth Council.

"This concept was developed originally to combat the sale of drugs and
alcohol at schools," says George Duffell, assistant superintendent of
school operations, who also wrote a report on the project.

"The same way speed bumps cause us to drive slowly, safe zones will
increase awareness on drugs and alcohol in the area."

At the Nanaimo school district business committee meeting Wednesday,
trustees endorsed the idea in principle, but said they needed key questions
answered before the plan moves forward.

The school district would work with the RCMP to put an emphasis on
apprehension and discipline within the zones. It's the kind of discipline
and consequences that remain the sticking points.

"We felt it was a little premature to post the signs," says Duffell, adding
he'd like to see clarification on what penalties would be imposed.

"That's the question we'd like answered," he says. "There needs to be more
of a deterrent and more consistence with how we deal with related incidents
across the district. There's a lot of work needed to be done before you get
those answers."

If a student is caught selling drugs on school property now, Duffell says
he could face a year's suspension and possibly expulsion, but staff may not
necessarily involve RCMP.

If the safe zone concept was to go forward, the RCMP, crown counsel, and
youth justice system would all be a part of a primary enforcement team
involved in safe zone incidents.

Duffell expects the project to be discussed again next year, once the
wrinkles are ironed out of the proposal.